At The Professional Hypochondriac, food is very important to us – especially foods that make our lives easier and healthier. Since we launched our blog in July, we’ve heard from readers across the country who have given us their “personal recs” of things to try. Many of those suggestions have become staples in our own kitchens and daily routines. Here are a few of our 2011 favorites:
Bella Terra Whole Wheat Cavatappi
Available at specialty grocers
– Personal rec by Frieda S.
When I first tried this whole wheat pasta out on my kids, they didn’t blink. Far from a picky rejection, they wolfed down the entire serving and even asked for more. This brand uses organic 100% whole wheat durum. The calories total 210 for ¾ of a cup with 1 gram of fat, 6 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein.
Popcorners
Available at Sunset Foods and Walmart
– Personal rec by Dana G.
This product is being billed as the new shape of popcorn — popped corn chips in the shape of a triangle. Popcorners come in butter, white cheddar, kettle, cheesy jalapeno and my favorite — sea salt. They’re great for school lunches too. You can count all the ingredients on one hand. A 1 oz. serving is 130 calories with 3g of fat, 170 mg of sodium and 0 sugars.
Trader Joe’s Steelcut Oatmeal
Available at Trader Joe’s
– Personal rec by Lauren W.
Unwrap the package; place the frozen ball of oatmeal in a bowl and microwave for 4 minutes. It’s a hearty, creamy breakfast perfect for a cold morning. An added bonus is that there is no pot to soak. Steel cut oats are full of nutritional value, including B vitamins, calcium and protein. One serving has 150 calories, 2.5g of fat, 4g of fiber and 5g of protein.
Adora Calcium Supplements
Available at Whole Foods or www.adoracalcium.com
- Personal rec by Jodi L.
Is it a supplement or a decadent treat? If you have trouble remembering to take your meds, try this one! The dark chocolate is especially delicious and at 500 mg each, it’s definitely something to look forward to! Adora is a calcium carbonate so it should be ingested with meals. It’s recommended you take it twice a day.
Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Bar – Caramel with Black Sea Salt
Available at Trader Joe’s
4 squares = 210 calories
- Personal rec by Jamie G.
I love when this happens! As I was searching the candy aisle for this bar, I overheard a woman telling her friend she HAD to try it. The three of us ended up getting into the cashier line together – all the while discussing the unique taste of this chocolate treat and the health benefits of dark chocolate. It did not disappoint, as the salty and sweet taste meld together into something really special.
Skinnygirl Margarita
100 calories per 4 oz serving
About $14 for 750 ml bottle
- Personal rec by Haley B.
This product was introduced by Bethenny Frankel who skyrocketed to fame as a reality star on The Real Housewives of New York City. It’s made with blue agave clear tequila and lightly sweetened with agave nectar. A taste test proved it to be a sophisticated cocktail that could easily have been freshly mixed. The fresh lime taste made it extra delicious. The bottle itself is “skinny,” which means you’re paying a premium for a premium drink. It’s nice to have on hand for a last minute girlfriend get together.
What Are Your Personal Recs?
If you have a product you love, can’t live without and are willing to share – please send us your personal recommendations. We’ll do our own due diligence and then consider featuring it as a The Professional Hypochondriac “must have.” We’ll also give credit where credit is due and include a first-name mention of the contributor with the “personal rec.”
So if you’re lovin’ your new lotion, dying over a healthy granola bar or just found that perfect hair gel that makes everything fall into place, please do share. After all, we need a little more help now than we used to!
To give your personal rec, leave your comment below.
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