I am not a huge reality show fan but there is one that I simply adore. It is Chris Powell's Extreme Makeover- Weight Loss Edition on ABC. I find Chris and the people featured on the show to be beyond inspiring. I can be folding my laundry and watching the show and suddenly I am itching to work out. If I have skipped a run or weight training I will run in place during the commercials or lift some hand weights instead of laundry while watching this show. I just can't sit there and not be inspired to move. If someone 400+ pounds is running, why can't I get off my keister and do likewise?
Chris doesn't just help these people lose weight, he teaches them a new way of life. They learn to revise their eating habits and it helps me revise and maintain mine as well. However, I have a hard time now that I have three little ones keeping track of what I eat and how much I'm taking in as I eat. Sitting down for a meal is harder than ever. There's always spilled milk to clean up or forks being dropped onto the floor. Marie Callender's Under 500 meals have become a useful tool in fighting the battle of hunger and post-baby weight loss. The Chicken Santa Fe (410 calories) is just one of my favorites. It's a hot meal in the middle of the day or on a night when I don't feel like cooking a big meal. It fills me up, tastes great and doesn't blow my calorie intake for the day.
There are 34 varieties of Marie Callender's Under 500 frozen meals. There are stir-fry's, pastas, Italian and Mexican as well as traditional meals. There is sure to be something for everyone.
MPR Rating: Four Stars.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. MPR worked with TheMotherhood.com on this post and received payment and product for it. Opinions are MPR's only.
Recent Posts
Showing posts with label TheMotherhood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TheMotherhood. Show all posts
August 9, 2011
August 2, 2011
It's All About the Portions, Baby!
I have a beautiful eleven month-old daughter. She's sweet and cuddly and has a brand new row of chompers. You know what I don't think is quite so beautiful? The baby weight I'm carrying around. Bother. It is hard finding time to work out and shed those pounds and that just doesn't always take the weight off. Half the battle is watching what you eat and that also means portion control. That's where Marie Callender's frozen meals has been helping me out.
Under 500 calories each these meals are full of variety, vegetables and taste. I pop one in the microwave and in no time I have a total meal just for me. It's not all stir-frys either. The Smoky Cheddar Mac & Uncured Bacon is a crazy 380 calories but doesn't taste anywhere near that! While I wish the bacon crisped up better it is still a nice, creamy, cheesy treat that won't blow my daily caloric intake. The portion doesn't feel too small either. I was sufficiently full afterwards. Now portion control doesn't consist of a broccoli floret and two squished french fries with a side of a salvaged from my kids plate turkey sandwich. Thanks Marie Callender's!
Marie Callender's offers frozen meals in a Fresh Flavor Steamers and Complete Meal lines all 'Under 500' calories. It's great for busy people who want to watch what they eat but are also short on time or ideas. They are available at your grocer's freezer nationwide.
MPR Rating: Three Stars (based on Cheddar Mac entree)
Disclaimer: This post was done in collaboration with Marie Callender's and TheMotherhood.com. MPR was paid for this post. Opinions are MPR's only.
July 28, 2011
Marie Callender's Under 500 Solves My Lunchtime Woes
Today, I sampled the Chicken Piccata from the Marie Callender's Fresh Flavor Steamers line. At 360 calories it was loaded with grilled chicken, capers, penne pasta and a nice lemon-butter sauce that filled me up but didn't make me feel stuffed. It took three and a half minutes to cook in my microwave, which was about all the time I had in between feeding a baby, toddler and preschool age child. I felt that I was eating a balanced meal, something that is also hard for me to whip up on many days when the kitchen gets really busy, crowded and noisy with the kids. These meals save my sanity and my waistline and I am so happy with that.
Plus? Eating meals like the 'Under 500' group saves me from eating some really funky food combinations like when I have no time to think about what I'm actually eating. There have been days when my lunch has been made up of marshmallows, cheese slices and lemon water. I know, how healthy is that? What kind of example does that set for healthy eating with my kids? Later on, I will become ravenous and end up eating half a bag of tortilla chips. Not good at all. Other days it is the very familiar eating what is left on my kids plate. You know, three green beans, a half a quorn nugget and a swig of coffee. Mmm... that's gourmet eatin' right there.
MPR Rating: Four Stars.
Disclaimer: MPR worked in conjunction with Marie Callender's on behalf of TheMotherhood. MPR was compensated for this post. Opinions are MPR's only.
May 6, 2011
Healthy Choice Meals
Healthy Choice has changed things up and has introduced Cafe Steamers, All Natural Entrees and Steaming Entrees along with their classic frozen entrees. This is a nice addition to the brand that already has various low sodium, low fat, heavy on the vegetable style meals. Healthy Choice has nearly 70 varieties of meals that contain fewer than 400 calories while providing positive nutrients such as whole grains, fiber, protein and antioxidants.
I steamed up a Chicken Romano Fresca from the Steaming Entrees line first. Loaded with broccoli, red peppers, whole-grain pasta and chicken. It had a slight buttery sauce and a peppery punch. It was enough to satisfy me and the 16 grams of protein filled me up for the afternoon. A few days later I sampled the General Tso's Spicy Chicken from the Cafe Steamers line. A nice, spicy sauce mixed with rice, peas and chicken makes up part of this Asian-inspired meal. Loaded with protein and no preservatives I again found myself full of energy the rest of the afternoon, which is something I lack when I eat just a salad with nuts.
I love how full of protein and flavor all these meals are no matter what line they are in. I feel like I am getting a good amount of vegetables too.
A study, conducted during 2009 and 2010, followed more than 60 participants for 30 days with one group primarily eating Healthy Choice meals for lunch and the other group mainly for dinner every day. Participants were also instructed to add 2-3 food items to their diet, such as fruits and vegetables, according to their caloric/gender needs.
Participants in the study:
o Lost an average of six pounds and trimmed their waistlines by about one inch
o Improved the quality of their overall diets by increasing dietary fiber, reducing saturated fat intake by 50 percent and consuming 30 percent less cholesterol and sodium
o Reported an increased sense of well being, having more energy and feeling healthier after just 30 days.
Healthy Choice meals are quite simply a real easy way for me, a busy working mother, to get what I need to get me through the day in a way that is healthy, full of flavor and the nutrients I need. I feel more health conscious and that I have more portion control when I eat them as well.
MPR Rating: Four Stars.
Disclaimer: MPR worked with Healthy Choice and The Motherhood.com on this sponsored post. Compensation was received but opinions are MPR's only.
*The research was presented by the Rippe Lifestyle Institute at the Experimental Biology Conference in April 2011 and funded by ConAgra Foods. Images from healthychoice.com
November 19, 2010
Marie Callender's Multi-Serve Bakes + Giveaway!
It took a bit of searching but I was able to find two of the six flavors Marie Callender's offers (Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Cheese and Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes) that are all in the comfort food category. Other food options include- Scalloped Potatoes and Ham, Southwestern Style Chipotle Chicken Bake, and Chicken, Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna. Retailing at under $6 at most locations my local grocery store sold it for $6.29. My free coupon was for up to $5.69 and these meals typically cost under $5 elsewhere.
Finally having the meals in my possession I served up the Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes at lunch. My mother was visiting and I wondered how she would like it. We both found this dish to be hearty and filling. The pasta was cooked just right- a bit al dente while the carrots, broccoli and sun dried tomato bits were steamed and not mushy. I was impressed by that factor and how the punch of the tomato was just right. The cheesy Alfredo sauce had a nice flavor as well. While my mother wished for more chicken in the dish I thought it was just right. More vegetables would have been nice in my opinion.
Next, I served the Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Cheese. I was unprepared for how rich this tastes. As I took it out of the oven I noticed a few reddish looking pieces in it and looked at the ingredients again. No vegetables in this dish. What was this red part? Red pepper. There is a bite to this mac & cheese that has a definite adult flavor to it. My kids were not impressed deeming it too "spicy" for their consumption but I liked it. It's creamy with plenty of cheesy sauce that has a nice flavor that rings with more than one note.
I wish I could have tried other versions of Marie Callender Multi-Serve meals. They make easy side dishes that heat up quickly in both the oven and microwave, but can also be used for two people as a one dish entree that won't blow your budget to bits.
GIVEAWAY- I'm giving away two coupons for you to try these meals for free yourself. One lucky reader will win them (chosen at random) just by commenting on which Marie Callender meal they would like to eat. Contest ends November 27, 2010. Good luck!
MPR Rating: Four Stars.
Disclaimer: MPR worked with Marie Callender's and TheMotherhood on this sponsored post. I was compensated for my time. Opinions are MPR's own.
Congratulations to Nancy on winning the Marie Callender's meals!
October 29, 2010
Avent-Top Twenty Tips for New & Expecting Moms
To help guide women through the joyful and exciting process of becoming a mom for the first time, Philips AVENT asked TheMotherhood.com, an online network of moms, to give their best advice for new and expecting parents.
Moms came through with a virtual baby shower of tips. Here are the Top Twenty:
Pregnancy
1. Keep a journal or take weekly photos to capture the magical moments of your pregnancy. Philips
AVENT is launching a Facebook application soon that will help you do this – stay tuned!
Take naps, rest, and be OK with the fact that you might not be able to do as much as you normally
would.
If this is your second pregnancy, know that it might not be the same as your first. Every pregnancy is
unique!
Make a list and pack a bag for the hospital. Don’t forget less obvious items like a phone list of people
you want to notify when the baby is born, change for the vending machines and baby’s first outfit!
Buy a baby memory book and ask the nurse at the hospital to put your newborn’s footprints and
hospital bracelet in the book.
Preparing for Baby’s Arrival
-Take a mom with you when you register for baby items so you know you’re requesting items you’ll
really use, like baby bottles and pacifiers.
- Make and freeze meals for yourself and your family before you’re due to give birth.
-Put a small refrigerator in your bedroom and fill it with milk, snacks and water so you’ll have those
items close at hand once your baby has arrived.
-Stock up on diapers – you’ll need lots – as you won’t always have the energy to get more later on.
You can spread out the cost by buying one package of diapers for each trip to the grocery store.
-Look into local mom groups ahead of time – they can be a great source of advice, support, and even
meals!
Caring for Your Newborn
-You can NEVER love your baby too much! It’s okay to give him or her lots of affection.
-Ask family and friends for recommendations on finding the right pediatrician shortly after your
baby is born. A good pediatrician is like a parenting partner.
-Read your baby, not the books. Trust your instincts and focus on your child’s needs.
-When you need to put your baby down somewhere, put him/her on the floor. He/she can’t fall off the
floor.
-Don’t take on the entire process of caring for your child. Relinquish control once in a while, and let
your partner help you.
Caring for Yourself
- Be clear about visitation parameters. Everyone will want to see you and the new baby, but you need
time to rest.
-If you need something, ask for it! You aren’t superhuman, and people want to help.
-Take a little guilt-free “me” time for yourself every day.
- If someone asks how they can help you, ask them to bring food. The more meals you have stocked in
the freezer, the less time and energy you have to spend making dinner.
- Let go of perfection. When your baby is sleeping, you should sleep too – don’t use the time to clean
the house or run errands.
For more than 25 years, Philips AVENT, the number one bottle brand in the world, has been a trusted partner from pregnancy through toddlerhood, giving parents the confidence to choose the products that support their baby’s developing needs. Learn more at http://www.philips.us/avent or visit Philips AVENT’s new Facebook page for more tips and advice.
Moms came through with a virtual baby shower of tips. Here are the Top Twenty:
Pregnancy
1. Keep a journal or take weekly photos to capture the magical moments of your pregnancy. Philips
AVENT is launching a Facebook application soon that will help you do this – stay tuned!
Take naps, rest, and be OK with the fact that you might not be able to do as much as you normally
would.
If this is your second pregnancy, know that it might not be the same as your first. Every pregnancy is
unique!
Make a list and pack a bag for the hospital. Don’t forget less obvious items like a phone list of people
you want to notify when the baby is born, change for the vending machines and baby’s first outfit!
Buy a baby memory book and ask the nurse at the hospital to put your newborn’s footprints and
hospital bracelet in the book.
Preparing for Baby’s Arrival
-Take a mom with you when you register for baby items so you know you’re requesting items you’ll
really use, like baby bottles and pacifiers.
- Make and freeze meals for yourself and your family before you’re due to give birth.
-Put a small refrigerator in your bedroom and fill it with milk, snacks and water so you’ll have those
items close at hand once your baby has arrived.
-Stock up on diapers – you’ll need lots – as you won’t always have the energy to get more later on.
You can spread out the cost by buying one package of diapers for each trip to the grocery store.
-Look into local mom groups ahead of time – they can be a great source of advice, support, and even
meals!
Caring for Your Newborn
-You can NEVER love your baby too much! It’s okay to give him or her lots of affection.
-Ask family and friends for recommendations on finding the right pediatrician shortly after your
baby is born. A good pediatrician is like a parenting partner.
-Read your baby, not the books. Trust your instincts and focus on your child’s needs.
-When you need to put your baby down somewhere, put him/her on the floor. He/she can’t fall off the
floor.
-Don’t take on the entire process of caring for your child. Relinquish control once in a while, and let
your partner help you.
Caring for Yourself
- Be clear about visitation parameters. Everyone will want to see you and the new baby, but you need
time to rest.
-If you need something, ask for it! You aren’t superhuman, and people want to help.
-Take a little guilt-free “me” time for yourself every day.
- If someone asks how they can help you, ask them to bring food. The more meals you have stocked in
the freezer, the less time and energy you have to spend making dinner.
- Let go of perfection. When your baby is sleeping, you should sleep too – don’t use the time to clean
the house or run errands.
For more than 25 years, Philips AVENT, the number one bottle brand in the world, has been a trusted partner from pregnancy through toddlerhood, giving parents the confidence to choose the products that support their baby’s developing needs. Learn more at http://www.philips.us/avent or visit Philips AVENT’s new Facebook page for more tips and advice.
October 25, 2010
Wendy's You Pick 2 Menu & Blogger Lunch
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TheMotherhood and Wendy's asked me if I would like to have lunch with a bunch of other DC bloggers (yeah! lunch with girlfriends!), try out their new 'You Pick 2' menu ($4.99) and tell them what I think.
First, there are over 28 combinations to choose from when you decide to go the 'You Pick 2' route. It was a bit daunting and it took me a bit to mull things over. There are four salads- The BLT Cobb, The Spicy Chicken Caesar, Apple Pecan Chicken and the Baja. These are half-size versions of Wendy's Garden Sensation salads. From there you can choose a classic frosty, Dasani water, a Coke, Chicken Wrap Sandwich, Baked Potato, Jr. Burger, Chili or Chili & Chips. I ended up with the Baked Potato (sour cream and butter on the side) and the Apple Pecan Chicken Salad. Throwing in a bottle of water totaled it to less than $7 which wasn't a bad price. I was surprised and pleased at how reasonable the portions were too. The salad wasn't too big or overly stuffed with "filler" lettuce. A good-sized grilled chicken breast was placed on top and my pecans and Pomegranate Vinaigrette dressing were on the side. Blue Cheese, apples and cranberries filled out the remainder of the dish. All combined I felt satisfied and not like I loaded up on heavy, fattening fast food. Nearby I watched as my friends tried the Baja Salad and Spicy Caesar. I seemed to be the only one who didn't give in to the Frosty. Maybe it's the baby weight I'm trying to lose but I was close. I love a good chocolate Frosty.
I am not a big fast food eater but I would go back and order from the 'Wendy's You Pick 2' menu again. It has many options and is priced right. The selection makes it easy to choose healthier alternatives but still get that small Frosty or soda if you want to indulge.
MPR Rating: Four Stars.
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by TheMotherhood and Wendy's. I received gift cards towards purchasing my meal and a friends as well as payment. Opinions are MPR's only and are not swayed by sponsorship.
October 19, 2010
Got Colic?
I can still remember the tension. The aching knot in my shoulders that was caused by them continuously being hunched up in stress and frustration as I tried to soothe my daughter for what felt like the millionth hour that day. Every day. Colic. That five letter word can reduce any parent to a puddle and incite groans in so many. I still cry out in horror when someone mentions it and our daughter is now almost five.
Shortly after we brought our beautiful first baby home from the hospital she changed. Gone was the serene sweet face. Instead it was replaced by a red, beady-eyed screaming mite of a child that never stopped crying. She would be rigid and fighting for hours on end. It caused no end of stress, questioning and frustration in our house as we first time parents had no idea what to do for this colicky baby. Her doctor tried to help giving us all the positions to hold her and books to read. We tried so many. Once the screaming was so bad from her and us that a neighbor popped by to ask us if we wanted her to take TD for a while just to give us a break. It was that bad. To say we felt trapped and overwhelmed was an understatement.
While I have no quick remedy I do have an arsenal of ideas, tips and tricks that we tried and found success with at many given times. And like they say, "this too shall pass..." it did. Hang in there. Read on about what we did to soothe our colicky baby and offer some advice to others if you want to pass on your own wisdom. I am working with AVENT and TheMotherhood on this issue and hope you can help us out with your thoughts, ideas and tips. Sharing your own stories is also welcome.
The Miracle Blanket- they say swaddling can help calm a colicky baby. This "baby straight-jacket", as my husband called it, worked incredibly well. We would wrap TD up tight in this each night and it would calm her down.
The Football hold- Placing her on H's forearm, stomach down relieved some of the gas and discomfort she felt many nights as did pumping her legs while she was lying down.
Soy Formula- This may not work or even be a remedy for everyone but it was our saving grace. We tried this at 6 a.m. one morning after a marathon screamfest and hours spent pacing the floor and bouncing TD. I finally relented and remembered that the labeled said it could help with "fussy" babies. EUREKA! After a week we had our serene baby back and life slowly got better.
Kanye West- Certainly not a traditional remedy by any means but for some reason West's 'Late Registration' CD worked like magic on our child. I must have played "Touch the Sky" and "Drive Slow" about a million times rocking, dipping and swaying her to the beats. She loved it and it never failed to amaze me and lighten my mood as well.
Avent Bottles- Truthfully, the only ones we allowed in our house for TD. They helped reduce her colic as well and we lived by those wide, squatty bottles. I'm still a fan of the BPA-free ones for The Fifth Element.
I'm giving away a fabulous package to one lucky reader too- an AVENT gift basket that has 3 bottles – one of each size (4, 9 and 11 oz) and Dr. Jen Trachtenberg’s new book 'The Smart Parent's Guide to Getting Your Kids Through Checkups, Illnesses, and Accidents: Expert Answers to the Questions Parents Ask Most'. To enter simply submit those fabulous tips for caring for colicky babies in the comments! I will choose a winner at random by October 29, 2010.
Shortly after we brought our beautiful first baby home from the hospital she changed. Gone was the serene sweet face. Instead it was replaced by a red, beady-eyed screaming mite of a child that never stopped crying. She would be rigid and fighting for hours on end. It caused no end of stress, questioning and frustration in our house as we first time parents had no idea what to do for this colicky baby. Her doctor tried to help giving us all the positions to hold her and books to read. We tried so many. Once the screaming was so bad from her and us that a neighbor popped by to ask us if we wanted her to take TD for a while just to give us a break. It was that bad. To say we felt trapped and overwhelmed was an understatement.
While I have no quick remedy I do have an arsenal of ideas, tips and tricks that we tried and found success with at many given times. And like they say, "this too shall pass..." it did. Hang in there. Read on about what we did to soothe our colicky baby and offer some advice to others if you want to pass on your own wisdom. I am working with AVENT and TheMotherhood on this issue and hope you can help us out with your thoughts, ideas and tips. Sharing your own stories is also welcome.
The Miracle Blanket- they say swaddling can help calm a colicky baby. This "baby straight-jacket", as my husband called it, worked incredibly well. We would wrap TD up tight in this each night and it would calm her down.
The Football hold- Placing her on H's forearm, stomach down relieved some of the gas and discomfort she felt many nights as did pumping her legs while she was lying down.
Soy Formula- This may not work or even be a remedy for everyone but it was our saving grace. We tried this at 6 a.m. one morning after a marathon screamfest and hours spent pacing the floor and bouncing TD. I finally relented and remembered that the labeled said it could help with "fussy" babies. EUREKA! After a week we had our serene baby back and life slowly got better.
Kanye West- Certainly not a traditional remedy by any means but for some reason West's 'Late Registration' CD worked like magic on our child. I must have played "Touch the Sky" and "Drive Slow" about a million times rocking, dipping and swaying her to the beats. She loved it and it never failed to amaze me and lighten my mood as well.
Avent Bottles- Truthfully, the only ones we allowed in our house for TD. They helped reduce her colic as well and we lived by those wide, squatty bottles. I'm still a fan of the BPA-free ones for The Fifth Element.
I'm giving away a fabulous package to one lucky reader too- an AVENT gift basket that has 3 bottles – one of each size (4, 9 and 11 oz) and Dr. Jen Trachtenberg’s new book 'The Smart Parent's Guide to Getting Your Kids Through Checkups, Illnesses, and Accidents: Expert Answers to the Questions Parents Ask Most'. To enter simply submit those fabulous tips for caring for colicky babies in the comments! I will choose a winner at random by October 29, 2010.
