Stats: Serving Size: Calories 130/Fat 5g/Sugars 7g/Fiber 4g/Carb 21g/Protein 2g

Flavors:  Happy Trail Mix, Oatmeal Dark Chocolate, Oatmeal Raisin Flax

Cost: $2.59

Review:  

I think that as long as you eat these cookies with the idea that they are just are not really cookies, then you’ll be okay.  They actually make me think of eating trail mix, which might be where they got the name.  They are definitely not a replacement for traditional cookies, but rather are a healthy version of a cookie.

The taste is actually quite good, I especially like the ones with nuts.  And they definitely have a lot of fiber which makes them healthy and good for you too.  Given the “natural” feel of them, I think they are not too bad.  In fact, I have been known to eat more than just one!

Pro’s:

• Tasty
• Healthy/Nutritious 
• Low calories

Stats:  Running time: 65 minutes

Cost: $10.49 on Amazon, List price $14.99

Review:  Have you ever had those mornings where you just couldn’t get up and work out no matter what you did?  Well, I can’t say that never happens to me, because it does.  But this workout helps.  (Of course I have had days where I couldn’t be convinced to get up no matter how good the workout was, but that’s another story.)

This weight-training video is taught by Jari Love who, of course, is a perfect size two and is very pretty with her long blond hair and expertly applied make-up.  The good news is that she is not annoying and overly cheerful, rather, she is straight forward and matter-of-fact.  She actually sounds a little wooden, but she’s a good instructor so I let that slide. 

The workout is divided into 15 five minute segments.  Each segment offers a demonstration of the exercise before it begins and an alternative for those who may have limitations.  The segment focuses on a particular group of muscles and offers numerous repetitions which ensures that the muscles are fatigued.  There is no cardio section but with the number of reps and the numerous muscles used, your heart rate should be elevated so that there really is no need for one. 

I won’t lie to you: this is one tough workout and it kicks my butt every time!  But it also shapes my butt like no other video has.  In fact, I worked out regularly for a couple of months using this video and could definitely see a change in my backside.  Anything that can offer those kind of results is a plus in my book!

Pro’s:

• Both weight training and cardio benefits
• Instructor is knowledgeable and efficient
• Workout broken down into segments, can pick and choose

Website: http://www.rippedworkout.ca/default.htm  

Rating:  5 stars

Cost:  $10.19 on Amazon, $14.99 list price

Review:  This book has great reviews on Amazon and goodness knows I don’t need another diet book, but I figured “Why not?”  So I bought it.  This is not a typical diet book that teaches you what to eat and how to eat it.  Rather, it’s one man’s journey into the world of weight management.  And I do mean journey.  The story follows Dr. Nick Yphantides as he travels for several months, visiting baseball games around the country.  During this time, he is one a radical liquid diet that he moniters (since he is a doctor).  The end result: a weight loss of almost 300 pounds! 

The book says that it will teach you the seven pillars of weight loss that will help you lose weight.  It may do that, but honestly, that’s not what I came away with.  What I got as I read the book was an admiration for the author and desire to take care of myself.  The writing was heartfelt and honest and in some parts quite funny.  The best part for me, is how even now, when I drag my feet getting to the gym or don’t want to eat the right thing, I think “If he could do it at 467 pounds, then I certainly can.”  That, the power to motivate and inspire, is what a good book is all about. 

Pros:

• Honest, heartfelt
• Good length, 320 pages
• Written from experience

Con’s:

• Isn’t a true diet book (if that’s what you’re looking for)

Website:  http://www.healthsteward.com/ 

Rating: 5 stars

Nutrition Info:  Calories: 120 g/Fat: 3.5 g/Fiber: 2 g/Carb: 21 g/Protein: 2 g/Sugars: 1 g

Flavors:  Ranch, Nacho Cheese

Cost: $3.00-$3.89 for an 11 oz. bag

Review:  I realize that salty foods are my “thing” so I am probably a bit biased, but DANG these chips are good!  I actually had the “real” chips to compare and I have to say that I think I like the baked better.  The consistency is different, of course, so you may have to look past that if you are a true chip lover.  But after eating low-fat foods for a long time, the real chips begin to taste too oily and the baked chips are much more appealing.  Other than the the consistency, there is not much difference.  The nacho chips are cheesy and full of flavor.  The ranch chips have a lot of spicy flavor that make the taste buds come alive (I sound like a commercial)!  The only downside is the number of chips that constitutes a serving size.  But hey, that’s just a fact-of-life when it comes to eating low-fat food!

Pro’s:

• Excellent flavor
• Chips are large
• Low-fat
• Decent amount of fiber

Con’s:

• Consistency different from regular chips
• Small serving size
• Pricery than regular chips

Website:  http://www.fritolay.com/

Rating:  4 Stars

Nutrition:  Calories: 140-150 / Fat: 2 g/Sugar: 15 g/Fiber: 3 g/Serving size: one sandwich

Flavors:  Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookies N’Cream, Mint, Strawberry Shortcake, Vanilla, Vanilla/Chocolate Combo, No Sugar Variety

Cost:  $3.49 - $4.99 for 6 sandwiches

Review: 

The Skinny Cow dessert claims to taste like real ice cream while being low-fat and having few calories.  I have to say that I agree with this assessment.  The flavor is pretty good (granted, I haven’t tried all flavors) and the consistency of the ice cream is good too.  Creamy and rich.  There is definitely a difference between this and real ice cream, but not so much that you wouldn’t eat it.  In fact, if you are trying to watch your waistline, this is a good alternative. 

Pro’s:

• Creamy texture, smooth
• Tastes sweet

Con’s:

• Cookie part can be messy, crumbley
• Pricey

Website:  www.skinnycow.com  

Rating:  4 Stars