The Buzz...

Healthier_Me

Starbucks has introduced Vivanno Nourishing Blends. These fancy-sounding smoothies come in two flavors -- Orange Mango Banana and Banana Chocolate. They each contain a whole banana, whey protein powder, fiber powder, 2% milk (you can request nonfat milk), ice, and either Naked Juice or bittersweet cocoa. They're packed with protein -- each one has 16 - 21 grams of the stuff! A Grande with 2% milk (the only size and stats currently available) has 250 - 270 calories, 2 - 5g fat, 44 - 47g carbs and 6g fiber (POINTS® value 4 - 5*). A tad high in calories for a drink (especially if it's just a snack!), but there's strong buzz on these. We tried 'em and they're alright. We're not all that jazzed.

***We ARE, however, jazzed about the new Twinkie-like snack cakes that are on the wa y from Weight Watchers. Each Golden Sponge Cake with Creamy Filling has a POINTS value of 1. We haven't sampled or seen these yet, but we know they're coming. More details soon.

***While we're on the subject of snack cakes, the new 100-calorie brownies in Mrs. Smith's Heavenly 100 Singles line are EMBARRASSINGLY small. Just thought we'd let you know. Save your money!

***Looking for gluten-free crunchy snacks that taste great? Check out Skinny Crisps! They're baked crackers with 60 - 80 calories, 3.5 - 4g fat, 4 - 5g carbs, and 2g fiber (POINTS® value 1*) per 4-cracker serving. We especially like the Toasty Onion and Cinnamon (Pssst... those are two separate flavors, not one horrible one!). Snag some online. That's all we've got. HG out!

Healthier_Me

Starbucks has introduced Vivanno Nourishing Blends. These fancy-sounding smoothies come in two flavors -- Orange Mango Banana and Banana Chocolate. They each contain a whole banana, whey protein powder, fiber powder, 2% milk (you can request nonfat milk), ice, and either Naked Juice or bittersweet cocoa. They're packed with protein -- each one has 16 - 21 grams of the stuff! A Grande with 2% milk (the only size and stats currently available) has 250 - 270 calories, 2 - 5g fat, 44 - 47g carbs and 6g fiber (POINTS® value 4 - 5*). A tad high in calories for a drink (especially if it's just a snack!), but there's strong buzz on these. We tried 'em and they're alright. We're not all that jazzed.

***We ARE, however, jazzed about the new Twinkie-like snack cakes that are on the wa y from Weight Watchers. Each Golden Sponge Cake with Creamy Filling has a POINTS value of 1. We haven't sampled or seen these yet, but we know they're coming. More details soon.

***While we're on the subject of snack cakes, the new 100-calorie brownies in Mrs. Smith's Heavenly 100 Singles line are EMBARRASSINGLY small. Just thought we'd let you know. Save your money!

***Looking for gluten-free crunchy snacks that taste great? Check out Skinny Crisps! They're baked crackers with 60 - 80 calories, 3.5 - 4g fat, 4 - 5g carbs, and 2g fiber (POINTS® value 1*) per 4-cracker serving. We especially like the Toasty Onion and Cinnamon (Pssst... those are two separate flavors, not one horrible one!). Snag some online. That's all we've got. HG out!