We thought moving into the eighties would bring many more choices.  I really can’t recall whatever gave us that idea!  We knew that orange juice (with calcium) was in the eighties, as was Naked Red Machine (NuVal 87).  Lowes Foods was out of orange juice, but we did pick up two bottles of Red Machine.

At the left is a picture of what we bought.  You’ll recognize most foods in the nineties, but here are the foods in the eighties:  Lowes Foods Instant White Rice (82) (actually, all rice is an 82, unless you get into the specialty rices), Hunt’s no-salt whole canned plum tomatoes (82), and Dannon Light & Fit vanilla (woo hoo!!) (81).  That’s it.

Sun Maid Golden Raisins and regular raisins are both an 87.  We just didn’t feel like having raisins.  The interesting thing about raisins is, if they’re covered in yogurt they drop down to a 4.  Yes, that’s right.  A 4.  The decision we made, when it came to selecting a dried fruit snack, was the Sunsweet apricots (91).  It was the healthy choice (although the raisins are not a bad choice).  Other healthy dried fruit choices include Sun Maid Dried Peaches and Sunsweet Dates (both 91). 

Also on the list was cucumbers (93), green peppers (94), garlic (91), Nasoya cubed extra-firm tofu (90), and Barilla Plus penne pasta (91).  The FreshExpress salad, strawberries, blueberries, and kiwis are each 100, green peppers are 94, and the yellow onions are 93. 

Smoothies are my friend

I’ve always been a fan of smoothies, but most commercial blends have a lot of unnecessary sugars.  At home, not only do I know what’s in it, but I control the sweetener.  Last week’s purchase of Nasoya Silken tofu (100) was specifically for smoothies.  I use 2 – 2-1/2 tablespoons of tofu, about half cup of milk (91), strawberries (including the leaves), blueberries, grapes (seeds and all) (91), and a banana (91).  Add one packet of artificial sweetener and lots of ice and, voila – a filling and delicious lunch (or afternoon snack, depending on how hungry I am).   Baked potatoes (93) are another filling snack or meal.  Add seasonings of your choice (I use Vege-sal and salt) and you’re good to go.

I'm saving organic and "healthy foods" for a later post; primarily because I wanted to get this post up and I haven't completed all of my research on the subjects.  Until then, enjoy this classic from the eighties.