YumBox

Recently our private practice office, Eat Right Bucks County, started to carry the YumBox.  The YumBox is a bento like box made for kids ages 3 and up.  The YumBox contains an illustrated food tray divided into five ½ cup portions representing the five food groups: protein, dairy, fruit, vegetable, and grains.  The tray also contains a small well for dip or a treat.

The YumBox is well constructed with food-safe materials (BPA-Free, Phthalates-Free).  The YumBox features a unique one-lid closure that seals each food well individually.  Yogurt and applesauce can be packed without fear of spillage into the other food items.  There is a child friendly latch that makes the box easy for kids to open.  My 5 year old often has trouble opening containers that I pack her lunches in, but has no trouble opening the YumBox.

The YumBox fits in most thermal lunch totes.  The YumBox itself is not insulated.  Clean up is easy as the YumBox is dishwasher safe.  The YumBox retails for $28.00.  If you live in or near Bucks County PA and want to see the YumBox in person give our office a call.

Solbites Review (free product received)

Recently I was contacted by Solbites, a company that makes healthy, organic, non-GMO snacks, to see if I was interested in trying their product and blogging about them.  I am always interested in new products, so of course I accepted the offer.  Solbites sent me a free box of 12 snacks to try.  I had never heard of Solbites, so of course went to their website to read about the products coming to me.

Solbites is a division of Tow Rivers Foods based in Lyons, Colorado.  Solbites were developed to provide an alternative to unhealthy snacks.  Fighting childhood obesity and promoting healthy lifestyles are goals of the company.

Solbites are convenient single-serve snacks containing 4 all-natural whole wheat crackers with three different spread combinations: almond butter/honey, chocolate almond butter/strawberry, and peanut butter/strawberry.   The packaging is fully recyclable and contains an adorable wood spreader.  Solbites are convenient snack packs to take when you’re on the go.

Nutrition Breakdown

Calories range from 200-240 per serving, Protein 5-6 gm, Sugars 8-17 gm.  As I stated earlier the ingredients are all natural, organic, and non-GMO.

I shared my Solbites with co-workers and everyone loved them.  My favorite was the peanut butter and strawberry, because I am a PB &J gal.  The only issue I and a coworker had was that each of us had a cracker break when we tried to spread the almond butter.  Maybe we don’t know our own strength!  My daughter also enjoyed spreading the peanut butter and strawberry on her crackers.

 

 

Emeals Review (Free Service Given)

When I discover  emeals a few months ago I was intrigued.  A service that provides menus and a shopping list every week would be something my clients would love.   I contacted emeals in order to review the service and was offered a free three-month subscription in order to review the service.

 Emeals allows you to pick a plan based on eating style, family size, and grocery store choice.  Eating styles include Classic, Clean Eating, Paleo, Slow Cooker, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Simple Gourmet, Low Carb, Low Fat, Portion Control, and Natural & Organic.  The serving size options to choose from include: 1-2 or 3-6.  Store options include ALDI, Kroger, Publix, Ralphs, Safeway, Target, Walmart, and Whole Foods.    Each week subscribers receive via email dinner menus for seven days, each including recipes for an entrée and side dish.  A shopping list based on your eating style and chosen serving size is also included.  Eating styles may be changed once per month.  Subscribers can pick a 3 month, 6 month, or 12 month plan.  Special menus are also published for holidays.  During the three months I used the service we received a special Valentine’s Day Menu.

Cost of emeals:

3 months – $21.00 ($1.75/week)

6 months – $35.00 ($1.45/week)

12 months – $58.00 ($1.11/week)

There are additional plans for Lunch and Breakfast Menu add-ons.   Lunch service is $4.00 per month, which includes menus for 5 days of packable lunches for up to 4 people   Breakfast costs $3.00 per month, which includes menus for 5 days for up to 4 people   I started out with the Clean Eating Style and then switched over to the Low Carb Style based on my usual client population.  The recipes are easy to follow and provide clear directions.  Within each week there is a good variety among protein and vegetable choices.  Emeals is not only a great tool to help you plan ahead and make healthy meals, but will also encourage you to try new foods and cuisines.  Emeals is not a diet plan so does not provide nutrition information on their recipes. 

Here are a few of the dishes that I made in both eating styles.    

 

 

Just released is an iPhone app, which enables subscribers to view their plans, recipes, and shopping lists while on the run.  I think this is a wonderful addition.  I would have loved to have been able to take my list with me via my phone rather than having to remember printed menus!   I find that one of the biggest issues with clients is poor planning.  Without a plan, poor food decisions are often made.  Emeals does most of the planning for you.  I would recommend this service to any of my clients.

 

The Balance Plate

 

 

The Balance Plate is advertised to help you control portion sizes and guide you with five principles based on the current USDA nutrition guidelines: Portion, Proportion, Variety, Balance, and Moderation.

 

The Balance Plate, available in 4 different colors, is divided into three sections representing the four major food groups.  Each section has serving sizes and recommendations placed directly on the plate.  The plate is 10 inches, 100% melamine, and is dishwasher safe.

 

The Choose My Plate is an educational tool that can be used to fulfill the USDA’s new guidelines: (1) build a healthy plate, (2) cut back on foods high in solid fats, added sugars, and salt, (3) eat the right amount of calories for you, and (4) be physically active your way.  This plate is also 10 inches, 100% melamine, and dishwasher safe.

 

The Choose My Plate is also available with food images.

 

The Balance Plate Yin Yang Design is more holistic in nature and can inspire people of all ages to live well balance lives.  As with all the other plates offered the Yin Yang Balance Plate is 10 inches, 100% melamine, and dishwasher safe.

 

The Balance Rainbow Plate for Kids illustrates the components of healthy eating for kids in a fun colorful way.  Divided into four sections, the plate allows for ½ cup of food or 1 serving in each section.  This plate is slightly smaller, 9.5 inches, 100% melamine and dishwasher safe.

 

The Balance Plate helps individuals practice portion control in an easy fun way.  The plates are sturdy and can be easily transported from home to work without the fear of breakage.  The plates are reasonably priced. A portion of their sales are donated to www.foodforthepoor.org. 

 

The folks at the Balance Plate have graciously offered one reader a plate of their choice.  To enter (1) ‘like” the Food Lady Facebook Page, (2) leave a comment telling me why you would like to win a plate and which one you would choose.  The winner will be chosen April 16th.

 

SlimPlate System Weight Loss in a Box

 

 

 

The SlimPlate System is not only a portion control tool, but a whole system for weight loss.  Designed by two physicians this system provides the tools to eat less and choose healthier foods.  The system includes 4 lunch/dinner plates, 1 breakfast plate, 4 cutters, 2 bowls, 2 cups, and of course an instruction booklet.

 

The system recommends eating 5 times per day: 3 meals and 2 snacks.  There are two tracks depending on whether you are an early riser or a night owl.  The SlimPlate system also recommends drinking plenty of water: a glass before each meal and snack, and limiting other beverages to 2 cups per day.

 

Each of the four main plates is designed for different stages in the weight loss plan.  The first plate, “Inspired”, has two sections: one for protein and one for vegetables.   The next two plates in the system, ”Savvy” and “Master” add small sections for starches.  Finally, the “Maintenance” plate is divided into 1/3 sections for proteins, starches, and vegetables.  There are also two borders: an inner for women and outer for men due to differences in calorie need.

“Inspired ” Plate

“Savvy” Plate

 ”Master” Plate

“Maintenance” Plate

The breakfast plate is designed for common breakfast items.  There are a number of semi circles to represent common items and their correct portion sizes such as muffins, bagels, waffles, or pancakes.  Included are also 4 cutters to be used to cut these items to correct sizes. 

 

Included in the system is a fruit saucer to be used to consume fruit for snacks and a cereal/soup bowl.  The hot beverage cup is for coffee, tea or milk.  The instructions say to take small sips and to not refill.  The cold beverage cup instructions also say to take small sips and to not refill.  Water is recommended and unlimited, however no artificial sweeteners or flavoring agents are permitted.  One serving of regular soda or unsweetened juice is permitted once per day.

 

Finally the SlimPlate system recommends using smaller forks and spoons (not included) to allow the user to eat slower.  Included in the instructions is a guide to choosing which plate to use and options for different eating plans.

 

Currently the SlimPlate system is offering free shipping.  To my readers the SlimPlate system is also offering $20.00 off until March 31, 2013. Use coupon code WEBDISCOUNT313.