Metromint (500 milliliters, 0 calories, 0g fat, 0g carbs, 0g protein)
I’d take an iced tea or diet soda over a glass of water any day, so I wasn’t terribly optimistic about the newest addition to the world of lightly flavored waters. But Metromint exceeded all my expectations, to the point where I can really imagine giving up a lifelong commitment to iced tea for one of these refreshing spearmint or peppermint infused beverages. The concept is simply adding mint to water, which not only tastes great but also has been said to calm nerves, freshen breath and reduce congestion. This brand new drink is the brainchild of Rio Miura, a Japanese fashion designer, and Scott Lowe.
The only downside is the cost. Metromint is available nationwide in Safeway and Wild Oats for $1.39-$2 per bottle and in six-packs for $6.99-$7.49. You can also purchase online at www.metromint.com, but watch the wallet because cases of 24 are $38.
Quaker Chewy 90 Calorie Chocolate Chunk (1 bar, 28g, 90 calories, 2g fat, 19g carbs, 1g protein)
It’s good to be a bit cautious with these — a chocolate chunk bar is not exactly a health food and isn’t a good replacement for, say, an orange. However, these bars are tasty, low in calories and low in fat, making them an excellent and satisfying substitute for a candy bar or a bag of M&Ms, either of which averages about 250–300 calories. They aren’t whole grain, but they are made with whole grains, giving them some extra sustenance. And they provide 8 percent of your daily calcium needs. www.quakersnackbars.com
Cabot Cheese 75% Light Cheddar (1 ounce, 60 calories, <1g carbs, 9g protein)
Many people find it difficult to switch to lower-calorie and lower-fat versions of their favorite cheeses. And lucky for them, the people in Cabot, Vt., renowned for the exquisitely tasty Cabot Cheddar, have made a light version that tastes as good as the original. With one-quarter the fat, one-third the cholesterol and half the calories of regular cheddar, this one lights the way for those who want a great-tasting, lower-calorie alternative. Best of all, it tastes 100 percent like cheddar and melts like a dream. www.cabotcheese.com
Annie’s Naturals Low Fat Honey Mustard Vinaigrette (2 tablespoons, 45 calories, 2g fat, 6g carbs, 0g protein)
It can be tricky to find a low-cal, low-fat alternative to regular salad dressing — anyone who’s had a typical low-cal version of a ranch or Italian dressing can attest to that. That’s why Annie’s Honey Mustard Vinaigrette is such a treat. In fact, all Annie’s dressings are safe bets in terms of flavor. Many of her organic dressings are as good for marinades as they are on salads, and this low-cal version is no exception. Compare it to Maple Groves Farm Honey Mustard, which comes in at 120 calories for the same 2 tablespoons, and you’ll see why Annie’s is such a deal.
Even more versatile is Annie’s Gingerly Vinaigrette, which can be used for marinades, barbecues and grilling: 2 tablespoons, 40 calories, 2g fat, 4g carbs, 1g protein. www.anniesnaturals.com
Vermont Sugar Free (1/4 cup, 10 calories, 0g fat, 4g carbs, 0g protein)
Maple Grove Farms Sugar Free (1/4 cup, 30 calories, 0g fat, 11g carbs, 0g protein) If you enjoy pancakes, waffles and French toast and you’re counting calories, these sugar-free syrups are a great idea. The calorie reduction is huge – a regular serving of maple syrup comes in at 200 calories. Given that the foods we add syrup to tend to be fairly high in calories to begin with, trimming the number you get from the additions can make a big difference. www.maplegrove.com
Edy's Fruit Bars (no sugar added): Strawberry, Tangerine & Raspberry (30 calories, 0g fat, 8g carbs, 0g protein)
Not only do these fruit bars make excellent desserts (or summer-afternoon snacks) they are also filled with real fruit juices and vitamin C. Try substituting them for ice cream after dinner or sodas during the day — they are just as refreshing and satisfying, with a fraction of the calories.
Jennie-O Turkey Savory-Seasoned Turkey Burgers: (160 calories, 9g fat, 0g carbs, 20g protein, 280mg sodium)
These turkey burgers are seasoned to provide even more taste than your average ground-beef burger, with many fewer calories and a lot less fat. Throw on some lettuce, mustard and ketchup and you won’t even be able to tell the difference.
Sensible Foods Dried Fruit and Vegetable Snacks: 100% Organic Apple Harvest (1 bag, 0.75 ounces, 80 calories, 0g fat, 19g carbs, 0g protein)
100% Organic Supersweet Corn: (1 bag, 0.75 ounces, 70 calories, 1g fat, 17g carbs, 0g protein)
These crunchy, dried treats by Sensible Foods are fat-free and 100 percent natural. They really are delicious. With just 70 calories per package, the salty Supersweet Corn is an excellent substitute for potato chips. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, try the Apple Harvest.
Each bag contains only one serving, which will help you keep an eye on portion control. One package is equal to 1/2 cup of fruit, or one serving. Other available flavors include Orchard Blend, Tropical Blend and Cherry Berry. Perfect for a midafternoon snack. Crunch Dried Snacks can be purchased on the Sensible Foods Web site at www.sensiblefoods.com (A case of 24 ¾-ounce bags is $40.56.)