A Resolution You Can Stick To

New Year’s resolutions can be such a drag. Give yourself something to look forward to in 2012 after you swear to get healthy (again). Familiarize yourself with these delicious—yet healthful—foods to make a health-conscious lifestyle satisfying for your palate. These foods and drinks are so good, you won’t even remember that they’re good for you too.  —Denise Shoukas

Slimming Soup

A bowl of soup can be a super way to keep your calorie count down. But make it a quality one, like Zuppa Lentil Mamma’s Sicilian Lenticchie Soup ($6.49/16 oz. jar; thatsanice.com). A blend of black and brown lentils and fresh vegetables in a rich vegetable broth, this ready-to-serve soup is low in sodium and only 120 calories in an 8-ounce serving.

Tastes Like Homemade

Pouring on the salad dressing has never been so enjoyable and guilt-free, now that Brianna’s has two fat-free flavors: Lively Lemon Tarragon and Rich Santa Fe Blend ($4.19/12 oz.; briannassaladdressing.elsstore.com). Known for delicious, healthy dressings made in small batches, the fat-free products join 12 other varieties, including Champagne Caper Vinaigrette, and Classic Buttermilk Ranch.

Sprouting Good Health

TruRoots Accents Sprouted Quinoa Trio ($5.99; truroots.com) is a colorful blend of organic sprouted red, black and white quinoa. It cooks in 15 minutes or can be rehydrated in water and eaten raw. The sprouting process allows the body to absorb more nutrients from this complete protein and to digest more easily. Organic, kosher and gluten-free.

Cheese is Not the Enemy

Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or cut down on animal products, Food For Lovers has you covered in the cheese department. Vegan Queso ($4.99/12-ounce jar; foodforlovers.com) is a spicy, Latin-inspired cheese made of nutritional yeast, a complete protein packed with B vitamins, naturally low in fat and sodium, and free of dairy, sugar and gluten. And it’s a Weight Watchers freebie at zero points. Just heat and serve. Available at Whole Foods nationwide.

Sipping Zero-Calorie Sweetness

The Republic of Tea Calorie-Free Naturally Sweet Tea ($17/36 bags; republicoftea.com) uses no sugar and not a drop of artificial sweetener or flavoring, making it a sweet zero calories. Pairing black tea with mountain-grown Korean hydrangea has created this sweet flavor with no bitter aftertaste. Serve hot or iced.

Chocolate with Benefits

Raw, vegan and dairy-free chocolate will change your relationship with sweets while watching your waistline. Fine & Raw creates dairy-free, vegan, artisan chocolates sweetened only with agave. Try the Bonbon Bar ($8/1.5 oz.; fineandraw.com), two chunky truffles with creamy chocolate and coconut flavors, or the Lucuma & Vanilla Bar ($8.50/2 oz.; fineandraw.com), with notes of bread pudding, toffee apple and burnt caramel.

Super Snacks

Mrs. May’s Naturals’ Premium Crispy Pineapple Fruit Chips ($1.12/0.35 oz.; mrsmaysonline.com) are made from thick slices of premium pineapple prepared in small batches at low temperatures in a vacuum cooker, which retains wholesome fruit flavors and nourishing vitamins and nutrients. These crispy, healthful fruit chips have no trans fat, gluten or preservatives. Other flavors include Mango, Pear, Apple and Strawberry.
 

0 comments