FitSugar -- Healthy, happy you.

Free Taco Alert (WTF?)

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 12:30:00 -0700

Have you heard about Taco Bell's "Steal a Base, Steal a Taco" promotion? This Tex-Mex chain announced that if any player stole a base during a game in the World Series, they'd give everyone in America a free crunchy seasoned beef taco.

Well, since Jacoby Ellsbury of the Boston Red Sox stole a base in the fourth inning of the second game, now anyone in America can show up at their local taco Bell on Tuesday, October 30, and get one free taco (between 2-5 pm).

Who doesn't love free stuff? Free is fabulous, and I'm a sucker for free giveaways, but just because something is free, doesn't mean it's healthy for you. Just out of curiosity, want to know how much saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium that free taco will get you? Then

Godiva = No Trans Fat!

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 12:35:00 -0700

Alright, so you've all heard the sad news about Ghirardelli chocolate containing trans fat. I'm over it now because I just found out that Godiva is trans fat free. Not only do I love their chocolate bars, but I just discovered a new reason to keep a gallon of milk in the fridge.

Godiva makes Dark Chocolate Truffle Hot Cocoa. Each canister is $10, but it's completely worth it. So creamy and decadent, it's one of the best 270 calories I've ever consumed.

Check out the nutritional info:

Serving Size: 4 Tbsp
Calories: 180 (plain powder); 270 (with 1 cup skim milk); 300 (with 1 cup 2% milk)
Fat: 4.5g
Trans fat: 0g
Sodium: 5 mg
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 6g
Carbs: 31g
Sugars: 23g

Did you see that? 4g of protein? That is as much as there is in a SOYJOY bar, but there's no question which one I'd choose. Plus 6g of fiber, and 25% of my daily iron. That's one delicious cup of cocoa you can feel good about sipping.

Earth Balance: A Natural Margarine

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Who doesn't love the taste of melted butter on a freshly baked muffin? Although that creamy taste is unforgettable, we all know that butter isn't exactly healthy for us because it contains artery-clogging saturated fat and cholesterol.

Margarine is in no way a better option because most of them are made with hydrogenated oils that are high in trans fat. Why are trans fats so bad? They actually raise the bad cholesterol in our bodies and lower the good cholesterol.

I've got a better choice. Have you ever tried Earth Balance? It comes in a tub like other butter alternatives, but it contains no trans-fat whatsoever. It's not made with hydrogenated oils, but rather is a blend of natural vegetable oils including canola and olive.

Ok, so it's healthier for you, but does it taste good? Yes!! It really does. It has a light buttery flavor, that melts just like butter on warm bread. Plus Earth Balance is dairy-free, so it's a great alternative if you are lactose intolerant. You can use it in place of butter when spreading, cooking, or even baking.

Fit's Tips: Look for it in the dairy section next to the butter and margarine. Most health food stores carry it, and I've also been happy to see it on the shelves of mainstream grocery stores.