Trading Up Downtown

I’m always looking to trade-up the nutrition of my food– even when it comes to a regular ol’ tuna sandwich. Most people probably think that tuna sandwiches are pretty much all the same, but with the help of NuVal scores, there’s always a trade-up to be made!

GOOD

Chicken of the Sea All Natural Albacore White Tuna in Water (NuVal score: 52)

+

Country Hearth 100% Whole Wheat Bread (NuVal score: 34)

BETTER

Bumble Bee Premium Light Tuna in Water (NuVal score: 63)

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Arnold Natural Flax & Fiber Bread (NuVal score: 48)

BEST

Starkist Chunk Light Tuna in Water (NuVal score: 81)

+

Food for Life Low Sodium Sprouted Grain Bread (NuVal score: 93)

French toast is a delicious breakfast, but when the fast and easy option (Kellogg French Toast Frozen Waffles) only scores a 17 on the NuVal scale, it might not be the most nutritious meal to start your day. But, do you really have time to whip up a batch of the “real” stuff?

You might think that making French toast during the work week is too time consuming, but think again! Try this speedy recipe tomorrow morning!

Dip a piece of Arnold Natural Flax & Fiber Bread (NuVal score: 48) in a mix of non-fat milk (NuVal score: 91) and Egg Beaters (NuVal score: 36), then sprinkle with cinnamon and pan-saute until cooked through. Instant French toast!

We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but somehow it’s often neglected with the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Bagels are a great option for breakfast because they’re quick, simple, and easily transportable, but they’re not always the most nutritious option, especially when some of them score really low on the NuVal scale.

Check out some of the NuVal scores below. They may just inspire you to trade-up your bagel choice the next time you are at the grocery store!

Instead of:

• Ray’s New York Plain Bagel (NuVal score: 5)
• Thomas Blueberry Bagel (NuVal score: 10)
• Pepperidge Farm Everything Bagel (NuVal score: 10)
• Sara Lee Cinnamon Raisin Bagel (NuVal score: 11)
• Lender’s Frozen Original Plain Bagel (NuVal score: 15)

Trade-up to:

• Lenders Whole Grain Multi Grain Bagel (NuVal score: 37)
• Western Sweet Wheat Bagel (NuVal score: 36)
• Western Roasted Onion Bagel (NuVal score: 34)
• Natural Ovens Muti Grain Whole Grain Bagel (NuVal score: 34)
• Weight Watchers Heart Baked Bagel (NuVal score: 30)
• Pepperidge Farm Whole Grain Mini Bagels (NuVal score: 30)

You can further trade-up the nutrition of your bagel breakfast by adding 2 tablespoons of Teddie Creamy Natural Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter (NuVal score: 49) and sliced banana (NuVal score: 91). You’ll have a satisfying, nutritious, and delicious breakfast in no time at all!