Delicious Discovery

Fiber Gourmet

When it comes to food and eating, I have always been a person thinks the more the better--I like volume!  I mean, who wouldn't want to have as much food as possible but at the same time, not take in an exorbitant amount of calories.  Haven’t you ever tried to cut back and eat a more healthful diet, only to find that your plate is half empty and you are always hungry.  Eating a more nutritionally sound diet does not mean you have to starve yourself--in fact, contrary to popular belief, it is the exact opposite.  That is another blog entry in itself.  For now, let's just settle for one of my favorite food finds.  Time for you to meet Fiber Gourmet.  

Yum Yum Yum is all I have to say about this company's products.  I am in no way a paid promoter of Fiber Gourmet--but I wish I was because then maybe they would send me free food!  The company has found a way to make crackers and pasta that are lower in calories but provide you with a large volume of food.  How?  Does it really matter?!  

There are no artificial flavors or colors.  The products have a lot of fiber in them, insoluble fiber, which is not digested by the body--thus the calorie contribution is minimal.  Now, you may say, so much fiber in a "diet" food--it must be gross and bland.  I promise you the pasta and crackers are really delicious--they even pass my super scientific test known as "Will My Husband or Father Eat It" test.  They do--and have yet to complain--so they can't be bad, right?

The "Lite Crackers" come in two flavors, Cheese and Nacho.  My personal favorite is Nacho...but they are both good.  Comparatively, they both taste and look like Cheez-its, but less salty.  If you have ever had a 100-calorie pack of Cheez-its, you know you get about 20 crackers in the bag.  The Lite Crackers contain around 35-40 crackers and are only 80 calories a bag.   

The "Light Pasta" is truly tasty.  It definitely needs to be cooked longer than white pasta--but if you are used to whole wheat pasta, it is about the same cooking time.  I've had all four types, Penne, Short Fettuccine, Elbows and Rotini and all are good.  My preference is anything but the Fettuccine but I just don't like long pasta (it's a pain to eat, in my opinion).  The portion size is 2 oz, uncooked, for 130 calories.  I usually make double portions for my husband and I and end up being really full once I'm finished with dinner--if I am able to finish at all.  Seriously, I'm not making it up.  Regular pasta has about 200 calories per 2 oz (uncooked) and who actually eats 2 oz?

Now, they do make a macaroni and cheese product that I am not a fan of, "Mac-mmm-Cheese".  I have never really been a big fan of mac and cheese to begin with, something about it always seems so artificial to me and I don't think it tastes that good.  That being said, I do know people who like it a lot--so it is worth a shot if you are looking for a healthier version of mac and cheese.  I have yet to try their flavored light pasta --although I just saw they have chocolate pasta, which I may need to purchase.  Right now I'm pretty content with the crackers and regular light pasta.  

The only problem is Fiber Gourmet products are only available online, for the most part.  Some Whole Foods do carry the products--but none in Massachusetts.  Here is a list of stores where products are currently available.  Fiber Gourmet is bit more expensive than regular pasta, but remember the difference in volume...and for me that alone makes it worth it.  If you are not sure you will like the products--I suggest finding a friend who may be interested as well.  That way you split the cost and both benefit from trying something new.  Try it--hopefully you will become a convert like me!