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These things are EXCELLENT! I found them at one of the local stores for $2.50 a box. They come in blueberry as well, but the strawberry is better Source: Diet food Reviews Special K Strawberry Fruit Crisps By: Emily W | Feb 10, 2010 Special K Strawberry Fruit CrispsSpecial K Fruit Crisps are a new "pop tart like" offering from the Special K brand. There are quite a few different names for these types of pastries - there's Pop Tarts, which is actually a brand name, toaster pops (like Amy's Organic Toaster Pops), toaster pastries (Nature's Path Organic Frosted Strawberry Toaster Pastries and Fiber One Strawberry Toaster Pastries) and toaster tarts (Health Valley Organic Red Cherry Toaster Tarts) - at least those are the names I know of. Whatever you call 'em, they are pretty much the same thing - a pastry crust on the outside and a fruity sugary filled inside. NUTRITION FACTS Serving Size: 25 grams (2 crisps) Calories: 100 Total Fat: 2 grams, 3% Saturated Fat: 0% Sodium: 80 mg, 3% Carbohydrates: 20 grams Fiber: < 1 gram, 1% Sugars: 7 grams Protein: 1 gram I picked up a box of the Special K Strawberry Fruit Crisp for $2.79 at Target and when I got home I ripped open a package and took a bite. My mom immediately asked me if I should have heated it in the toaster - the answer is no - these were good even without being heated. They look remarkably like a thin, skinny Pop-tart! These thin bars possess a crispy, crunchy texture comparable to a cookie/cracker hybrid. A thin layer of strawberry jam filling adds a perfectly sweet gooiness. When the crispy base combines with the thin, yet delightful layer of strawberry sweetness, visions of shortbread Cookies comes to mind. Each 52 gram serving of Special K Strawberry Fruit Crisps is 2 pastries (52 grams) which provides 100 calories from 2 grams of total fat, less than 1 gram of fiber and Protein and 7 grams of sugars. It may seem like Fiber One Strawberry Toaster Pastries) for example have more calories and sugar - but 1 Fiber One pastry weighs 2x BOTH the Special K pastries. So Special K has basically cut the calories (and sugar) in half by giving you half the amount of other brands. The ingredient list could be shorter and contains the dreaded partially hydrogenated oils. I would say that these were a home run coming out of the Special K kitchens. I am not a hard core follower of Special K, mostly because I would like to see more wholesome ingredient lists accompanying their products, however, their new Fruit Crisps are really delicious. They don't offer much in the way of nutrients, but I think about it this way - I feel more satisfied eating 2 pastries while sipping some tea, than trying to eat half of a Fiber One Toaster pastry and putting away the other half - that will probably never happen. So if you need a little help with portion control of your sweet treats, then try these babies the next time you're out grocery shopping.

Found this on AllRecipes...I substituted Splenda for the white sugar. Here is the original recipe: Ingredients 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 2 cups white sugar 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup Water 1 cup vegetable oil 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Pour in water, vegetable oil and vanilla; mix until well blended. Spread evenly in a 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until the top is no longer shiny. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Nutritional Information Amount Per Serving Calories: 284 | Total Fat: 14.3g | Cholesterol: 0mg

Source: food. The trick: Eat just a little less. Scientists at Harvard and Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge found that people who lowered their calorie intake lost an average of 13 pounds in six months no matter what kind of diet they were on. "This is the best weight-loss news in a long time," says Frank Sacks, MD, nutrition professor at Harvard School of Public Health and lead author of the study. "If you don't like what you're eating, you're not going to stick with it. These findings give you flexibility to trim a bit here and there and still enjoy your favorites." In fact, by nixing just 100 calories a day, you'll lose more than 10 pounds a year. Up your cuts to 250 and you're down 26 pounds. Want to lose faster? Ditch 500 calories daily and you'll drop those pounds in half the time. We found 50 so-easy ways for you to trim a little but save a lot. Cut 100 Calories at Breakfast * Use skim milk in place of flavored Coffee-mate in your two morning mugs. * Eat a bowl of high-fiber Cereal and you'll consume fewer calories all day. * Order bacon, not sausage, with your eggs. * Choose a yeast doughnut instead of a denser cake one. Cut 100 Calories at lunch * Use 1 tablespoon of mayo and 1 tablespoon of low-fat cottage cheese to make tuna salad. * Put barbecue sauce, not honey mustard, on your chicken sandwich at Wendy's. * Top your burger with onions, lettuce, and tomato and skip the cheese. * Ask for the 12-ounce child-size soda instead of the 21-ounce medium at the drive-through. * Slim down your sandwich by using Arnold Select 100% Whole Wheat Sandwich Thins instead of whole wheat bread. * Toss your salad with 1 tablespoon of dressing until every lettuce leaf is coated. You'll get away with using half the usual serving size. Try this trick at dinner too. * Skip the crackers and shredded cheese on your chili. Cut 100 Calories at Dinner * Trade butter for a flavorful spread made with garlic, fresh rosemary, and light, trans fat-free margarine. * Making meatballs? Mix half the amount of ground beef the recipe calls for with half as much cooked brown rice. * Instead of two slices of medium pepperoni pan pizza, choose thin-crust. * When munching on chicken wings, don't toss the bones midway through. Seeing the evidence of your feast may help you eat less, studies show. Cut 100 Calories from a Snack * Trade 1/2 cup of premium vanilla ice cream for 1/2 cup of Breyers chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream. * Ordering a cone? Make it the sugar, not the waffle, kind. * Munch on Pirate's Booty. In a study, switching to an air-puffed cheesy snack twice a day saved about 70 calories a pop. * Grab a Dannon Light & Fit yogurt, not a low-fat fruit blend. * Replace half the butter in cake, muffin, and brownie recipes with an equal amount of applesauce or mashed bananas. You'll save about 100 calories for every tablespoon you swap. * Indulge in a slice of angel food cake drizzled with chocolate syrup rather than three Cookies. ------------------- Cut 250 Calories at Breakfast * Trade a reduced-fat blueberry muffin for instant oatmeal topped with 1/4 cup of fresh blueberries. Bonus: You'll stay satisfied all morning. * Measure out your breakfast cereal; overestimating by just 1/3 cup can add 100 calories. * Enjoy it with a 16-ounce chai latte with skim milk rather than a green tea latte with 2 percent. Cut 250 Calories at Lunch * Pick turkey over tuna in your 6-inch sub. * At the salad bar, reach for shredded Parmesan instead of cheddar and skip the bread. * Nuke a Lean Cuisine chicken parm instead of having one delivered. Cut 250 Calories at Dinner * Make your own salad dressing using low-sodium, fat-free broth in place of 2 tablespoons of oil. * Having fajitas? Fill up one tortilla rather than three, then eat the rest of your fixings with a fork. * Sub black Beans for refried and hold the side of Mexican rice. * Order filet mignon instead of a New York strip steak. * Opt for broccoli chicken over sweet-and-sour, and for steamed brown rice, not fried. Cut 250 Calories from a Snack * Bite into a chocolate-covered strawberry rather than a chocolate chip cookie. * Skip the small movie-theater popcorn and bring your own 1-ounce bag of Lay's. * Switch from juice to Crystal Light twice a day. * At the mall, curb a craving for a soft pretzel with a 100-calorie pretzel pack. ------------------- Cut 500 Calories * Eat fruit before every meal. In a Pennsylvania State University study, people who munched apples 15 minutes before lunch ate about 187 fewer calories. * Order one brunch entree to share. Who can finish that giant omelet, anyway? * When making mac and cheese, resist temptation and prep just half the box. Save the rest in a zip-top bag for next time. * Use your grandmother's Joy of Cooking and you'll save an average of 506 calories over three meals, according to a recent Cornell University study. The secret: Smaller portion sizes and lower-calorie ingredients were called for back then. * Instead of a Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha for your afternoon pick-me-up, order coffee with a little milk and a dusting of chocolate. * At happy hour, drink two rum and diet colas and back away from the bowl of stale snack mix. ----------------- Turn Up the Burn The more active you are, the fewer calories you'll need to cut. Try these food-fitness combos to reach your target number. Goal: 100 calories Burn 50: Get up from your desk and take a 20-minute walk at lunch. Cut 50: Skip the oyster crackers in your Soup. Goal: 250 calories Burn 125: Shovel the driveway for 20 minutes. Cut 125: Hold the cinnamon bun. Eat two slices of cinnamon toast. Goal: 500 calories Burn 250: Spend two hours making dinner for the entire week. Cut 250: Mist a pan with cooking spray instead of pouring in oil. Sources: Sari Greaves, RD, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association; Jayne Hurley, RD, senior nutritionist for the Center for Science in the Public Interest; Barbara Rolls, PhD, author of The Volumetrics Eating Plan; Brian Wansink, PhD, FITNESS advisory board member and author of Mindless Eating; and Hope Warshaw, RD, author of Eat Out, Eat Right, third edition, and What to Eat When You're Eating Out Originally published in FITNESS magazine, February 2010.

I'm sure some have experienced joint pain during one point or another in their lives, which can put a damper on daily life, including regular exercise. Here are some good exercises to help such pain from Fluid motions of tai chi can reduce arthritis pain while improving mobility, breathing, balance, and relaxation. As with yoga, the only person you are competing with in tai chi is yourself. Look for group classes offered by local community programs, community colleges, or fitness centers. If those aren’t available, pick up a beginner’s tai chi DVD and follow along in your living room. Key areas: flexibility and strength Water Exercise Ever wish you could escape the painful pull of gravity tugging at your joints every once in a while? A pool can provide that. Try a water-based exercise routine that takes advantage of the buoyant yet resistant quality of water to increase joint flexibility and/or build strength. There are also water-aerobics routines to exercise your cardiovascular system. Warm water is best for arthritis sufferers, so look for an aquatic center with a heated pool or spa that offers water-exercise classes. As with any new routine, be sure to ask your instructor how to adapt the movements to your condition. Key areas: flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular, depending on activity Isometric Exercise One key way that exercise helps reduce joint pain is by building muscle, which in turn helps take strain and pressure off the joints. Isometric exercises accomplish this by increasing muscle without moving the joint itself: Creating pressure by pushing your palms against each other is one example of an isometric exercise. White recommends that you work with a medical professional or physical therapist to develop an isometric routine that fits your particular needs and abilities. Key area: strength Isotonic Exercise Isotonic exercises also build muscle and strength, but unlike isometric exercise they do require movement of the joint. Still, these exercises, such as lifting and lowering the leg from the knee while sitting in a chair, are gentle and use your own body weight to create resistance, which makes them a perfect workout for those with arthritis. Again, work with a physical therapist or medical professional to choose the best exercises for your particular situation. Key area: strength Walking (my favorite! ) Want an exercise routine that can be done anytime, anywhere, alone, or with a group? Walking might be a perfect match. It’s safe, low impact, strengthens muscles, and helps keep weight in check. Aim for a pace that leaves you slightly short of breath, but not so much that you can’t carry on a conversation normally. Besides building muscle in the lower body, walking also works out your heart and lungs. Another perk of pounding the pavement; studies have linked simple walking to everything from sounder sleep to a better mood. Start with ten minutes a day and gradually work your way up to 30. And try to walk on as many days of the week as possible! Key areas: cardiovascular and strength Bicycling Take yourself for a spin on a stationary bike indoors or on a two-wheeled version outside. Cycling works your cardiovascular system and builds muscle without stressful impact on the joints. If you haven’t been on a bike since you were a kid, the Arthritis Foundation recommends you start with five-minute sessions three times a day and work your way up. Key areas: cardiovascular and strength Golf Turn your Quest to get more active into a game of golf. This fresh-air activity combines walking with gentle range of motion movements, improving your balance and coordination as you play. A wide variety of special equipment — from shoes and gloves to clubs and lower-compression golf balls — can make playing the game easier on those with arthritis. Consult with an occupational therapist for advice on tailoring the game to your ability and needs. Key areas: cardiovascular and flexibility

I was reading a few articles about this earlier. I never liked their canned shakes (they had a "tinny" taste to me), and when I did use Slim Fast, it was either the powders or snack bars.

Source: Snacks Attack If you buy a snack at a fast-food restaurant or other convenience outlet, beware. Most takeout foods are much higher in fat and calories than you might think. For instance, a Carrot Walnut Spice Muffin at Au Bon Pain packs in nearly one-third the calories you need in a day and half the fat. To avoid these calorie traps when you're on the go, take healthy low-fat snacks such as fruits and vegetables with you. If you've got a healthy snack in the car, you won't be as tempted to purchase one of these. Au Bon Pain Carrot Walnut Spice Muffin 550 calories, 27 grams of fat The Everyday Health Swap: You may be seduced by the sweet spice of this carrot muffin, but are the double-digit fat grams really worth it? Instead, try one of these alternatives: Carrot Raisin Bread 99 calories, 3 grams of fat oatmeal Carrot Muffins 151 calories, 3 grams of fat Dunkin' Donuts chocolate Chip Muffin 590 calories, 24 grams of fat The Everyday Health Swap: You can have your cake and eat it too — if it's not high in fat! Indulge in these mouth-watering cupcakes or delicate soufflés: Chocolate-Cream cheese Cupcakes 166 calories, 5 grams of fat Chocolate Soufflés 109 calories, 2 grams of fat Mrs. Fields Semi-Sweet Chocolate & Walnuts Cookie 310 calories, 16 grams of fat The Everyday Health Swap: Most of us love chocolate chip Cookies, but none of us love extra calories! Try this lower-calorie recipe for a classic cookie: Chocolate Chip Cookies 72 calories, 3 grams of fat Krispy Kreme Glazed Creme Filled Doughnut 360 calories, 19 grams of fat The Everyday Health Swap: You can chuck more than half of those fat grams and still indulge in a creamy, rich dessert. Tiramisu 186 calories, 8 grams of fat Jamba juice Peanut Butter Moo'd 860 calories, 21 grams of fat The Everyday Health Swap: Frozen, creamy drinks can be tasty and low-fat! Mango-strawberry smoothie 142 calories, 1 gram of fat Root Beer Frosty 49 calories, no fat Chocolate-banana Sipper 122 calories, 1 gram of fat Cinnabon Classic Roll 730 calories, 24 grams of fat The Everyday Health Swap: Serve these delicious Desserts warm and enjoy without any guilt! Apple coffee Cake 196 calories, 8 grams of fat Apple Cinnamon Cobbler 258 calories, 10 grams of fat Starbucks Grande White Chocolate Mocha 480 calories, 20 grams of fat (with whole milk) The Everyday Health Swap: Pre-make a pitcher of this low-fat, low-calorie coffee drink so you can grab it on the go. Iced Mocha 46 calories, 1 gram of fat

It's sugar free, contains 16 grams of Protein per serving, and has L-Arginine, which helps in the healing of wounds, just an example of its benefits. A serving is only 70 calories (if taken alone mixed with water), 1g carbohydrates, 10mg of potassium, and 30g of sodium. NO fat or cholesterol! The protein is Liqua-Cel, a concentrated liquid Protein. It does come in flavors such as Citrus Orange and Grape. I got some samples from a nutritionist, but Square One Medical should have more on it at http://www.sq1med.com or calling 877-306-1217

What's worse than a situation than this one is that of those who gossip and make up things about total strangers they neither know nor never met, but think they can pass judgment on them based on their appearance or whatever. That too is just as rude and classless as upfront remarks.

HA HA! It's been two and a half years, and depending on what I have eaten, or even as a signal that I am full, I do burp a little. It doesn't sound very nice, but at the same time it is a tool to stop before a PB or stuck episode happens-which aren't pleasant, as we all know.

Bottom line: Anyone making comments (though I can't really be sure this was derisive, being I didn't hear the tone, etc.), unless it appears in a constructive manner, shouldn't be taken seriously. Just remember there are insecure, jealous people out there and they are the one with the problem, not you. Unfortunately, exercise doesn't help acquire class either.

Another one of my articles I finished up ----------------------- We all know about the benefits of exercise. Not only does it does wonderful things for our appearance, but also has several health advantages: 1. Exercise can keep LDL (“bad cholesterol”) levels low (less than 100 mg/dL is optimum). 2. Exercise helps control high blood pressure, along with a healthy diet and proper medications. 3. The heart and lungs are strengthened with regular exercise, in addition to keeping the muscles and joints flexible, allowing them to move with ease. 4. Exercise releases oxygen to the brain as well as increases serotonin levels, which has been described by some as “nature’s mood modulator.” 5. Exercise has also been known to help improve one’s ability to focus, manage stress, use muscle groups that are normally not used in regular daily activity, and even help us sleep better. With these and all the other advantages that exercise has to offer, there is really no reason not to at least get in thirty minutes a day at a minimum of three times a week. However, like most other things in life, there are precautions one needs to take to have a safe and effective workout. Get a checkup from your physician before beginning any type of program: Sure, you may feel fine, but that doesn’t always mean something may exist in which you may not be aware. A full physical and clearance from your doctor will give both peace of mind and assure safety in the aspect of your overall general health before you begin. Have plenty of room and keep pets in a safe place: Nothing is worse than doing aerobics and then knocking the furniture over and kicking the dog by accident. If the need arises, move furniture out of the way where you need to work out, put the dog outside or shut the cat in another room, and the problem of anything in the way will be solved, at least during your workout. If you’re working out at home, focus on YOU: This is your time. That means turn off the phone, the TV (unless of course, you popped in a workout DVD!) and clears any other distractions possible. Not having one’s undivided attention on what they are doing while exercising can easily lead to an injury. Wear comfortable clothing and closed shoes. You are trying to get into a fitness routine, not a fashion show. Even a five-pound weight dropped on an exposed toe… well, you get the picture. Tight clothing with fabrics that don’t “breathe” and exercise don’t mix either. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move and sturdy athletic shoes (with socks). Even something simple as shorts and T-shirts will work nicely. Warm up and cool down: Much as we would like to dive right in to an exercise routine, doing so is a definite don’t. A five minute stretch and/or walk will prepare the muscles for the work ahead and the risk of injury (torn and pulled muscles are not fun, after all) is greatly reduced. Cool down exercises once the workout is finished brings the heart rate back to normal at a safe level as well as stretches out the muscles to relax them. If you are at a fitness center and not sure how to use a particular machine or how to perform a specific exercise, ask a trainer or staff member for assistance; that‘s one reason why they are there. Once you have learned a few times, make sure to do it properly to prevent any injuries. A great deal of workout-related injuries at fitness centers have stemmed from equipment not being used in the correct manner. Stay hydrated: It’s a fact—exercise will make us SWEAT! No, it isn’t weight loss; it is your body cooling off as you work out and the ‘water weight’ lost will be instantly replaced once you have consumed liquids. The best thing is to keep a Water bottle nearby during your workout. Never drink soda or any other kind of caffeinated beverages, as it will only dehydrate you more. Water or sports drinks are usually the best options. Most of all, know your limits: Not all of us are body builders or can swim the Atlantic Ocean. If you can’t perform a certain move, don’t push it, it’s better to stay within your zone, especially in the beginning, than try to keep up with others that may be a little more advanced and make a fool of yourself, or worse, risk an injury that may set you back even further than when you started. Take all of these into consideration when you begin a new healthy lifestyle, and you will be fit, be happy, and most of all, have a safe and fun workout! Enjoy!

I opened the email account that I use specifically for writing projects (outside of fan fic) and was greeted with a pleasant surprise- I was chosen as a Featured writer on Raffter Jump On.com for my article on hearing loss and deafness. I'm on the front page of both the site and their Facebook page. Here are the links: Rafter Jumpon - New York, NY | Facebook (you may have to join the group to see the page) and RafterJumpOn - Featured Rafters (this goes directly to the article that resulted in me being featured) I think it's going to be a good day.

All right, I've seen the ads for these and considering putting them on the shopping list for this week, but first, has anyone actually tried them? They're supposed to be 10 grams of protein and five grams of fiber, but are they worth the money? How do they taste? Not that I'm giving up my regular protein powder, but I am curious.