VitaTop Winner, Quick Updates and a 7 MONTH OLD!

Just real quick today. I’m exhausted!

First, the winner of the Banana Choco Chip VitaTops is Kathy King. Congrats Kathy! Second, I’m behind 2 recipes that need to be posted on GreenLiteBites. I can’t keep up with my own cooking! HA! In the meantime you get the latest school lunch post. Those are quick and dirty. Third, I avoided processed carby snacks today by munching on some cashews and dried apricots. What a great combo! I’m trying hard to to stop the cookie/graham cracker/pretzel mindless grabs from the pantry. Day 1 has been a success! Fourth, I made a FitBloggin’ decision! Will be announcing dates and location later this week!! Fifth, poor BlogToLose is getting the short end of the stick again. I hope to get through the volunteer emails this week. Sixth, and FINALLY, did you know my LIittle Bean turned 7 months today. 7 MONTHS!! Where does the time go?! Click here for a fun month-by-month photos journal. His growth is amazing!

Ok, need sleep. :)

View the original article here

Banana ChocoChip VitaTop Review and Giveaway!

I get all excited when Vitalicious comes out with a new flavor. I’ve always been a huge fan of their chocolate VitaTops (Chocolate Mint and Dark Chocolate Pomegranate are my favorites) but recently they’ve been kicking butt in some non-chocolate flavors as well (Apple Crumb and Pumpkin Spice.) Their latest is Banana Choco Chip. My case arrived last week…

Little Guy and I found the package on the front porch when he came home from school. We each immediately tried one. As you can see, Little Guy was so excited he didn’t even bother to take off his book bag…

(He was in a post school mood. Can you tell?)

We both loved them!

I was a little worried, as I’m not the biggest fan of the Banana Nut flavor. But these were tasty, sweet without being too sweet, and I got a small taste of chocolate in each bite which was just perfect with the banana flavor.

They arrived defrosted and I enjoyed them that way, but since then I’ve had a chance to try them toasted.

This morning I took one out of the freezer and popped it in the toaster on the highest setting. It came out perfect! Warmed thru with gooey melted chocolate chips and a slightly crunchy outer shell. Here’s what the inside looked like when I tore it in half…

That was my breakfast in a pinch this morning. After I got Little Guy on the Bus and Little Bean fed, I had a busy morning. Thankfully I have the best co-worker in the world…

Note: That’s all of the GreenLiteBite books I’m shipping out to the winners. Click here to buy your copy today! I’m still running the 20% off sale using the code EX9MPHR6

I know I said this about the Pumpkin Spice, but Banana Choco Chip is my new non-chocolate favorite VitaTop! The Pumpkin is good, don’t get me wrong, but give me a banana/chocolate combo and I’ll pick it every time.

Vitalicious has been nice enough to donate one case of the new flavor for a reader to try. Leave a comment telling what your current favorite VitaTop flavor is for a chance to win. I’ll pick the winner next Monday. Sorry, only US residents can enter. :(

Click here to check out the new flavor and don’t forget to use the code RONISWEIGH for 10% all your orders at Vitalicious!!

Full Disclosure: Vitalicious is a Roni’s Weigh Sponsor and they supply products for me to sample. However all opinions expressed in this post are my own.

View the original article here

VitaTop Recipe Contest – Please Vote!

Note: This post is sponsored by Vitalicious. Use my code RonisWeigh for 10% off an Vitalicious order!

What’s the saying? I’d forget my head if it wasn’t attached? That’s how I’ve been feeling lately. How did I do this while working full time? Seriously? Maybe it’s the holidays combined with the pregnancy, who knows. I’m not into making excusing for myself but seriously… I’m so scatterbrained anymore!

I was suppose to post the entries in my VitaTop Recipe contest LAST Wednesday. Better late the never I’d suppose but man I HATE missing deadlines.

As a reminder the prizes include…

1st place will have their recipe showcased on Vitalicious site plus a 6 month membership (that’s worth $180!)2nd place will receive a 3 month membership and3rd place will get a sample pack of Assorted Vitalicious Products

Now onto to the voting! I love that winner selection is left up to you. I’m tired of all that pressure. ;)

Here are the entries, voting takes place below.

1 teaspoon olive oil2 Tablespoons finely chopped onion1/2 cup diced zucchini1 Tablespoon Craisins2 small slices pumpernickel bread1 thawed CranBran VitaTop1/2 cup chicken broth

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Heat oil in small skillet. Sautee onion and zucchini about 5 minutes, until soft. Add Craisins and cook another minute or so.

While the veggies cook, tear bread and muffin into bite-sized pieces. Turn off heat and add to skillet. Add chicken broth and stir until moistened.

Put into small baking dish and bake 20 minutes. (I think it might have benefitted from another 10 or so in the oven, but I was running out of time on my dinner break).

1 Golden Corn VitaTop1 tbsp real maple syrup (reserve half)1 tbsp bacon bits (such as Hormel Real Bacon Bits) (reserve a pinch)1 large eggcooking spray

Makes one serving (249 calories, 8.5g fat, 10g fiber) (5 ww)

1. Thaw Golden Corn VitaTop according to directions and toast to taste.

2. While the VitaTop toasts, spray skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium/high heat.

3. Beat together the egg and the bacon bits, reserving a pinch for garnish and pour into skillet. As the egg cooks fold it over on itself so it will fit on top of the VitaTop. Cook until the eggs are not runny.

4. When the VitaTop is done toasting, prick the top with a fork all over and drizzle 1/2 of the maple syrup over the top. Do this slowly so it can sink into the holes. Reserve the rest to pour on at the end.

5. Top the syrup soaked VitaTop with the egg. Drizzle the reserved syrup over the top and sprinkle with the reserved bacon bits.
Then enjoy! :) The whole process takes just 10-15 minutes and is simple enough to cook on a weekday morning. To reduce the calories and fat consider using two egg whites in place of the egg.

SLICE IN HALF. ADD A SCOOP OF FAT FREE COOL WHIP ON ONE HALF AND TOP IT WITH THE OTHER HALF OF THE VITATOP MUFFIN.

PLACE IN A ZIPLOC BAG AND PLACE IN THE FREEZER.

FREEZE AT LEAST 2 HOURS AND ENJOY.

YOU CAN MAKE A BATCH OF THEM SO THEY WILL BE READY FOR YOU TO ENJOY

WHEN YOU NEED THAT SPECIAL TREAT. ENJOY!

1 Tbsp.(14g) Neufchatel Cheese (this is a lighter type of cream cheese)1/2 Tbsp. (8g) Peanut Butter

Microwave for a few seconds (time will vary depending on microwave), to soften. Stir to combine and spread on warm Deep Chocolate VitaTop.

Nutrition Info: 83 Cal, 7g Fat, 0g Fiber 2WW Pts for Topping

I used regular peanut butter, substituting low fat is always an option. I could also see this being delicious with almond butter!

To make this particular treat, I microwaved a frozen Golden Corn VitaTop for 25 seconds. Then I soaked it for a couple of minutes in a mixture of:

1 egg1 tbsp almond milk1/2 tsp vanilla extract1 tsp cinnamon

Cook the VitaTop for 2-3 minutes per side on a stovetop pan or griddle (medium heat). I topped it simply with butter.

Note: This post is sponsored by Vitalicious. Use my code RonisWeigh for 10% off an Vitalicious order!

View the original article here

And The VitaTop Winners are…

In First place…

To make this particular treat, I microwaved a frozen Golden Corn VitaTop for 25 seconds. Then I soaked it for a couple of minutes in a mixture of:

1 egg1 tbsp almond milk1/2 tsp vanilla extract1 tsp cinnamon

Cook the VitaTop for 2-3 minutes per side on a stovetop pan or griddle (medium heat). I topped it simply with butter.

Second…

1 Golden Corn VitaTop1 tbsp real maple syrup (reserve half)1 tbsp bacon bits (such as Hormel Real Bacon Bits) (reserve a pinch)1 large eggcooking spray

Makes one serving (249 calories, 8.5g fat, 10g fiber) (5 ww)

1. Thaw Golden Corn VitaTop according to directions and toast to taste.

2. While the VitaTop toasts, spray skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium/high heat.

3. Beat together the egg and the bacon bits, reserving a pinch for garnish and pour into skillet. As the egg cooks fold it over on itself so it will fit on top of the VitaTop. Cook until the eggs are not runny.

4. When the VitaTop is done toasting, prick the top with a fork all over and drizzle 1/2 of the maple syrup over the top. Do this slowly so it can sink into the holes. Reserve the rest to pour on at the end.

5. Top the syrup soaked VitaTop with the egg. Drizzle the reserved syrup over the top and sprinkle with the reserved bacon bits.
Then enjoy! :) The whole process takes just 10-15 minutes and is simple enough to cook on a weekday morning. To reduce the calories and fat consider using two egg whites in place of the egg.

Third…

1 teaspoon olive oil2 Tablespoons finely chopped onion1/2 cup diced zucchini1 Tablespoon Craisins2 small slices pumpernickel bread1 thawed CranBran VitaTop1/2 cup chicken broth

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Heat oil in small skillet. Sautee onion and zucchini about 5 minutes, until soft. Add Craisins and cook another minute or so.

While the veggies cook, tear bread and muffin into bite-sized pieces. Turn off heat and add to skillet. Add chicken broth and stir until moistened.

Put into small baking dish and bake 20 minutes. (I think it might have benefitted from another 10 or so in the oven, but I was running out of time on my dinner break).

Congratulations guys! This was totally fun. I loved seeing all the ideas everyone came up with.

Thanks for voting! and if you have no idea what I’m talking about click here to see what this contest was all about. :)

Note: This post is sponsored by Vitalicious. Use my code RonisWeigh for 10% off any Vitalicious order! Did you see they have a new flavor?!? Pumkpin! I hope to review soon!

View the original article here

VitaTop Recipe Contest – Please Vote!

Note: This post is sponsored by Vitalicious. Use my code RonisWeigh for 10% off an Vitalicious order!

What’s the saying? I’d forget my head if it wasn’t attached? That’s how I’ve been feeling lately. How did I do this while working full time? Seriously? Maybe it’s the holidays combined with the pregnancy, who knows. I’m not into making excusing for myself but seriously… I’m so scatterbrained anymore!

I was suppose to post the entries in my VitaTop Recipe contest LAST Wednesday. Better late the never I’d suppose but man I HATE missing deadlines.

As a reminder the prizes include…

1st place will have their recipe showcased on Vitalicious site plus a 6 month membership (that’s worth $180!)2nd place will receive a 3 month membership and3rd place will get a sample pack of Assorted Vitalicious Products

Now onto to the voting! I love that winner selection is left up to you. I’m tired of all that pressure. ;)

Here are the entries, voting takes place below.

1 teaspoon olive oil2 Tablespoons finely chopped onion1/2 cup diced zucchini1 Tablespoon Craisins2 small slices pumpernickel bread1 thawed CranBran VitaTop1/2 cup chicken broth

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Heat oil in small skillet. Sautee onion and zucchini about 5 minutes, until soft. Add Craisins and cook another minute or so.

While the veggies cook, tear bread and muffin into bite-sized pieces. Turn off heat and add to skillet. Add chicken broth and stir until moistened.

Put into small baking dish and bake 20 minutes. (I think it might have benefitted from another 10 or so in the oven, but I was running out of time on my dinner break).

1 Golden Corn VitaTop1 tbsp real maple syrup (reserve half)1 tbsp bacon bits (such as Hormel Real Bacon Bits) (reserve a pinch)1 large eggcooking spray

Makes one serving (249 calories, 8.5g fat, 10g fiber) (5 ww)

1. Thaw Golden Corn VitaTop according to directions and toast to taste.

2. While the VitaTop toasts, spray skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium/high heat.

3. Beat together the egg and the bacon bits, reserving a pinch for garnish and pour into skillet. As the egg cooks fold it over on itself so it will fit on top of the VitaTop. Cook until the eggs are not runny.

4. When the VitaTop is done toasting, prick the top with a fork all over and drizzle 1/2 of the maple syrup over the top. Do this slowly so it can sink into the holes. Reserve the rest to pour on at the end.

5. Top the syrup soaked VitaTop with the egg. Drizzle the reserved syrup over the top and sprinkle with the reserved bacon bits.
Then enjoy! :) The whole process takes just 10-15 minutes and is simple enough to cook on a weekday morning. To reduce the calories and fat consider using two egg whites in place of the egg.

SLICE IN HALF. ADD A SCOOP OF FAT FREE COOL WHIP ON ONE HALF AND TOP IT WITH THE OTHER HALF OF THE VITATOP MUFFIN.

PLACE IN A ZIPLOC BAG AND PLACE IN THE FREEZER.

FREEZE AT LEAST 2 HOURS AND ENJOY.

YOU CAN MAKE A BATCH OF THEM SO THEY WILL BE READY FOR YOU TO ENJOY

WHEN YOU NEED THAT SPECIAL TREAT. ENJOY!

1 Tbsp.(14g) Neufchatel Cheese (this is a lighter type of cream cheese)1/2 Tbsp. (8g) Peanut Butter

Microwave for a few seconds (time will vary depending on microwave), to soften. Stir to combine and spread on warm Deep Chocolate VitaTop.

Nutrition Info: 83 Cal, 7g Fat, 0g Fiber 2WW Pts for Topping

I used regular peanut butter, substituting low fat is always an option. I could also see this being delicious with almond butter!

To make this particular treat, I microwaved a frozen Golden Corn VitaTop for 25 seconds. Then I soaked it for a couple of minutes in a mixture of:

1 egg1 tbsp almond milk1/2 tsp vanilla extract1 tsp cinnamon

Cook the VitaTop for 2-3 minutes per side on a stovetop pan or griddle (medium heat). I topped it simply with butter.

Note: This post is sponsored by Vitalicious. Use my code RonisWeigh for 10% off an Vitalicious order!

View the original article here

Blue Bunny Ice Cream Giveaway and VitaTop Recipe Contest Update!

ICE CREAM! I love ice cream and you know what I’m not picky.. I call everything "ice cream" from frozen yogurt to Italian Ice. Sometimes I like creamy and sometimes I like refreshing but if it’s cold and soft it’s "ice cream" to me.

That’s why I was excited when Blue Bunny asked me to host a giveaway for American Diabetes Month. I get to try some more of their low sugar ice cream products again (I’ve reviewed their products before) plus give some away to you!

Here are the products I tried this time around…

1/2 cup is 110 calories, 5g of fat, 3g of fiber, 6g of sugar, 2 WWP

Creamy and dense is how’d I describe this product. Little man and I have been enjoying it a few nights a week. I top it with some frozen wild blueberries, light chocolate syrup and of course… sprinkles (his contribution.) It’s totally satisfying and cures that ice cream craving with only 6g of sugar for those that have to watch.

1 bar is 35 calories, 0g of fat, 2.5g of fiber, 2.5g of sugar, 0 WWP

OMG these are my favorite of the bunch! They are that perfect night time, I want something, snack and for only 35 calories each completely "guilt free." One lasts forever and the texture is fudgy and smooth.

1 bar is 100 calories, 7g of fat, 1g of fiber, 2g of sugar, 2 WWP

These are a classic ice cream bar with chocolate crisp coating. I’d rather a bowl of ice cream or the "free" fudge bar but these are a great low sugar snack when you want something cool and refreshing.

Now… to the giveaway part! Leave a comment for your chance to win these three products! They’ll come delivered cold on ice so unfortunately the contest is only open to U.S. readers. Sorry my international friends. :(

On to The Top Your VitaTop Recipe Contest update…. It seems my schedule was slightly too aggressive as the winners of the giveaway will not received their products until this week. SO.. we will be updating contest dates. The schedule is…

Final Deadline for Recipe Entries: Wednesday Dec 1Recipe Contest Voting Opens: Monday Nov 6Voting Closes: Saturday Dec 11 at 11:59PMWinners Announced: Monday Dec 13

That means you still have time to submit your ideas to win a 6 month supply of VitaTops!! Click here for all the details but first.. leave a comment for your chance to win the ice cream! :)

View the original article here

Blue Bunny Ice Cream Giveaway and VitaTop Recipe Contest Update!

ICE CREAM! I love ice cream and you know what I’m not picky.. I call everything "ice cream" from frozen yogurt to Italian Ice. Sometimes I like creamy and sometimes I like refreshing but if it’s cold and soft it’s "ice cream" to me.

That’s why I was excited when Blue Bunny asked me to host a giveaway for American Diabetes Month. I get to try some more of their low sugar ice cream products again (I’ve reviewed their products before) plus give some away to you!

Here are the products I tried this time around…

1/2 cup is 110 calories, 5g of fat, 3g of fiber, 6g of sugar, 2 WWP

Creamy and dense is how’d I describe this product. Little man and I have been enjoying it a few nights a week. I top it with some frozen wild blueberries, light chocolate syrup and of course… sprinkles (his contribution.) It’s totally satisfying and cures that ice cream craving with only 6g of sugar for those that have to watch.

1 bar is 35 calories, 0g of fat, 2.5g of fiber, 2.5g of sugar, 0 WWP

OMG these are my favorite of the bunch! They are that perfect night time, I want something, snack and for only 35 calories each completely "guilt free." One lasts forever and the texture is fudgy and smooth.

1 bar is 100 calories, 7g of fat, 1g of fiber, 2g of sugar, 2 WWP

These are a classic ice cream bar with chocolate crisp coating. I’d rather a bowl of ice cream or the "free" fudge bar but these are a great low sugar snack when you want something cool and refreshing.

Now… to the giveaway part! Leave a comment for your chance to win these three products! They’ll come delivered cold on ice so unfortunately the contest is only open to U.S. readers. Sorry my international friends. :(

On to The Top Your VitaTop Recipe Contest update…. It seems my schedule was slightly too aggressive as the winners of the giveaway will not received their products until this week. SO.. we will be updating contest dates. The schedule is…

Final Deadline for Recipe Entries: Wednesday Dec 1Recipe Contest Voting Opens: Monday Nov 6Voting Closes: Saturday Dec 11 at 11:59PMWinners Announced: Monday Dec 13

That means you still have time to submit your ideas to win a 6 month supply of VitaTops!! Click here for all the details but first.. leave a comment for your chance to win the ice cream! :)

View the original article here

Blue Bunny Ice Cream Giveaway and VitaTop Recipe Contest Update!

ICE CREAM! I love ice cream and you know what I’m not picky.. I call everything "ice cream" from frozen yogurt to Italian Ice. Sometimes I like creamy and sometimes I like refreshing but if it’s cold and soft it’s "ice cream" to me.

That’s why I was excited when Blue Bunny asked me to host a giveaway for American Diabetes Month. I get to try some more of their low sugar ice cream products again (I’ve reviewed their products before) plus give some away to you!

Here are the products I tried this time around…

1/2 cup is 110 calories, 5g of fat, 3g of fiber, 6g of sugar, 2 WWP

Creamy and dense is how’d I describe this product. Little man and I have been enjoying it a few nights a week. I top it with some frozen wild blueberries, light chocolate syrup and of course… sprinkles (his contribution.) It’s totally satisfying and cures that ice cream craving with only 6g of sugar for those that have to watch.

1 bar is 35 calories, 0g of fat, 2.5g of fiber, 2.5g of sugar, 0 WWP

OMG these are my favorite of the bunch! They are that perfect night time, I want something, snack and for only 35 calories each completely "guilt free." One lasts forever and the texture is fudgy and smooth.

1 bar is 100 calories, 7g of fat, 1g of fiber, 2g of sugar, 2 WWP

These are a classic ice cream bar with chocolate crisp coating. I’d rather a bowl of ice cream or the "free" fudge bar but these are a great low sugar snack when you want something cool and refreshing.

Now… to the giveaway part! Leave a comment for your chance to win these three products! They’ll come delivered cold on ice so unfortunately the contest is only open to U.S. readers. Sorry my international friends. :(

On to The Top Your VitaTop Recipe Contest update…. It seems my schedule was slightly too aggressive as the winners of the giveaway will not received their products until this week. SO.. we will be updating contest dates. The schedule is…

Final Deadline for Recipe Entries: Wednesday Dec 1Recipe Contest Voting Opens: Monday Nov 6Voting Closes: Saturday Dec 11 at 11:59PMWinners Announced: Monday Dec 13

That means you still have time to submit your ideas to win a 6 month supply of VitaTops!! Click here for all the details but first.. leave a comment for your chance to win the ice cream! :)

View the original article here

Top Your VitaTop Recipe Contest Underway!

A Big CONGRATULATIONS to our Top Your VitaTop Recipe Contest Giveaway winners…

Let the creations begin! You have until November 24 to submit your VitaTop recipe. Don’t forget, the winner will receive $180 worth of VitaTops!

Didn’t win? Don’t fret! Click here to order your own VitaTops online. Just be sure to use the code RonisWeigh when checking out for 10% off!!

Want to enter the Recipe contest? Click here for all the details!

View the original article here