Cascadian Farms Cereal Whoredom: Cinnamon Crunch and Multi Grain Squares

When the reality of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s) started to sink deep down into my cranium, I thought it meant RIP to my cereal whoredom forever. Admittedly, right now I still buy cereals like Apple Jacks & Froot Loops for the family, but it’s in a weaning-off, dwindling down kind of way.

I haven’t forced them to go cold turkey, yet the purchases of the crap cereal are happening less and less. There will indeed come a time when that stuff won’t be in my house at all.

But alas! Cascadian Farm is cereal whoredom approved.

I’ve been on the lookout for healthy knockoffs of mainstream cereal for the family to stuff into their hungry jaws. In the past it hasn’t gone well. It led to rogue cereals of pure nastiness. But organic companies are finally starting to step up their tasty game.

Cascadian Farm Cinnamon Crunch is an excellent alternative to Cinnamon Toast Crunch. It’s got a light kiss of cinnamon, a nice crunch and less sugar, but still totally satisfying. The amazing thing is, you can taste that it’s organic’y. The absence of artificial crap really shines through and makes it taste that much better.

Cascadian Farm Multi Grain squares is comparable to Multi-Bran Chex, but Cascadian’s flavor is waaaay better and comes with all the tasty perks of organic and non-GMO, along with all their other products (according to their website).

See that! I’m making progress. My family is transitioning away from crap cereal and my own personal cereal whoredom is no longer in jeopardy. It shall remain intact.

Cascadian has some other stuff out, too, like Fruitful O’s and their new Chocolate O’s. But I can’t speak on the taste. I haven’t tried those just yet.

But hold on there! There’s two drawbacks you gotta know about: Cascadian comes in smaller packages and can be pretty dang expensive for the size — close to $4 per box, if not more. But it’s still worth you picking up at least one box if you haven’t already. Give it a try and allow your taste buds to experience the healthy, fanciful flavor. If cereal isn’t your thing, just keep any kids in mind that cling to you frequently. Young children are skilled at cereal hoovering, so you may as well make it better for them.

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Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Fast & Natural Instant Brown Rice Review

The description of Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Fast & Natural Instant Brown Rice reads, "now you can get great tasting 100% natural whole grain brown rice in just 10 minutes." Well, one thing I love is quick and easy, healthy meals, so I was all over this and bought a 14 ounce box for $2.19.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1/4 cup dry (48 grams - 1 cup cooked)
Calories: 170
Total Fat: 1.5 grams, 2%
Saturated Fat: 0%
Sodium: 0%
Carbohydrates: 36 grams
Fiber: 2 grams, 8%
Sugars: 0 grams
Protein: 4 grams

Well, they aren't lying. The directions are basically to add rice to water, boil, then turn the heat down & simmer for 10 minutes. This produced a fluffy, soft rice - not much different from white rice actually.

Each 1 cup (cooked) serving of Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Fast & Natural Instant Brown Rice provides 170 calories, 1.5 grams of total fat, 2 grams of fiber (8% of the daily value) and 4 grams of protein. The ingredients list simply states, whole grain paraboiled rice.

As I mentioned before, a 14 ounce box, which holds about 2 cups of rice, cost a little over $2.00. I liked it, my family liked it, and I would definitely buy this again. Minute Instant Brown Rice (Review) is also really good. It shouldn't be too hard to mess up rice (although, you never know with some companies), but if you're pressed for dinner prep time, then Uncle Ben's got your back.

{Website: Uncle Ben's}

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Put It In Your Food Trap! Kellogg’s Krave Cereal, Kashi 7 Grain Waffles, and a Chocolate Cake Surprise

Kellogg’s Krave Cereal: If I haven’t told you in a while, I’m still a cereal whore deep down in my soul. Krave is on the of the newest thangs on the cereal block, and I gotta admit, I like it lots. Krave has a whole grain shell filled with a teeny bit of chocolate in the center, and there is ZERO High Fructose Corny-ness inside. Krave gives you crunchy, chocolatey, whole-grainy and light sweetness all wrapped into one. Just be sure to activate your self control, because you just might Krave the whole damn box until its gone.

120 Calories for 3/4 cup, Fat Cal. 30, Total Fat 3.5g, Sodium 100mg, Carbs 24g, Fiber 3g, Sugars 11g, Protein 2g

Kashi 7 Grain Waffles: Just when you thought your relationship with frozen waffles was going extinct, along comes the Kashi making it taste all extra delicious ‘n stuff. Forget about whatever it is you think you know about instant waffle pucks. Kashi all natural waffles deliver succulent, warm & fluffy texture with 7 grains of glory that truly taste delicious. But don’t just chew on them for breakfast. Kashi Waffles also make a healthy nighttime snack. Just smather on a light spreading of butter, drizzle with a bit of honey and then bite into it whole (no fork & knife required). I dare you to tell me its not tasty that way.

150 Calories for 2 waffles, Fat Cal. 50, Total Fat 5g, Sodium 340mg, Carbs, 25g, Fiber 7g, Sugars 3g, Protein 4g 

Amy’s Chocolate Cake: If you happen to be hanging around the grocery checkout line this week, go on and snag yourself the January 6th issue of Woman’s World Magazine (the one with Dr. Oz on the cover). Why? Because they’re talking about treats for health-conscious peeps, featuring my greedy opinion on Amy’s Organic Chocolate Cake on page 45. I first told you about Amy’s this past September in a Taste Test, and I still think it’s delicious and totally do-able to enjoy within a sensible diet. I’m a repeat customer of this vegan, organic cake. Click the on image below to enlarge and read my Woman’s World blurb.

click image to enlarge for your eyeballs

…and I couldn’t help but to be inspired by that big azz SparkPeople ad on the right side of the page. Do you see where it says “This is YOUR year!” …I do agree. This IS your year. You bettah grab 2012 by the horns and make it your bitch.

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Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Fast & Natural Instant Brown Rice Review

The description of Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Fast & Natural Instant Brown Rice reads, "now you can get great tasting 100% natural whole grain brown rice in just 10 minutes." Well, one thing I love is quick and easy, healthy meals, so I was all over this and bought a 14 ounce box for $2.19.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1/4 cup dry (48 grams - 1 cup cooked)
Calories: 170
Total Fat: 1.5 grams, 2%
Saturated Fat: 0%
Sodium: 0%
Carbohydrates: 36 grams
Fiber: 2 grams, 8%
Sugars: 0 grams
Protein: 4 grams

Well, they aren't lying. The directions are basically to add rice to water, boil, then turn the heat down & simmer for 10 minutes. This produced a fluffy, soft rice - not much different from white rice actually.

Each 1 cup (cooked) serving of Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Fast & Natural Instant Brown Rice provides 170 calories, 1.5 grams of total fat, 2 grams of fiber (8% of the daily value) and 4 grams of protein. The ingredients list simply states, whole grain paraboiled rice.

As I mentioned before, a 14 ounce box, which holds about 2 cups of rice, cost a little over $2.00. I liked it, my family liked it, and I would definitely buy this again. Minute Instant Brown Rice (Review) is also really good. It shouldn't be too hard to mess up rice (although, you never know with some companies), but if you're pressed for dinner prep time, then Uncle Ben's got your back.

{Website: Uncle Ben's}

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Thomas' Plain Made With Whole Grain Bagel Review

I usually spend an hour or 2 a week cruising the supermarket aisles, paper and pen in hand, looking at products that strike my fancy. On my last excursion - two "made with whole grain" products caught my eye - Bimbo Whole Grain White Bread (Review) and Thomas' Plain Made With Whole Grain Bagel - Bimbo Bakeries is the parent company for both brands.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 bagel (95 grams)
Calories: 260
Total Fat: 2 grams, 3%
Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams, 3%
Sodium: 480 mg, 20%
Carbohydrates: 52 grams
Fiber: 3 grams, 12%
Sugars: 7 grams
Protein: 10 grams

I was intrigued mainly because of the marketing aspect. I mean "made with whole grains" doesn't mean it's the 1st or even 2nd ingredient - or even that it's a major player. In this case, whole wheat flour is the 3rd ingredient, behind unbleached enriched wheat flour and water (same as with Bimbo Whole Grain White Bread). That means that this too, is a closer relative to plain bagels in tems of taste and texture, than to a whole wheat bagel ... which would be more like a 2nd or 3rd cousin twice removed. In fact, it looked, felt and tasted just like a plain bagel to me.

Each 95 gram Thomas' Plain Made With Whole Grain Bagel provides 260 calories from 2 grams of fat (3% of the daily value), 0.5 grams of which is saturated (3% of the DV), 480 mg sodium (20% of the DV), 3 grams of fiber (12% of the DV). 7 grams of sugars and 10 grams of protein.

A Plain Thomas' Bagel has the same amount of calories and fat, slightly more sodium (500 mg), but 1 gram less fiber, protein and sugars, than the "Made With Whole Grain" Bagel. The 100% Whole Wheat Thomas' Bagel provides 20 less calories, same fat, protein & sugars, but less sodium (400 mg) and more fiber (7 grams).

I purchased a pack with 6 Thomas' Plain Made With Whole Grain Bagel on sale for $2.50, and I would definitely get the Whole Grain bagel instead which was also on sale for the same price.

{Website: Thomas'}

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Bimbo Whole Grain White Bread Review

The actual name of the product on the bag is Bimbo Made With Whole Grain White Bread - and the "made with" type is much smaller than the rest of the product name. Across the front of the packaging, along with "Say Beembo" is "Made with Whole Grains, no artificial colors or flavors, no high fructose corn syrup, and good source of calcium, vitamins A, D & E."

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 2 sliced (52 grams)
Calories: 130
Total Fat: 1.5 grams, 2%
Saturated Fat: 0%
Sodium: 240 mg, 10%
Carbohydrates: 26 grams
Fiber: 2 grams, 8%
Sugars: 4 grams
Protein: 5 grams

You might be tempted to think "whole wheat flour" would be the 1st ingredient - but alas, you would be wrong. Whole white wheat is the 3rd ingredient after enriched wheat flour and water, and there is also only 2 grams of fiber. In my mind, this pretty much makes it white bread - or at least more similar to white bread than it is to whole wheat bread.

Not surprisingly, the taste and texture is also similar to white bread - i.e. soft, fluffy and deelightfully delicious. Perfect for all kinds of SandwichYums (see how I naturally inserted a plug for our new sandwichy sister website there - hehe)!

Each serving of 2 slices of Bimbo Whole Grain White Bread provides 130 calories from 1.5 grams of total fat (2% of the daily value), no saturated fat, 240 mg sodium (10% of the DV), 2 grams of fiber (8% of the DV), 4 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein. The ingredients list includes, "enriched wheat flour (flour, malted barley flour, reduced iron, niacin, thiamin mononitrate (vitamin B1), riboflavin (B2), folic acid), water, whole white wheat flour, sugar, yeast, wheat gluten, salt, soybean oil, enrichment (calcium sulfate, vitamin E acetate, vitamin A palmitate, vitamin D3), calcium propionate (preservative), datem, calcium sulfate, grain vinegar, monoglycerides, citric acid, soy lecithin, azodicarbamide."

I purchased this bread on sale for $2.49 and yes it made some really good sandwiches, but don't buy this thinking it's a close cousin of wheat bread. The store brand white bread in my supermarket costs $1.00 - and I would probably buy that over this (even though it uses HFCS). Otherwise, I prefer the hearty texture and higher fiber content of wheat bread like, Arnold Healthy Multi-Grain Bread.

{Website: Bimbo Bread}

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Tasting! Whole Grain Brown Rice Krispies

Is it just another gimmick to exploit the healthy-eating desires of all the peoples? Is it a scam, like when that door-to-door slickster sold me that futuristic $1,700 vacuum cleaner I didn’t need? (gah! I was such an idiot back then).

Are Kellogg’s Brown Rice Krispies a gullible waste of a purchase?

Emmm. No.

First off, the ingredient label reads like a preschool party: Whole grain brown rice, sugar, 2% or less of salt, BHT for freshness. So ya, it really is delivering up some brown rice glory with its golden color and crispy texture that’s bolder than the regular kind. Some of the cereal bits even have that dark brown line that you see in raw brown rice.

You need to be feeding this to your greedy spawns, because they won’t know the difference compared to the regular stuff. It tastes exactly like the original, but with brown rice and gluten-free benefits (if you need that).

Parenting Tip: If your know-it-all kid (eh-em, Greedy Kid #1) decides to bitch about brown rice cereal without even tasting it first? Go tell them to buy some cereal with their own damn money.

BROWN RICE NOTES

Price Paid: $2.99 on sale for 12-ounce boxServing Size: 1 cupCalories: 120Fat Calories: 10Total Fat: 1gSodium: 190mgCarbs: 27gFiber: 1gSugars: less than 1gProtein: 3g

REACTIONS FROM THE TASTE TEST CREW

Health-hater Husband: Where’s the marshmallows?

Greedy Kid #1: Brown rice? I don’t want that. Give me the regular kind.

Greedy Kid #2: It tastes like regular Rice Krispies.

Greed Kid #3: I wanna make some Rice Krispy treats with these.

Yum UP! to: A cereal powerhouse that (finally) caters to our health.

Yuck Down to: Vacuum cleaner rip offs.

View the complete Taste Test Directory and Fast Food Cheat Sheets.

View the original article here

Pepperidge Farm Deli Flats (7 Grain) Review

Pepperidge Farms 7 Grain Deli Flats are described as 100 calorie thin rolls that are an excellent source of fiber. "They are hearth baked with a soft and delicious taste, making them great for sandwiches, grilling and toasting."

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 roll (43 grams)
Calories: 100
Total Fat: 1 gram, 2%
Saturated Fat: 0%
Sodium: 170 mg, 7%
Carbohydrates: 19 grams
Fiber: 5 grams, 20%
Sugars: 3 grams
Protein: 6 grams

Let me just cut to the chase: the 7 Grain Pepperidge Farm Deli Flats are so good! It doesn't have a strong wheaty taste, and in fact, it tastes a little sweet to me. I checked out the ingredients list to make sure it's made with whole wheat flour - and it is. I have to say, this is one of my favorite "bread flats." I found it on sale at my local supermaket for $2.49 and it was money well spent.

Each 43 gram 7 Grain Pepperidge Farm Deli Flat provides 100 calories from 1 gram of total fat, 170 mg sodium (7% of the daily value), 5 grams of fiber (20% of the DV), 3 grams of sugars and 6 grams of protein.

The ingredients start with whole wheat flour, unbromated unbleached enriched flour, water, sugar (no high fructose corn syrup), sugarcane fiber, etc. It's not described as natural, and the ingredients are fairly typical.

I certainly plan on buying this again - it's too good not to and I like it better than Arnold Select Multigrain Sandwich Thins.

{Website: Pepperidge Farm Deli Flats}

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Tasting! Whole Grain Brown Rice Krispies

Is it just another gimmick to exploit the healthy-eating desires of all the peoples? Is it a scam, like when that door-to-door slickster sold me that futuristic $1,700 vacuum cleaner I didn’t need? (gah! I was such an idiot back then).

Are Kellogg’s Brown Rice Krispies a gullible waste of a purchase?

Emmm. No.

First off, the ingredient label reads like a preschool party: Whole grain brown rice, sugar, 2% or less of salt, BHT for freshness. So ya, it really is delivering up some brown rice glory with its golden color and crispy texture that’s bolder than the regular kind. Some of the cereal bits even have that dark brown line that you see in raw brown rice.

You need to be feeding this to your greedy spawns, because they won’t know the difference compared to the regular stuff. It tastes exactly like the original, but with brown rice and gluten-free benefits (if you need that).

Parenting Tip: If your know-it-all kid (eh-em, Greedy Kid #1) decides to bitch about brown rice cereal without even tasting it first? Go tell them to buy some cereal with their own damn money.

BROWN RICE NOTES

Price Paid: $2.99 on sale for 12-ounce boxServing Size: 1 cupCalories: 120Fat Calories: 10Total Fat: 1gSodium: 190mgCarbs: 27gFiber: 1gSugars: less than 1gProtein: 3g

REACTIONS FROM THE TASTE TEST CREW

Health-hater Husband: Where’s the marshmallows?

Greedy Kid #1: Brown rice? I don’t want that. Give me the regular kind.

Greedy Kid #2: It tastes like regular Rice Krispies.

Greed Kid #3: I wanna make some Rice Krispy treats with these.

Yum UP! to: A cereal powerhouse that (finally) caters to our health.

Yuck Down to: Vacuum cleaner rip offs.

View the complete Taste Test Directory and Fast Food Cheat Sheets.

View the original article here

Tasting! Whole Grain Fig Newtons

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Huh? FREE Shakeology from the Yum Yucky?

The requests for free samples has been overwhelming and I want to share with as many people as possible. Soon I will reveal how YOU can get your own free sample, courtesy of the Yum Yucky! (and I am happy that the Shakeology t-shirt makes my boobs look bigger)

90 Days of Shakeology: Days 42-62 It was a rough 20 days. I got super busy with just about everything – work, home, kids, blogging, ebook writing – I’ve been late for work, running on about 4 hours sleep each night, and NOT slurping my Shakeology consistently. In the time when I need it most, I slacked off and made excuses why I couldn’t take 5 dang minutes every day to make the shake that has personally proven itself to give me the energy I so desperately need. In the last 20 days, I’ve had my Shakeology probably 10 times. So that’s basically every other day instead of consistently EVERY day. What’s wrong with that, you say? Welp, I do feel the difference. It’s had a backwards affect and been serious energy drain. I’ve skipped days of Shakeology here and there before with no lost affects, but to skip days for such an extended period of time does not work for me. I’m glad I know this now. I’m listening to my body and back doing what I need to do, so perhaps this was a necessary lesson. I’ve always looked at Shakeology in terms of what it can do for ME and me only, but it’s benefits were actually helping me to also do what I need to do for my family, while giving me the natural boost I need to do everything that my crazy days demand….. Check out what a Twitter bud of mine says about Shakeology. And if you haven’t watched this video yet: See What Doctors Are Saying About Shakeology, do yourself a favor and watch it.

Weight Progress

Day 1: 172.8 pounds

Day 62: 166.4 pounds

I’m not intimidated by slow weight loss, especially since I’m building muscle, and that affects the number on the scale. I’m in a size 6 and have noticed more muscle definition. My abs are especially coming along nicely.

Get the complete details of my 90-Day Shakeology experiment.

Read the Shakeology success stories.

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