I know many people are resolving to eat healthier and exercise in order to lose weight in the new year. That is my same goal year after year. I don’t even bother saying it out loud or telling anyone anymore. Usually by January 3rd I’ve already sucked up all the left over holiday candy. Sigh…
As far as dinner goes, I try and serve healthy meals for my family.The same applies to their lunch and breakfast. I can’t say that I do the same for myself, most especially at lunch time. I’m often busy during the day, even though I work from home. Instead of making myself a salad or grilling a piece of chicken, I’ll opt for things that are quick and easy to make like Spaghetti-O’s with Frankfurters, Ramen Noodles or a bowl of cereal.
I know for a fact that I don’t get my daily required amount of fruits and vegetables in my diet. I’m really bad about that. That is something I need to work on.
I had the opportunity recently to try some soufflés from Garden Lites. These “mini meals” are made with fresh, natural ingredients and each one counts as two servings of vegetables.
Currently Garden Lites soufflés are available in the following flavors:
– Butternut Squash
– Broccoli
– Cauliflower
– Roasted Vegetable
– Spinach
– Zucchini
They also carry Zucchini Marinara and Zucchini Portabella.
I had the opportunity to try out a few flavors. I loved the Zucchini Marinara. That one was my favorite out of all the meals I tried. The Zucchini is cut in such a way that it resembles pasta. At first glance it does look like a pasta dish. Zucchini is a much healthier option then pasta.
The container is really small and I honestly didn’t think it would fill me up. I did!
I love the marinara sauce it’s made with. It has a homemade taste. If I didn’t make it myself in the microwave I would have thought it was homemade.
I also received samples of Butternut Squash, Broccoli and Spinach soufflés. Thankfully I like these flavors so it wasn’t a problem for me. I know not many people like these vegetables. My husband and kids both like Broccoli and Spinach. I’m the only one who will eat Butternut Squash.
The first soufflé I made was Spinach. It was really simple to make. Simply remove from the box, pop in the microwave for 4 1/2 minutes and enjoy. You can eat the soufflé in the container or put it on a plate. I find putting it on a plate a bit better. When it is cooking in the microwave any ice particles you might have on it melts and if you leave it in the container the bottom tends to get a little soggy. It think it might be from when it thaws out. When you put it on a plate the bottom doesn’t get soggy because it’s not sitting in any fluid.
I have to admit that visually they are not the most appetizing looking things, but once you try it you won’t think about that anymore. I had a hard time convincing the kids to try some. My husband wouldn’t even entertain the idea of trying it.
Both kids finally gave in to me and tried it. My daughter just tried one mouthful. Her response, “It’s OK“. Then she walked away. My son on the other hand took a few bites. I asked him if he liked it and he said “Yeah“. I asked if I served it to him for lunch on the weekend would he eat it and he said “Sure“. My son… a man of few words. 🙂
I liked all three soufflés. My favorite was the Butternut Squash. It tasted like something you would eat for Thanksgiving. It wasn’t as sweet as a sweet potato pie, but it sort of reminded me of that with it’s flavor and texture. The Butternut Squash is a very creamy, smooth soufflé where as the Spinach and Broccoli is made with tiny pices (chunks) of vegetables.
I like the idea of having Garden Lites on hand for lunch. They take just as long to microwave as other things I make for lunch, with the exception being that Garden Lites are clearly the healthier option, especially since each contain 2 servings of vegetables. They are also a nice change of pace from my usual lunch time meals. I could easily substitute Garden Lites with my normal lunch time meals 2-3 times per week.
Each variety is also low in calories, so it’s a great way to help you lose weight or maintain your weight too.
Garden Lites are found at many retail locations across the country. You can find a story near you that carries them here, www.Garden-Lites.com/Find-Us.
If you are looking for healthier meal options for yourself and your family for the new year, why not check out Garden Lites.
To learn more visit www.Garden-Lites.com. You can also find them on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/GardenLites) and on Twitter (www.Twitter.com/Garden_Lites).
Kimberly
*I received free product samples in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own.
Beth @ TheAngelForever says
We have bought these for a while now. We love that they are kosher and great for nights when we need something on the fly. I usually have to buy them out by my brother, need to see if any stores here finally have them.