Healthful Bites

    23 Sep 2011

    Soup’s On! Five New Ways to Try It

    Not only is soup a great vehicle for tasty veggies, but it’s also soul-warming and comforting on even the coldest of days. How can you not feel cozy with your hands cupped around with a big mug of steaming goodness?

    Since fall is here, there’s no better time to put a pot of soup on and grab a spoon! I recently tried Dr. McDougall’s Light Sodium Garden Vegetable (seen below at left, and picked up at Bed, Bath & Beyond, because why wouldn’t you find soup there? :) ) and enjoyed the crisp bite of green peas, the creamy potatoes and fantastic nutrition stats.

    While in the Denver airport a few days later, I stopped at a little establishment called Itza Wrap Itza Bowl. The Asian noodle soup sounded satisfying for lunch (which of course would be balanced with a dessert of Mountain Blackberry TCBY topped with strawberries!). The soup started with udon noodles and steamed veggies, all of which was topped with chicken broth. It was delicious, but as you might be able to see (above, right), I could have used a little more broth and a little less noodle. But overall, a pretty good choice for airport food!

    Next up on my soup tour: Trying out my own chef skills with these three recipes.

    What foods scream “fall” to you?

    28 Mar 2010

    Taking a Bite out of Baltimore

    As everyone reading knows by now, I spent last weekend in Baltimore livin’ it up at Fitbloggin. The seminars at the conference were helpful, the food was tasty and the company was fantastic! Here’s a brief overview of some of the bites I took and great people I met while soaking up the sun in Maryland…

    When I hopped on my plane from Chicago, I saw someone sitting right in front of me with a notebook with “Fitbloggin” written across the top of the page. What a coincidence! I introduced myself to Mary (right, from A Merry Life) and we made our way to the beautiful Marriott together after arriving in Baltimore. We ran into several other perky and fantastic bloggers in the lobby including Jen (left, from Prior Fat Girl) Dr. Mo from Foot Dr 69 and Gracie from Girl Meets Health. All amazing ladies and chatting with them was a great way to kick off the weekend!

    After meeting even more blog idols, my roommate Danielle from Danielle Abroad and one of her fun friends found this gem in Baltimore’s Little Italy:

    How cute is Cafe Gia? We were drawn in by the adorable decorations and stuck around once we saw that it was chosen as “Baltimore’s Best Italian Restaurant” of 2009 in City Paper.

    Opting for something new (can you believe I’ve never had this before?), I ordered gnocchi with marinara. The pasta-like potato bites were tender and delicious. Comfort food at its best! Another plus: the reasonable portion size of gnocchi was perfect and the carbohydrates were served with plenty of extra lycopene-packed sauce—just how I like my pasta!

    In between the seminars at Fitbloggin (for more recaps about the conference click here!) I enjoyed lunch with the fabulous Caitlin from Healthy Tipping Point and Operation Beautiful, among other great newfound blog friends. My meal included roasted vegetables, a grilled vegetable sandwich on focaccia and a cup of wild mushroom soup. It was all delicious, but the soup tasted extra good since the hotel conference rooms were quite chilly! I had some wonderful fresh fruit for dessert as well.

    After all of the blog talk, networking and a super busy week prior to my trip, I was ready for a quiet stroll along the waterfront that evening. I set out to clear my mind (which exercise/movement almost always does) and find a bite to eat.

    We had a cocktail party at the end of the conference, so I had some snacks there and throughout the afternoon…so when I stumbled upon Mr. Yogato, I knew that was the perfect place to top off my tasty day! 

    I was not disappointed. The atmosphere was SO fun (Connect Four during or after dining?) and the toppings were colorful, appetizing and yummy! I opted for a medium blackberry yogurt with kiwi and blueberries. The best part? I joined in on one of their “Rules of Yogato” and received a 10 percent discount for answering a trivia question correctly. Too bad I couldn’t do the physical challenge which would have racked up 50 percent off! You know I tried and tried—no shame folks—but I must just need to practice standing on the tippy toes of one foot with my eyes closed just a bit longer to have it mastered. Next time Yogato physical challenge, I will have you beat ;)

    Beautiful view at dusk along the waterfront!

    The next morning Danielle (right) and I woke up bright and early to attend a yoga session led by Diets in Review’s Heather. I later sweated to a 10 Minute Solution half-hour class and got ready to head back to the Midwest. 

    It was lovely to meet so many kindred spirits and since returning, it has been fascinating to check out all of their blogs! I hope that we can all meet in person again very soon.

    Thank you to Roni, Fitbloggin mastermind, and Diets in Review for generously holding the contest that won me a ticket to the conference! Good news everyone: Roni just announced on Twitter that Fitbloggin ‘11 is a go! Will you be attending?

    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!