Healthful Bites

    28 Feb 2010

    Jason Stole My Heart

    Jason and I first met about two years ago in a journalism class. See, I was writing an article about high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) for my magazine writing course when Jason popped into my life. Since then, our relationship has blossomed, although Jason and I haven’t been able to meet each other as much as we would like.

    You may be thinking, “Karla! You have been keeping secrets about a long-term romantic relationship for months or even years?”

    I wish, but the Jason I speak of is none other than Jason’s Deli! The restaurant’s offerings are free of HFCS (click here to watch their crazy ad about the topic). And this is how I stumbled upon the deli when Googling “high fructose corn syrup” to discover story sources to interview. Side note: I’d be happy to post the HFCS story on Healthful Bites if anyone would be interested :)

    The company really seems to have a good handle on community and public relations—customers get the straight scoop from top management on the owner’s blog, the deli’s Twitter is well-utilized and diners can even vote about the possibility of additional exiled ingredients. Plus, Jason’s contributes to their local non-profits.

    The Jason’s Deli communications staff was a pleasure to work with, and I wanted to know more about their company. Little did I know that there was a location within 30 minutes of my school…field trip time!

    As mentioned previously, the menu is not only large and HFCS-free, but also void of trans fats, MSG and fairly low in sodium.

    A sign in the dining area hypes “Good Food is…25 certified organic ingredients” and “fresh produce delivered six days each week,” among other reasons to scoop up some salad.

    Nutritious offerings including Build-Your-Own Sandwiches, paninis, pastas and fruit/vegetable side offerings—plus half orders/reduced portions available—make Jason’s an ideal place for those looking to “fill up but not out,” as some say.

    But my favorite order? A bowl of vegetable pasta soup and a salad bar!

    And now for a close-up on all that photogenic, organic produce!

    The salad bar options are so fresh and varied. If you’re into creamy pre-made salads, you’re covered. Small corn or gingerbread muffins? Check. Veggie fiends? You’ll find your faves crisp and delicious every time.

    I’ve had a wrap during a past visit and enjoyed it as well. So many good choices, so few Jason’s Deli trips :) I was pumped to find a location nearby my internship this semester and figured it was time to share my love.

    Jason’s Deli is certainly “Healthful Bites Approved!” Is there a location near you?

    (They didn’t pay me or give me complementary meals to post this, I’m just a big fan. Not like I’d be opposed to a Jason’s Deli giveaway or anything in the future <Hint, Hint>. ;) )

    And I may have finished off my meal with a bit of low fat swirl ice cream (I’d estimate 3/4 cup) free and self serve!


    Mmm, just thinking about Jason’s makes me want to plan a return trip very soon :D Do you have any choice restaurants that you frequent for a nutritious and tasty meal?

    30 Jan 2010

    We Have a Winner!

    Congratulations to walshsr (Sarah), the winner of the Healthful Bites/Progresso giveaway! Sarah mentioned that she enjoyed Reames Chicken Noodle Soup Kit as a quick homemade soup substitute. For your comment, you’ll be receiving two cans of Progresso soup, a lovely Friends-style mug and a digital jump rope! I’ll pass along your information to Laurie and you should receive your package soon. Thanks for reading!

    And if you haven’t had a chance to check out my most recent appearance (is it still an appearance if you can only hear me? Oh well…) on the Dr. Fitness and the Fat Guy show. Click here if you’d like to give it a listen—this is a clip of my segment only rather than the whole show.

    I’d love your advice about what topics to cover on my next interview coming up mid-February! Are there any health issues, workout quandaries or dining disasters you’d like me to try to find solutions for or research about? Please let me know in the comments.

    See you soon for the regularly scheduled “Good for you eats” post this weekend. Have a great Saturday!

    17 Jan 2010

    Scoop Up Some Soup (with giveaway!)

    Check Healthful Bites out: two giveaways in a row on the “Good for you Eats” front! We’re hitting the big time ladies and gents :) (Or just finding a sweet spot for sharing the health wealth!)

    Anyways, the folks at Progresso approached me regarding informing my readers about a fun contest they have going on right now! So what’s the scoop?

    The “Souper You Debut” is a short essay-related contest that will allow three winners to go on a glamorous and fierce New York City makeover spree. (Airfare and hotel accommodations for 2, a full makeover and a $1,000 shopping spree are all included!)

    I’m entering because my style is more gym-bound college student than professional ladder-climber. Since I graduate in May, I want to look polished, confident and stylish when I hit the job search in this stellar employment economy ;) But all of us must get our points across in 200 words or less and a picture, so pack it in tight!

    Lauren, a Progresso rep, was kind enough to send a super generous Progresso pack my way and is teaming with me to give a prize pack to one Healthful Bite reader!

    Leaning Tower of Soup-a? ;D

    Mmm! Look at all that soup yumminess! I’ve always been a fan of soul-warming soup and ever since the Light Progresso soups have been sold, I’ve been indulging in the warm stuff even more than usual. My personal favorite is the Homestyle Vegetable and Rice (in the microwave bowl!), but there are so many “No MSG Added”, Light and 100 Calorie varieties, it’s almost overwhelming to chose one at the store!

    These taste just as savory, veggie-filled (and occasionally meat and pasta-packed) as traditional canned soups, but some have lower sodium, higher fiber and lower calorie and fat levels.

    Did you know that dining on a broth-based soup before a meal almost always increases satiety, potentially lowering total caloric intake for the meal by 20 percent?

    What a cozy soup mug!

    In addition to the awesome makeover contest, there’s another (and perhaps more accessible) way you can win! Up for grabs for a Healthful Bites readers: two cans of Progresso’s healthy soups, a large mug and a jump rope tool that counts number of jumps and estimates calories burned (with detachable rope, just in case you’d rather not deal with coordination).

    How do I enter, you ask? There are multiple ways…

    1. Share a link to your favorite soup product or recipe in the comments below and explain why it’s your top pick.
    2. Follow me on Twitter @karla522, then come back and comment or send me a tweet letting me know that you followed me to enter the contest.
    3. Tell me one reason why you’d like a makeover and what you’d buy on the shopping spree if you were chosen to have a “Souper You Debut” (in the comments or on Twitter).

    All comments and tweets will enter you once (and you can enter all three ways)! Entries received before 12 p.m. Central on Friday, January 29 will be considered. One winner’s name will be posted on Saturday, January 30 and passed along to Lauren—your Progresso prize pack will then be on the way. Good luck to you all!