Lunch Time - Apple, Berries and Feta Salad + Pasta With Sausage Review

Finally allergies seem to have had it's way with me and is now releasing me from the death embrace. I LOVE spring and warm weather, but the coughing, sneezing etc I can do without!

Lunch time eats: Left-overs - a bit of poor planning saw me with 2 starving kids home after their 2-hour swim practice around 7:30 PM with nothing to eat. Well, trusty macaroni + pasta sauce + some left-over sausages = delicious dinner (or so they said) and some pretty decent left-overs. I could eat sausage for DAYS, so I made a salad to help curb the cravings, which is why I eat a salad almost every day.

Apple, Berries and Feta Salad - Green leaf lettuce (my favorite kind) + apple slices + fresh strawberries + dried cranberries + Athenos Low-fat Feta Cheese. Delicious - I missed cheese in my salads! The salad dressing is still Wish-Bone Italian, which is just about finished now ... time to try something new.

Hiding in the background is an Odwalla Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bar, which I saved for a snack later on during the day. I'm reviewing nutrition/ snack bars in the next few days, so I grabbed a bunch from the store to try.

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Lunch Time - Apple, Avocado & Almonds Salad Review

Lunch Time is a new feature here at Iateapie.net, where I'll share how I incorporate some of the products I review into a fulfilling lunch without too many calories.

This week's lunch time eats - Apple, Avocado & Almonds Salad. There's actually some cucumber slices in there too, but it's hidden, and again (like last week's Red Rings Salad), I used McCormick Salad Toppins.

And please forgive me for the absence of food product reviews this week - allergies are kicking my ASS big time, and it's nearly impossible for me to look at a computer screen long enough to get my thoughts down in a logical, coherent manner.

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Put It In Your Food Trap! BelVita Breakfast Biscuits, Chobani Apple Cinnamon and Tropical Shakeology

 Directions: Open up your food trap wide and start shoveling these foods inside….

BelVita Breakfast Biscuits: Perhaps I’ve broken the golden rule of health snobbery by loving a biscuit in a box? But momma want a biscuit. And this one is delicious.

I give Nabisco props for making a breakfast-cookie-snack-thingy that has NO high fructose corny-ness, NO hydrogenated oils and NO artificial flavors or sweeteners. The main ingredients are rolled oats and rye while flaunting 19 grams of whole grain. It’s light ‘n flaky with a delicate crunch and fabulous texture from the grains. Chewing on 4 biscuits has less sugar than a standard bowl of cereal, and the taste is very much a cross between a bowl of oatmeal and an oatmeal cookie.

Serving size: 4 biscuits, Cal. 230, Fat Cal. 80, Total Fat 8g, Sat. Fat 0.5, Sodium 220mg, Carbs 35mg, Fiber 3g, Sugars 11g, Protein 4g

Chobani Apple Cinnamon Greek Yogurt: This one has officially de-throned my beloved Peach as my favorite Chobani flavor. Apple Cinnamon Chobani tastes just like apple pie with its apple chunks and visible flecks of cinnamon. But let me tell ya something: If you grab your own cinnamon spice and go heavy-handed by adding even more, your taste buds will be belly flipping with extra happiness. Did you know cinnamon has anti-microbial benefits AND helps control blood sugar? Yep, check out all the cinnamon facts, baby.

My next move is to bake up some fresh, warm apple chunks and pour Chobani Apple Cinnamon over top for one helluva healthy nighttime snack. Ahhh. That’s gonna be really glaawsome (glamorous + awesome).

Serving size: 1 container, Cal. 140, Fat Cal. 0, Sat. Fat 0g, Sodium 80mg, Carbs 20g, Fiber 1g, Sugars 19g, Protein 14g

Tropical Shakeology: After a very long wait, Tropical flavor just launched today, meeting the demands of vegans, vegetarians and all other forms of greedy humans interested in gulping down its tropical nutrition.

I’m impatiently waiting for my first order to arrive (because patience is highly overdone), but here’s Beachbody’s description in the meantime:

“Just take one sip, and its sweet, luscious strawberry flavor along with notes of tropical fruits such as pineapple, banana, and papaya will whisk you away to paradise. You’ll quickly discover that the delicate flavor is easy to customize with your favorite fruits. For instance, it combines deliciously with bananas, blueberries, and coconut water. Wouldn’t that flavor combination be a great way to start your day?”

You can read a ton’s more about Shakeology on my Beachbody site: www.Shakeology.com/YumYucky.

Happy food-trapping everybody! It’s just the proper thing to do.

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Weight Watchers Apple Pie a la Mode Non-fat Yogurt Review

Weight Watchers Apple Pie a la Mode Yogurt is described on their website as having a flavor of, "mouth-watering apple pie with a hint of cinnamon, topped off with the creamy rich taste of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy dessert and skip the crumbs with this delicious, nonfat yogurt treat."

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 cup (170 grams)
Calories: 100
Total Fat: 0%
Saturated Fat: 0%
Sodium: 120 mg, 5%
Carbohydrates: 16 grams
Fiber: 3 grams, 12%
Sugars:11 grams
Protein: 6 grams

There are not too many Weight Watchers yogurts that I really enjoy - most are okay - but nothing special. This one however, is in the memorable category. Although vanilla ice cream did not come to mind when I was eating this, I certainly tasted the sweet, dominant apple pie flavor and it was good. There were even little bits of apple pieces in the yogurt and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The only thing is that after about half the container, the sweetness became a little too much for me - don't get me wrong - I certainly finished my serving, but I can see how this one might be a little too sweet to some.

Each 6 ounce container of Weight Watchers Apple Pie a la Mode Non-fat Yogurt provides 100 calories, no fat, 120 mg sodium (5% of the DV), 3 grams of fiber, 11 grams of sugars and 6 grams of protein. The sweeteners used are crystalline fructose and sucralose.

The ingredient list includes, "skim milk, apples, crystalline fructose, corn starch-modified, inulin fiber, whey protein concentrate, Kosher gelatin, natural apple pie a la mode flavor, sucralose, citric acid, cinnamon, nutmeg, tricalcium phosphate, potassium sorbate (to maintain freshness), sodium citrate, vitamin A Palmitate and Vitamin D3. Also contains: L. Acidophilus and Bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium SP. and S. Thermophilus."

I bought the 6 ounce container at my local grocery store on sale for $0.50 and I would buy it again - as you can see from the picture, I got my scoop on with some apple slices - and this made a very filling snack. Throw in less than a handful of Health Valley Granola, and you might start having this every day.

{Website: Weight Watchers}

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That's It Fruit Bar (Apple and Pear) Review

Have you seen many food products with less than 3 (or even 5) ingredients? I haven't, so I was quite intrigued when That's It let me know about their fruit bars. Fruit is the ONLY ingredient, so the Apple and Pear Bar for example, only has apple & pear in the ingredients list! That's It!

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 bar (35 grams)
Calories: 100
Total Fat: 0%
Saturated Fat: 0%
Sodium: 15 mg, 1%
Carbohydrates: 27 grams
Fiber: 3 grams, 12%
Sugars: 24 grams
Protein: 1 gram

And the bar is amazingly tasty. It's a little sticky - all the more fun to tear off a piece and eat it. The apple and pear flavor is a little mild in the taste department, but I liked it - fruity and not too sweet in taste- surprisingly. Of course, since it is just fruit in the ingredients list, you know there's going to be quite a bit of sugars.

Each 35 gram That's It Apple + Pear Bar provides 100 calories, no fat, 1 gram of protein, 3 grams of fiber (12% of the daily value) and 24 grams of sugars. That's a little less calories than the same amount of Stretch Island Fruit Leathers.

That's It Fruit Bars are available for sale on their website, at $19.99 for a box with 12. Personally, I wouldn't consume such a product as just a snack - too much sugar - BUT it would be a great substitute for something you're eating that has just as much sugar & lots of fat - i.e. candy AND oh my, this is great during a long run or some other endurance activity. I only use gels, so I'm used to having to chew a little - and although I doubt I'll ever give up my Powerbar Energy Blasts, this made a nice "real food" addition to a recent "brick" workout (run-bike-run).

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SoyJoy Apple Walnut Bar Review

SoyJoy Bar Reviews have not been positive and they not something I would normally buy, but when I saw that they were "new and improved" I decided to give them another shot. I picked up the Apple Walnut flavor, which SoyJoy describes as, "a perfect balance of sweet, sour, tart and nutty."

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 30 grams
Calories: 140
Total Fat: 6 grams, 10%
Saturated Fat: 2.5 grams, 11%
Sodium: 50 mg, 2%
Carbohydrates: 16 grams
Fiber: 3 grams, 12%
Sugars: 10 grams
Protein: 4 grams

My chief complaints with SoyJoy bars were that they are hard, tasteless and dry BUT I have to admit that this Apple Walnut variety is much more moist than it's predecessors. It still looks the same though, and so I was a little apprehensive about what it would taste like, but thankfully, these all natural bars deliver on this aspect too. It is slightly nutty at first, but as you take a bite or 2 more, the apple bits and sweetness shine through more. I liked it, but from the description I expected some sour and tart in it - there was none. Still I was happy with the taste. It feels so weird saying that I like a SoyJoy Bar because I have cursed them bitterly in the past, but there you have it and I'll say it again - the SoyJoy Apple Walnut Bar is good - still small at 30 grams, but tasty.

Each bar provides 140 calories from 6 grams of total fat, 2.5 grams of which is saturated fat (10% and 11% of the daily value), 3 grams of fiber (12% of the DV), 10 grams of sugars and 4 grams of protein.

All SoyJoy Bars are all natural and gluten free, and the ingredients the SoyJoy Apple Walnut Bar are, ground whole soybeans, raisin, butter (from milk), sugar, walnut, egg, dried apple, maltodextrin (natural fiber source), dried pineapple, salt, parmesan cheese (from skim milk), natural flavors.

I purchased this bar for $0.99, and whereas I think Soy Joy Bars (and any other 30 gram bars) are too small a snack for an adult, I would buy this again for the kids.

{Website: SoyJoy}

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Clif C Apple Bar Review

Clif C Bars are all natural, at least 70% organic, and provide one serving of fruit. I've been meaning to try this bar for ages, but just recently got around to purchasing one, the Clif C Apple Bar. Clif says, "This bar tastes like homemade apple pie (sans vanilla ice cream)."

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 bar (40 grams)
Calories: 130
Total Fat: 4.5 grams, 7%
Saturated Fat: 0%
Sodium: 15 mg, 1%
Carbohydrates: 25 grams
Fiber: 4 grams, 16%
Sugars: 17 grams
Protein: 2 grams

I can't decide if I like this bar or not. It's sweet - a little too sweet for me - but I do like the texture, very moist with added crunch from the nuts that are all throughout the bar plus the apple bits. But it's just so suh-weet - I had to drink a glass of water after eating this.

Each dense 40 gram Clif C Apple Bar provides 130 calories from 4.5 grams of total fat (7% of the daily value), no saturated fat, 4 grams of fiber (16% of the DV), 17 grams of sugars and 2 grams of protein.

The ingredients are organic dates, organic alonds, organic apples, macadamia nuts, organic apple juice concentrate, organic lemon juice, organic cinnamon, sea salt, natural vitamin E (antioxidant). In addition, Clif C Apple Bar is also all natural, gluten free and low glycemic.

I purchased this on sale for $1.25, and as good as the ingredients are, I'm not sure if I would buy them again. They are certainly good for a candy bar replacement, but as a filling snack, I would probably go for something else with less sugars.

{Website: Clif}

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Nothing Like A Good Apple

Sometimes my arthritis gives me a snit, like a grounded teenager, and I need to grab an apple and sit in the sunshine. It works for all kinds of pain. Try it and see. Because even when the world feels sucky, an apple will taste good. And while you eat, birds will still sing, the sun will warm you deep into your joints, the breeze will move your hair into and out of your eyes, and the dog laying at your feet will wait patiently for you to be done eating so he can have the core.

Just make sure you pick a good apple, firm and crisp and brightly colored. Your time’s too precious to waste on a mushy one.

Never settle for bad apples. Or wilted lettuce. Because sometimes sorting through pain is like picking a piece of eggshell out of a bowl of egg whites. The little slivers slips through your fingers the first and second and third time you try to get them out, and you’re left with sticky fingers and swear words on the tip of your tongue. But in the end, a good apple will give you respite.

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Congratulations to Gayle and Amy who won the latest workout DVD giveaways! Lots of email entries this time...thank you! It's always so good to hear from you guys. More giveaways in the upcoming weeks, including a visit from my favorite misfit!

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Chia Goodness Apple Almond Cinnamon Cereal Review

Chia Goodness is a "new concept breakfast cereal" (as described by their website). The ingredients are completely raw - just stir in milk or water, hot or cold, and wait a few minutes for it to thicken, giving it the comfort quality of oatmeal. I received a sample of Chia Goodness Apple Almond Cinnamon Cereal to review, and since I was already hip to the "new concept" thanks to my experience with Chia Goodness Cranberry Ginger Cereal, I knew what to expect ... that this should not be eaten as a cereal!

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 2 tbsp
Calories: 130
Total Fat: 6 grams, 9%
Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams, 3%
Sodium: 125 mg, 5%
Carbohydrates: 16 grams
Fiber: 4 grams, 16%
Sugars: 4 grams
Protein: 4 grams

Now don't get me wrong - I ADORE Chia Goodness Apple Almond Cinnamon Cereal - but the tag line should be something like, "we make cereal better." And I say that because one serving is 2 tablespoons, which provides 130 calories from 6 grams of total fat, 0.5 grams of which is saturated (9% and 3% of the daily value), 4 grams of fiber (16% of the DV), 4 grams of sugars and 4 grams of protein ... no way I could eat 2 tablespoons of anything and call it breakfast!

So I add this to stuff - and it makes it better. I add Chia Goodness to plain cereal, like the ever so nutritious yet slightly bland Weetabix Organic Crispy Flakes & Fiber Cereal - it makes it taste better - interesting texture from the chia seeds and almonds, plus it makes it even more nutritious! I add Chia Goodness to plain oatmeal - it makes it 10x better. I add it to plain yogurt - wowza!

The ingredients in Chia Goodness Apple Almond Cinnamon Cereal are chia, buckwheat, hulled hemp seeds, dehydrated apples, almonds, raisins, organic cane sugar, cinnamon, Celtic sea salt. A 12 ounce bag costs $7.50 online (via their website), which is not as expensive as it seems - a bag has about 11 servings, and I don't typically use more than 1 serving at a time.

This has become a staple in my pantry - I've started to automatically reach for this when I make oatmeal in the mornings.

{Website: Chia Goodness}

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Metamucil Apple Crisp Fiber Wafers 12-packet - 9.3 oz package (Pack of 3)

With 100% Natural Psyllium Fiber. Artificially flavored. No. 1 doctor recommended. You won't believe how delightfully crisp & crunchy Metamucil Wafers are! They're the convenient way to get the fiber you need. Wrapped individually in single servings to go

Price: $14.46

Click here to buy from Amazon

450mAh Battery fits Apple iPod nano 3rd Generation 4Gb and 8Gb series

Model Compatible -Apple iPod nano 3rd Generation 4Gb & 8Gb series

Price: $29.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Organic Food Bar Oaaatmeal! Apple Pie Kids Bar

Organic Food Bar products are 100% certified organic. The Organic Food Bar had a rave review for the taste, but I wanted to try something a little different, so I opted for the Organic Food Bar Oaaatmeal! Apple Pie Kids Bar. The Organic Food Bar people say that this is, "just like Mom's great tasting apple pie prepared fresh daily and loaded with mouth-watering certified organic apple, cinnamon and raisins."

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 bar (38 grams)
Calories: 139
Total Fat: 5.5 grams, 8%
Saturated Fat: 1 gram, 5%
Sodium: 8 mg, 1%
Carbohydrates: 19 grams
Fiber: 2.5 grams, 10%
Sugar: 9.5 grams
Protein: 3 grams

One thing they don't tell you is that this bar is going to be sticky, chewy, gooey, and yes, apple-licious. This does taste sort of what I would imagine a blended apple pie might taste like in bar form. I've mentioned that I don't usually go for fruit bars, but this was good. I loved the combination of apples, spices, oats, and cashew butter. Yum !

Each 38 gram Organic Food Bar Oaaatmeal! Apple Pie Kids Bar provides 139 calories, 5.5 grams of total fat which includes 1 gram of saturated fat (8% and 5% of the DV), 2.5 grams of fiber (10% of the DV), 9.5 grams of sugars and 3 grams of protein.

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The ingredients list is all organic as mentioned before, ad includes Organic Cashew Butter, Organic Dates, Organic Premium Agave Nectar, Organic Oats, Organic Apples, Organic Raisins, Organic Cinnamon and Lots of Love. Have you tried this - could you taste the love?!

This Organic Food Bars can be purchased online for $1.39 each, or a 10-pack for $10.90 (plus shipping). I really liked these bars, and and would definitely kick candy bars to the curb in favor of this.

{Website: Organic Food Bar}

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Fruitables All-Natural Pumpkin & Apple Dog Treats, 7-Ounce Pouch

Combining Nature's tastiest Fruits and Vegetables to create the world's finest pet foods... they're Fruitables. These Pumpkin Powered Pet Treats provide a truly amazing sensory experience in each fresh pack. Hints of cinnamon, vanilla, and selected fruits accent a warm pumpkin muffin aroma. Great things happen when you treat your pet with Fruitables! love life together.

Price: $10.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Fruitables All-Natural Pumpkin & Apple Dog Treats, 7-Ounce Pouch

Combining Nature's tastiest Fruits and Vegetables to create the world's finest pet foods... they're Fruitables. These Pumpkin Powered Pet Treats provide a truly amazing sensory experience in each fresh pack. Hints of cinnamon, vanilla, and selected fruits accent a warm pumpkin muffin aroma. Great things happen when you treat your pet with Fruitables! love life together.

Price: $10.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Leclerc Praeventia Bars (Almond & Apple With Green Tea Extract)

I have been waiting to try some of the Leclerc Praeventia products for a while now, especially after trying the delicious Leclerc Praeventia Dark Chocolate Chip 70% Cocoa with Red Wine Extract Cookies. The opportunity came up on a recent trip to Target, where I finally spotted a box of Leclerc Praeventia Almond & Apple Bars on sale for $2.69.

Leclerc Praeventia products are made from ingredients with well known benefits according to their website. In the case of this Almond & Apple Bar, it contains inulin, a prebiotic dietary fiber which promotes digestive health, in addition to green tea extract and dark chocolate (70% cocoa), ingredients known for their polyphenols (antioxidants) content.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 25 grams (2 bars, 1 pouch)
Calories: 100
Total Fat: 4 grams, 6%
Saturated Fat: 1 gram, 5%
Sodium: 25 mg, 1%
Carbohydrates:16 grams
Fiber: 4 grams, 16%
Sugar: 7 grams
Protein: 2 grams

Well, enough reading about the product, it was time for a taste test and I was not disappointed. Oh the bar is so delightful, but it's barely more than a few bite-fuls! Each "pouch" (as Leclerc describes their wrappers) contains 2 "bars" they say. I say, that it's really just ONE bar broken into 2 pieces, but as I mentioned, it's really tasty. Each granola-like bar is chewy and full of body, with bits of dehydrated apple and almonds that are somewhat discernible. The overall sweetness of the bar is just about perfect and the prominent dark chocolate coating on the bottom takes each bite to a new, delicious level.

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Each 25 gram pouch of Leclerc Praeventia Almond & Apple Bars provides 100 calories, 4 grams of total fat (6% of the daily value), 1 gram of saturated fat (5% of the DV), 4 grams of fiber (16% of the DV), 7 grams of sugar and 2 grams of protein. If you look through our nutrition bar reviews, we describe ONE 28 gram bar as tiny - so can you imagine what 2 bars that weigh 1/2 of that each is like?!

Although these bars are small they are the most delicious 100-calorie pack that I have ever had. The short and sweet ingredient list starts off with agave nectar and goes on to list a few more different types of sweeteners.

If I can find Leclerc Praeventia Almond & Apple Bars (or Leclerc Praeventia Dark Chocolate Chip 70% Cocoa with Red Wine Extract Cookies) on sale again, I would buy this again as a not-so-bad way to satisfy my sweet tooth when it starts acting up again.

{Website: Leclerc Praeventia}

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Musselman's Healthy Picks Granny Smith Apple Sauce

Musselman's Healthy Picks Apple Sauce provides a good daily source of fiber and calcium as well as antioxidants from Granny Smith apples (in this case).

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 8 ounces
Calories: 5
Total Fat: 0%
Saturated Fat: 0%
Sodium: 15 mg, 1%
Carbohydrates: 1 grams
Fiber: 0%
Sugar: 0 grams
Protein: 0 grams

While Lizabeth thought the taste of the Musselman's Healthy Picks Key Lime Cupuacu Applesauce was underwhelming, with the Granny Smith apple sauce, the tart flavor is up front and center. It's reduced a bit by some added sugar, which makes it taste a little sweet & tart at the same time. I enjoyed it - but I like tart flavors - and so did our 7 year old taste tester. He couldn't get enough of it ... but then again, he enjoys eating a lime by sucking out the juice, so clearly he is also a fan of tart flavors.

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Each 4 ounce container of Musselman's Healthy Picks Granny Smith Apple Sauce provides 70 calories, no fat or protein, 3 grams of fiber and 10 grams of sugars. The ingredients are apples, water, dextrin (soluble fiber source), apple concentrate, calcium lactate, natural flavor and ascorbic acid.

I bought a 4 pack of this apple sauce for $2.99, and there is usually a coupon available at the Musselman's website. I really like the Musselman's Healthy Picks Granny Smith Apple Sauce, and would definitely buy it again - not only for myself, but also for kids! But fair warning, you need to be able to appreciate tart flavors.

{Website: Musselman's}

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Fruitables All-Natural Pumpkin & Apple Dog Treats, 7-Ounce Pouch

Combining Nature's tastiest Fruits and Vegetables to create the world's finest pet foods... they're Fruitables. These Pumpkin Powered Pet Treats provide a truly amazing sensory experience in each fresh pack. Hints of cinnamon, vanilla, and selected fruits accent a warm pumpkin muffin aroma. Great things happen when you treat your pet with Fruitables! love life together.

Price: $10.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Fruitables All-Natural Pumpkin & Apple Dog Treats, 7-Ounce Pouch

Combining Nature's tastiest Fruits and Vegetables to create the world's finest pet foods... they're Fruitables. These Pumpkin Powered Pet Treats provide a truly amazing sensory experience in each fresh pack. Hints of cinnamon, vanilla, and selected fruits accent a warm pumpkin muffin aroma. Great things happen when you treat your pet with Fruitables! love life together.

Price: $10.99

Click here to buy from Amazon