Here is a review round up of some of the products that we are trying out this January, which are helping make the return to the daily grind a little bit more manageable.
Cadbury Highlights - a guilt-free way to beat those chocolate cravings
Over Christmas, chocolate becomes one of the major food groups, consumed on a daily basis, often without thought. In the new year we have to face up to what those chocolate oranges, selection boxes and tins of choccies have done to our waistlines. No wonder so many new year's resolutions revolve around weightloss. But in this grim weather, we sometimes crave a sweet fix to get us through the day.
Cadbury Highlights allows us to indulge our chocolatey cravings without compromising on our diet plans as it is just 38 calories a cup and less than 1% fat. Available in a variety of flavours from the smooth, dark Bournville to the sweet, creamy Caramel or Fudge to the nutty Hazelnut, there is something to suit all tastes.
Cadbury Highlights are quick and easy to make - just add to hot water and stir to make a warming cup of hot chocolate. A 220g jar is £3.89 RRP and the individual sachets are just 32p each.
Nim's Fruit Crisps - the healthier, fruity snack
When you want a snack, it is easy to give into the temptation of something unhealthy and high calorie, but with Nim's Fruit Crisps, you can enjoy a sweet treat that is virtually guilt free. The fruit crisps are air dried, giving them a crispy texture and an intensely fruity flavour. It is a great way to enjoy one of your five a day and they are rich in fibre and vitamin C and only 57 - 75 calories a day. The nutritional content and natural sweetness of the fruit is maintained and 100% of the fruits are used in the unique process used to make them.
Available in Apple, Pear and Kiwi, Orange and Melon and Pineapple and Mango flavours, they are suitable for coeliacs, gluten free diets, vegans and the health conscious. They make a good snack for when on the go or for lunchboxes.
They really are very different to anything I've had before and are really fruity tasting. They make a nice change from savoury crisps and really hit the sweet fix spot. They can help combat bad snacking habits in adults and children alike (if kids can get past the appearance!)
A 20 - 22g bag costs £1.10. Find out more at www.nimsfruitcrisps.com.
Pick Up! - biscuit treats from Bahlsen
Bahlsen make some really good quality biscuits and their Pick Up! range of individual biscuit bars deliver a crunchy treat. Each bar consists of solid chocolate sandwiched between two crisp biscuits. They come in Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Black 'n' White and Choco & Caramel flavours.
They are individually wrapped to lock in freshness and each biscuit is around the 140 calorie mark. So, if you fancy a biscuit, you can enjoy a single portion sized Pick Up! and avoid the danger of eating a whole packet of loose biccies! Find out more abour Pick Up! at www.pickupbiscuits.co.uk.
Bacofoil Sandwich Bags - for a warm packed lunch
Buying lunches out or when at work can prove to be a costly and often calorific choice. However, in the winter months, a cold sandwich is not always that appealing. But with Bacofoil's Foil Sandwich Bags, you can enjoy a warm, homemade sandwich at lunchtime. Just make something in the morning, like a warm falafel wrap, seal it in the bag and eat it warm later. The foil bags seal together, retaining the freshness, flavour and heat. The bags also keep cold food fresh for 24 hours, so you can make your lunch the day before to enjoy when you are ready to eat it. This can save time and helps you get organised.
The bags are reusable making them good value. 16 large bags costs £2.49 at Ocado. Homemade packed lunches can save lots of money, especially important in January, after the expense of Christmas. Bacofoil ensures your lunch stays fresh and safe to eat. Also you can be sure that what you are eating is a healthy option using quality ingredients from home.