Healthy Choice Italian Sausage Marinara Review

Healthy Choice Italian Sausage Marinara is described as having Italian pork sausage in a marinara sauce over whole grain pasta with green beans & zucchini. I decided to buy this classic pasta dish (along with a few others), for lunch this week.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 meal (326 grams)
Calories: 310
Total Fat: 7 grams, 11%
Saturated Fat: 2.5 grams, 13%
Sodium: 580 mg, 24%
Carbohydrates: 45 grams
Fiber: 7 grams, 29%
Sugars: 9 grams
Protein: 16 grams

I thought the dish delivered a solid performance in taste, but it wasn't spectacular. I love the thick hearty pasta, which soaked up the slightly sweet and not too tomatoey sauce nicely, but the cheese was a bust for me. It was in the middle of the dish and there it stayed. When I tried to mix it with everything else, it was just stringy and stuck to the fork. I'm a huge fan of green beans, so thanks Healthy Choice for including 1 cup of vegetables in this meal - but I'm not big on zucchini and thankfully, there wasn't much of it.

Each meal provides 310 calories, 7 grams of total fat, 2.5 grams of which is saturated fat (11% and 13% of the daily value), 24% of the daily value for sodium (580 mg), 7 grams of fiber (20% of the DV), 9 grams of sugars and 16 grams of protein.

The ingredients list for the Healthy Choice Italian Sausage Marinara starts with cooked pasta made with whole grain wheat flour, water, green beans, green and yellow zucchini, diced tomatoes in juice ... it continues on but I was impressed that the veggies are right at the beginning.

I purchased this for $3.00, and while I didn't go wow - it was quite adequate for lunch, and I would buy it again, especially when it's on sale. The Healthy Choice Tortellini Primavera Parmesan (Review) is probably a tastier option, but it's also smaller.

{Website: Healthy Choice}

View the original article here

Healthy Choice Italian Sausage Marinara Review

Healthy Choice Italian Sausage Marinara is described as having Italian pork sausage in a marinara sauce over whole grain pasta with green beans & zucchini. I decided to buy this classic pasta dish (along with a few others), for lunch this week.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 meal (326 grams)
Calories: 310
Total Fat: 7 grams, 11%
Saturated Fat: 2.5 grams, 13%
Sodium: 580 mg, 24%
Carbohydrates: 45 grams
Fiber: 7 grams, 29%
Sugars: 9 grams
Protein: 16 grams

I thought the dish delivered a solid performance in taste, but it wasn't spectacular. I love the thick hearty pasta, which soaked up the slightly sweet and not too tomatoey sauce nicely, but the cheese was a bust for me. It was in the middle of the dish and there it stayed. When I tried to mix it with everything else, it was just stringy and stuck to the fork. I'm a huge fan of green beans, so thanks Healthy Choice for including 1 cup of vegetables in this meal - but I'm not big on zucchini and thankfully, there wasn't much of it.

Each meal provides 310 calories, 7 grams of total fat, 2.5 grams of which is saturated fat (11% and 13% of the daily value), 24% of the daily value for sodium (580 mg), 7 grams of fiber (20% of the DV), 9 grams of sugars and 16 grams of protein.

The ingredients list for the Healthy Choice Italian Sausage Marinara starts with cooked pasta made with whole grain wheat flour, water, green beans, green and yellow zucchini, diced tomatoes in juice ... it continues on but I was impressed that the veggies are right at the beginning.

I purchased this for $3.00, and while I didn't go wow - it was quite adequate for lunch, and I would buy it again, especially when it's on sale. The Healthy Choice Tortellini Primavera Parmesan (Review) is probably a tastier option, but it's also smaller.

{Website: Healthy Choice}

View the original article here

Healthy Choice Herb Crusted Fish Review

Healthy Choice Herb Crusted Fish is described as a, "herb crusted white fish and whole grain pasta in a tomato basil sauce, with green beans and carrots." There haven't been many "fishy" frozen meals that I've enjoyed, but the picture on the front of the packaging looked so enticing that I decided to try this.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 meal (312 grams)
Calories: 270
Total Fat: 5 grams, 8%
Saturated Fat: 1.5 grams 8%
Sodium: 350 mg, 15%
Carbohydrates: 39 grams
Fiber: 5 grams, 20%
Sugars: 8 grams
Protein: 16 grams

The individual components of the meal were okay, but they just didn't come together. The green beans & carrots were firm and plentiful. The pasta was al-dente but flavorless. I gather there should have been a tomato basil sauce, which I came to realize later was the wetness on the underside of the fish - it totally soaked up the sauce, and didn't add anything positive to the eating experience I might add - who wants to eat soggy fish bottoms? The fish itself was - okay - it wasn't dried out, but it wasn't exactly flavorful either.

Each Healthy Choice Herb Crusted Fishh meal (312 grams) provides 270 calories from 5 grams of total fat, 1.5 grams of which is saturated (8% of the daily value). 350 mg sodium (15% of the DV), 5 grams of fiber (20% of the DV), 8 grams of sugars and 16 grams of protein.

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Healthy Choice All Natural Lobster Cheese Ravioli Review

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Healthy Choice All Natural Lobster Cheese Ravioli Review

Since this week's meal plan calls for lots of seafood, I've been trying out a variety of frozen meals that have either shrimp or fish. The latest one is Healthy Choice All Natural Lobster Cheese Ravioli, It's described on the packaging as having, "Ricotta cheese and lobster filled ravioli, with green and yellow zucchini in a vodka sauce, topped with parmesan cheese."

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 meal (255 grams)
Calories: 270
Total Fat: 6 grams, 9%
Saturated Fat: 2.5 grams, 13%
Sodium: 600 mg, 25%
Carbohydrates: 41 grams
Fiber: 4 grams, 16%
Sugars: 9 grams
Protein: 11 grams

After a brief stint in the microwave, I was greeted by some (i.e. 5) delicious tasting, lobster ravioli. There was no mistaking the lobster flavor, although it was a wee bit salty. What I could have done without was all that salty vodka sauce - WAY too much. It detracted from the taste of the lobster and I would much rather have less of this sauce and more ravioli. The rest of the meal was green and yellow zucchini, which were okay - not too soft, but these aren't 2 of my favorite vegetables - I would have preferred some green beans, asparagus or pasta. Overall, I ate all the ravioli without messing too much with the sauce, and left everything else.

Each Healthy Choice All Natural Lobster Cheese Ravioli provides 270 calories from 6 grams of total fat including 2.5 grams of saturated fat (9% and 13% of the DV), 600 mg sodium (25% of the DV), 4 grams of fiber (16% of the DV), 9 grams of sugars and 11 grams of protein.

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Healthy Choice Herb Crusted Fish Review

Healthy Choice Herb Crusted Fish is described as a, "herb crusted white fish and whole grain pasta in a tomato basil sauce, with green beans and carrots." There haven't been many "fishy" frozen meals that I've enjoyed, but the picture on the front of the packaging looked so enticing that I decided to try this.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 meal (312 grams)
Calories: 270
Total Fat: 5 grams, 8%
Saturated Fat: 1.5 grams 8%
Sodium: 350 mg, 15%
Carbohydrates: 39 grams
Fiber: 5 grams, 20%
Sugars: 8 grams
Protein: 16 grams

The individual components of the meal were okay, but they just didn't come together. The green beans & carrots were firm and plentiful. The pasta was al-dente but flavorless. I gather there should have been a tomato basil sauce, which I came to realize later was the wetness on the underside of the fish - it totally soaked up the sauce, and didn't add anything positive to the eating experience I might add - who wants to eat soggy fish bottoms? The fish itself was - okay - it wasn't dried out, but it wasn't exactly flavorful either.

Each Healthy Choice Herb Crusted Fishh meal (312 grams) provides 270 calories from 5 grams of total fat, 1.5 grams of which is saturated (8% of the daily value). 350 mg sodium (15% of the DV), 5 grams of fiber (20% of the DV), 8 grams of sugars and 16 grams of protein.

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What is Your Nighttime Snack of Choice?

Right now I am fighting the munchies something FIERCE! It seems everyday around this time (10PM) I want to snack on something, anything. Normally I choose popcorn, make some banana soft-serve, or if the husband is around, fall prey to the Doritos.

Considering I don’t actually WANT Doritos, I’m tired on popcorn, and all out of bananas, I thought I’d open floodgates and ask you…

What is Your Nighttime Snack of Choice?

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Healthy Choice Tortellini Primavera Parmesan Review

My roommate and I always make a productive stroll through the frozen entrée aisle of the grocery store with each weekly grocery trip that we make. Frozen meals are just perfect when I'm in a pinch and have a major test or project that demands all of my attention. As I was trying to narrow down my options to the select few that would go home with me that week, my roommate suggested that I try the "all natural," vegetarian, Healthy Choice Tortellini Primavera Parmesan.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 meal (255 grams)
Calories: 220
Total Fat: 4.5 grams, 7%
Saturated Fat: 2 grams, 10%
Sodium: 500 mg, 21%
Carbohydrates: 37 grams
Fiber: 6 grams, 24%
Sugars: 7 grams
Protein: 9 grams

As you pull back the plastic and put your microwave to work, you will notice a plethora of plump tortellini and large vegetable pieces, which is a welcoming attribute. However, we all know that the taste is what it really comes down to, but, no worries on that front. The veggies (zucchini, red bell peppers and carrot sticks) are plentiful and tender-crisp, while the whole grain tortellini are cooked to a just-right, al dente texture and have a cheesy interior (which I would have loved to see just a bit more of). Overall, the components of the dish combined with the thin, yet flavorful marinara type sauce and the extra touch of cheese for a most delightful dish. It is one of my roommates' favorite frozen dinners and I can certainly see why.

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The ingredient list and nutritional profile will encourage you further, with each 255 gram all natural entrée providing a satisfying 220 calories, 4.5 grams of total fat, 2 grams of which is saturated fat (7% & 10% of the daily value). There is also 500 mg of sodium (21% of the DV), 6 grams of fiber (24% of the DV), 7 grams of sugar and 9 grams of protein.

I paid $2.29 for the Healthy Choice Tortellini Primavera Parmesan meal, and it will most certainly make it back into my freezer in the coming weeks. Perhaps I should see what other dishes my roommate would suggest; apparently, she has good taste!

{Website: Healthy Choice}

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Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Basil Chicken

My school offers all of about 7 frozen dinners and when I get tired of sandwiches, pizza slices and burritos, I reach for a lighter option from the little freezer section off in the corner of the dining hall. One of the 7 choices is Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Whiskey Steak Review, received good reviews, so I decided to stick with a chicken theme and try Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Basil Chicken.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 meal (10.6 ounce)
Calories: 270
Total Fat: 6 grams, 9%
Saturated Fat: 2 grams, 10%
Sodium: 600 mg, 25%
Carbohydrates: 34 grams
Fiber: 7 grams, 28%
Sugar: 4 grams
Protein: 20 grams

Have you ever tried Healthy Choice Café Steamers? They are quite amazing, in the world of frozen food. The veggies, pasta and chicken sit in one little compartment, while the sauce bubbles up underneath. This results in large chunks of perfectly al dente zucchini and red pepper. The chicken was amazingly tender and there was a lot of it ... some of the best chicken that I have ever tasted from a frozen dinner. The pasta was just slightly past al dente, but it was still enjoyable. All of the components were unfortunately brought together by the sub-par tomato basil sauce. Come on, Healthy Choice, give us some spice!

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Each Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Basil Chicken meal has 20 grams of protein and 20 grams of whole grain. Each 10.6 ounce dish offers 270 calories, 6 grams of total fat which includes 2 grams of saturated fat (9% & 10% of the daily value), 600 mg of sodium (25% of the DV), 7 grams of fiber (28% of the DV), 4 grams of sugars and 20 grams of protein. The ingredient list is shorter than some, but longer than something an all natural/organic meal would boast.

I paid $3.00 for one of these - but I can typically snag them in the grocery store for about $2.00. Although it could use an extra boost of flavor in its saucy profile, I thoroughly enjoyed the perfectly cooked components of this meal and would happily purchase it again when I need a break from the dorm-norm.

{Website: Healthy Choice}

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Healthy Choice Ravioli Florentine Marinara

Let's talk ravioli - something that I love. Of the frozen dinner type meals I've tried, Lean Cuisine Cheese Ravioli is fantastic, Weight Watchers SmartOnes Ravioli Florentine is pretty good too, and Healthy Choice Pumpkin Squash Ravioli is just okay. One that I hadn't tried before was Healthy Choice Ravioli Florentine Marinara, so when I saw it on sale for $1.89, I was all about it.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 meal (240 grams)
Calories: 240
Total Fat: 4 grams, 6%
Saturated Fat: 2 grams, 10%
Sodium: 540 mg, 23%
Carbohydrates: 37 grams
Fiber: 6 grams, 24%
Sugar: 11 grams
Protein: 11 grams

I put my standard bag of frozen broccoli to good use when I realized that there was not much in the way of veggies going on in this little black tray. Other than that, it looked like it could be a winner. The sauce was a well-developed marinara sauce, differing from a spaghetti sauce with a lighter texture and a more prominent tomato flavor. The little round pasta pockets were al dente and filled with a creamy, ricotta-like spinach mixture that was quite enjoyable. The only thing that was a bit overbearing was the cheese, which was a bit chewy, and a few bites were full of solely cheese. I also had about 2 tablespoons of the plentiful serving of cheese leftover when I threw the otherwise empty tray into the trash. If Healthy Choice would simply cut back on the cheese, a lot, I would add this dish to my favorites list. Then again, if I just remove some of the cheese on my own and add some frozen veggies for a little extra crunch factor and boost of vitamins, it's not too far off.

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Each Healthy Choice Ravioli Florentine Marinara dish provides 240 calories, 4 grams of total fat, which includes 2 grams of saturated fat (6% & 10% of the the daily value), 540mg of sodium (23% of the DV), 6 grams of fiber (24% of the DV), 11 grams of sugars and protein.

The excess cheese really drags down what would be an otherwise delightful dish. Plus, Healthy Choice should take the initiative and add some frozen broccoli, so I don't have to do it myself. Have you tried this before - what did you think?

{Website: Healthy Choice}

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Final Commit to Fit Giveway: Up to $100 for fitness challenge of your choice

I really meant for there to be a few more entries posted between this one and the last giveaway so my blog wouldn’t start to resemble The Price is Right. But, uh, my head hurts and I had a lot of work to do, so I didn’t make it happen. If I start making y’all wear name tags and start saying “Come on down!” I give you permission to smack me.

This is the final Commit to Fit giveaway sponsored by Subway, and the one I kept putting off because it meant I’d have to make an actual commitment to fitness. Here’s the official blurb-age:

Have you decided what fitness commitment you’re going to make? Think about what your Commit to Fit Challenge is. It can be anything from running your first 5K to trying out a new class like tai chi or zumba. Let us know what it is and we’ll provide you with the funds (up to $100) to help you meet your challenge!

After reading all your suggestions on this post, I decided to just go with the obvious and try zumba. I enjoyed the TurboKick class I took a few years ago, so hopefully zumba will have the same fun atmosphere. I searched for a class on the official zumba page and found one locally. So, I’ll commit to doing that for 8 weeks and see how it goes. At the least, it’s an opportunity for me to get out of my apartment and be around other human beings, and not hibernate in front of my computer doing freelance work. Particularly now that it’s getting cooler, signing up for an indoor exercise class will hopefully keep me exercising through the winter.

If you’d like to enter for a chance to win up to $100 to put toward your own fitness goal, leave a comment on this entry with your favorite word that contains the letter “z.” (I already made you state your fitness challenges on this post, so I didn’t want to repeat.) You must be a US resident to enter. The contest ends at 11:59pm on Sunday, November 28, 2010. Winner will be drawn randomly.

BTW, the winner of the Laila Ali giveaway was Madeline from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Congrats, Madeline! Please don’t punch me with your prize.

Disclosure: All prizes listed in this post were provided for free.

Oh no, too slow! Comments are now closed.

PastaQueen.com is a fascist regime ruled with a benevolent fist by PastaQueen and the macaroni military. Lively discussion is encouraged, but any comment may be deleted or edited according to the whims of your monarch. Please read the official rules of commenting etiquette for more details. Spammers are publicly beheaded and their blood is mixed into our spaghetti sauce. Comments are occasionally disabled some time after an entry has been posted to keep the blog on a spam-free diet.

View the original article here

Final Commit to Fit Giveway: Up to $100 for fitness challenge of your choice

I really meant for there to be a few more entries posted between this one and the last giveaway so my blog wouldn’t start to resemble The Price is Right. But, uh, my head hurts and I had a lot of work to do, so I didn’t make it happen. If I start making y’all wear name tags and start saying “Come on down!” I give you permission to smack me.

This is the final Commit to Fit giveaway sponsored by Subway, and the one I kept putting off because it meant I’d have to make an actual commitment to fitness. Here’s the official blurb-age:

Have you decided what fitness commitment you’re going to make? Think about what your Commit to Fit Challenge is. It can be anything from running your first 5K to trying out a new class like tai chi or zumba. Let us know what it is and we’ll provide you with the funds (up to $100) to help you meet your challenge!

After reading all your suggestions on this post, I decided to just go with the obvious and try zumba. I enjoyed the TurboKick class I took a few years ago, so hopefully zumba will have the same fun atmosphere. I searched for a class on the official zumba page and found one locally. So, I’ll commit to doing that for 8 weeks and see how it goes. At the least, it’s an opportunity for me to get out of my apartment and be around other human beings, and not hibernate in front of my computer doing freelance work. Particularly now that it’s getting cooler, signing up for an indoor exercise class will hopefully keep me exercising through the winter.

If you’d like to enter for a chance to win up to $100 to put toward your own fitness goal, leave a comment on this entry with your favorite word that contains the letter “z.” (I already made you state your fitness challenges on this post, so I didn’t want to repeat.) You must be a US resident to enter. The contest ends at 11:59pm on Sunday, November 28, 2010. Winner will be drawn randomly.

BTW, the winner of the Laila Ali giveaway was Madeline from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Congrats, Madeline! Please don’t punch me with your prize.

Disclosure: All prizes listed in this post were provided for free.

Oh no, too slow! Comments are now closed.

PastaQueen.com is a fascist regime ruled with a benevolent fist by PastaQueen and the macaroni military. Lively discussion is encouraged, but any comment may be deleted or edited according to the whims of your monarch. Please read the official rules of commenting etiquette for more details. Spammers are publicly beheaded and their blood is mixed into our spaghetti sauce. Comments are occasionally disabled some time after an entry has been posted to keep the blog on a spam-free diet.

View the original article here

Final Commit to Fit Giveway: Up to $100 for fitness challenge of your choice

I really meant for there to be a few more entries posted between this one and the last giveaway so my blog wouldn’t start to resemble The Price is Right. But, uh, my head hurts and I had a lot of work to do, so I didn’t make it happen. If I start making y’all wear name tags and start saying “Come on down!” I give you permission to smack me.

This is the final Commit to Fit giveaway sponsored by Subway, and the one I kept putting off because it meant I’d have to make an actual commitment to fitness. Here’s the official blurb-age:

Have you decided what fitness commitment you’re going to make? Think about what your Commit to Fit Challenge is. It can be anything from running your first 5K to trying out a new class like tai chi or zumba. Let us know what it is and we’ll provide you with the funds (up to $100) to help you meet your challenge!

After reading all your suggestions on this post, I decided to just go with the obvious and try zumba. I enjoyed the TurboKick class I took a few years ago, so hopefully zumba will have the same fun atmosphere. I searched for a class on the official zumba page and found one locally. So, I’ll commit to doing that for 8 weeks and see how it goes. At the least, it’s an opportunity for me to get out of my apartment and be around other human beings, and not hibernate in front of my computer doing freelance work. Particularly now that it’s getting cooler, signing up for an indoor exercise class will hopefully keep me exercising through the winter.

If you’d like to enter for a chance to win up to $100 to put toward your own fitness goal, leave a comment on this entry with your favorite word that contains the letter “z.” (I already made you state your fitness challenges on this post, so I didn’t want to repeat.) You must be a US resident to enter. The contest ends at 11:59pm on Sunday, November 28, 2010. Winner will be drawn randomly.

BTW, the winner of the Laila Ali giveaway was Madeline from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Congrats, Madeline! Please don’t punch me with your prize.

Disclosure: All prizes listed in this post were provided for free.

PastaQueen.com is a fascist regime ruled with a benevolent fist by PastaQueen and the macaroni military. Lively discussion is encouraged, but any comment may be deleted or edited according to the whims of your monarch. Please read the official rules of commenting etiquette for more details. Spammers are publicly beheaded and their blood is mixed into our spaghetti sauce. Comments are occasionally disabled some time after an entry has been posted to keep the blog on a spam-free diet.

View the original article here