Health's Food Awards: The Best New Eats of 2011

Frozen entree

Healthy Choice Asian-Inspired Cafe Steamers Lemongrass Chicken & Shrimp

Shrimp, chicken, broccoli, and whole-grain linguini in a citrusy lemongrass sauce…this protein-packed dinner sounds delish, and it is. One reason why: You steam the ingredients in the microwave, then mix with the sauce, which makes for a fresher-tasting zap-and-serve dinner.

$2.75–$3.50; grocery stores

Frozen vegetarian entree

Amy’s Light & Lean Black Bean & Cheese Enchilada

You don’t usually get great flavor and nutrition in the same frozen meal. But this gluten-free enchilada wins on all counts: It’s yummy, plus low in fat and high in fiber. Organic brown rice, black beans, corn, and tofu topped with tomatillo and ranchero sauces make it incredibly filling for only 240 calories.

$4.89; grocery stores

Frozen appetizer

Lean Cuisine Fajita-Style Chicken Spring Rolls

We wouldn’t usually think of serving frozen diet food to guests, but these crisp chipotle-chicken-filled rolls are a totally impressive hors d’oeuvre. Serve this 200-calorie (per three-roll serving) nibble to your book club and you’ll have plenty of calories left over for a glass of vino!

$3.59 for 6 rolls; grocery stores

Snack bar

Luna Chocolate Dipped Coconut

Need an afternoon pick-me-up? This bar has become our go-to office snack. Coconut and dark chocolate make it taste like a macaroon, plus you get nutrients that most women need more of: folate, iron, calcium, and vitamin D. Nine grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber in just 190 calories: Now that’s sweet.

$1.39; grocery stores

Candy bar

Skinny Cow Heavenly Crisp Milk Chocolate Candy Bar

If you’re craving chocolate, skip the vending machine and get your afternoon fix here. The creamy milk chocolate and crispy wafers in this indulgent bar won over the judges. And it logs in at a slim 110 calories, 6 grams of fat, and just 9 grams of sugar.

$4.29 for box of 6; grocery stores nationwide

Dipper

Cedar’s Natural Wheat Pita Chips

While plenty of snacks tout their "whole grain" goodness, this chip is the real deal: Whole-wheat flour is its very first ingredient. In fact, this super-snack has just nine ingredients in all—a rarity in the snack aisle. And good thing they’re great for you, say our judges, because they’re seriously addictive.

$2.99 for 6-oz bag; grocery stores
 continuous
 http://www.health.com

Posted in: Health's Food Awards: The Best New Eats of 2011