November 2009

Light Bites.

Get trim and terrific for summer with these smart ideas and low cal nibbles

WORDS ROBERTA MUIR

Oodles of Noodles
Noodle Box may be the healthiest fast food around. With 10 different low-fat options, each meal contains one-third of our daily vegetable requirements and meets the nutritional guidelines set by the National Heart Foundation. From AU$7.95.

It’s a Wrap
Nutritionists have long extolled the virtues of the Mediterranean diet, and now you can grab some great alternative “fast food” at one of 28 Souvlakihuts along Australia’s east coast. Seven of the souvlakis (wraps) contain less than 7.5g of fat. From AU$6.45.

Room to Move
Sticking to a diet when you’re travelling can be tough. Crowne Plaza Hotels have come to the rescue with their Body and Soul in-room dining menu, with low-fat, gluten-free, high-omega 3, low-salt, low-GI, high-fibre and more healthy options.

Fast Food
Carrying Tony Ferguson “munch bars” in apricot or berry flavours and tetrapak “shake away” chocolate or espresso drinks in your handbag can help prevent high-calorie snack attacks. Available at Tony Ferguson Weightloss and Wellness Centres and Terry White Chemists. RRP AU$3.99.

Confidential Snacking
Slim Secrets’ high-protein, low-carb snack bars can combat hunger at any time of day. If you’re after a mid-morning rev-up, there’s one high in fibre and protein with real coffee beans, or for an afternoon gap-filler, there’s a decadent choc-caramel and nut snack that’s high in protein with only 3.9g of fat. The nightime binge buster contains snap-frozen blueberries and raspberries with smooth white chocolate for evening snack attacks!

Eskimos Escape
Igloo Zoo’s 99.5% fat-free frozen yoghurt comes in plain, pomegranate and green tea flavours for topping with your choice of 30 tasty organic antioxidant goodies including goji berries, white chocolate and plum compôte. You’ll find their “culture bars” in Sydney, Victoria and the Gold Coast.

Real and Raw
Cosmetics entrepreneur Jemma Gawned’s new edible range of Naked Treaties Rawganics includes Sweet Treaties 100% raw, organic desserts such as coconut-dusted goji balls; Naked Cakies such as luscious lemon cheesecake with strawberry sorbet dressing; and Naked Chippies made from kale, tamari and tahini. Available from organic food stores. RRP from AU$2.95.

MORE FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND WATER

This month we get tips for eating smart from Susie Burrell, consultant to the Parramatta Eels and dietitian at The Children’s Hospital Westmead. Susie says:

• Order extra vegetables or salad when eating out – studies show that people who eat a salad before their meal eat up to 20% fewer calories later.
• Indulgent treats with minimal calories include low fat, portion-controlled ice creams, sorbets, fruit salads, frappés, frozen fruits and skim milk iced drinks.
• If you’ve overindulged, eat lightly the following day with a mix of fruits and salads.
• Remember that fruits and vegetables containing a high level of water and potassium (including watermelon, celery, cucumber and berries) help rid the body of extra fluid.
• Always have a healthy snack with you (such as nut or protein bars or piece of fruit) so that you can resist high-fat foods when you’re out and about.
• Hydrate well – aim for at least two to three bottles of water each day.