Written by Sylvia Geiger MS, RD, CD, Price Chopper Community Nutritionist

For many families the start of summer  signals a time for a special adventure known as the “Family Road Trip.” Everyone packs into the car with their gear and everything they need to head down the highway to visit long lost family, far away National Parks or other memorable destinations.

Eating well during these trips can be a challenge. There’s often little time to stop for a meal, and when you do the choices aren’t always great and can become expensive. Packing some snacks is a good way to keep you fueled up until you can stop for a real meal. Snacking in the car can have its drawbacks.  It’s easy to mindlessly polish off chips and candy by the bagful, leaving no one satisfied and everyone thirsty.  

Here are some ideas for healthy foods that travel well, without making a mess of your car. 

• It doesn’t get any easier than packing dried raisins, apricots, pears or a dried fruit mix.
• Whole fruits such as apples, bananas, mandarins and berries travel well.  Cut fruits or packaged fruits are also good but are prone to leave you with sticky fingers.  Pack some wipes.
• Baggies full of pre-cut veggies such as peppers, carrots, celery or cucumbers are great as a mindless eating distraction—sometimes you just want to chomp on something.
• Cheese sticks are easy, filling and nutritious.  Most are fewer than 100 calories.
• Yogurt cups are an excellent choice if you can deal with the potential mess factor.
• Pack some 100-calorie snack packs.  Although slightly more expensive, everyone gets their own bag and you’re less likely to go overboard.
• Nuts and trail mix are super easy, but they’re high in calories, so go easy.
• Premade sandwiches, muffins and bagels are great options if you can plan ahead.
• Packaged crackers and snack foods have their place on a car trip.  Use the NuVal scores to make the healthiest selections.

Not planning a road trip this week? 

Recipe Ideas using this week’s sale items

All main ingredients are on sale

 (NuVal score for raw ingredient in parentheses.)

 

• Chipotle-Marinated Pork Tenderloin  or Oven Fried Chicken (39)
•  Cheesy Broccoli-Potato Mash (100)
  

  Cheesy Broccoli Mash

•  Make a salad with a packaged Dole Salad Mix
• Cut up Fresh Mini Watermelons or a bowl of Fresh Strawberries

We’ve got new technology and new faces in the House of BBQ!

We now have a new House of BBQ mobile site where you can check out great recipes! Use your smartphone to take a photo of our QR code and go to our site:

If you can’t scan our QR code, text FIRE to 47170 to have a link sent to your phone to take you to our great grilling recipes!

Don’t have a camera phone or a smartphone? Don’t worry, you can still find our House of BBQ recipes here!

How do you celebrate Memorial Day? Do you commemorate those who have bravely served our country with a special routine, such as visiting or decorating a memorial site? Do you attend a parade, or kick off the start to summer with a barbeque and some patriotic food, such as an American flag cake?

Whatever your Memorial Day celebration may include, we want to hear about it. Tell us how you celebrate Memorial Day to make it a special holiday and you could win $$ to throw your own House of BBQ party! Please be sure to comment on both this blog post and on our Facebook page to be entered into the contest. Two winners will be selected to each receive $150 in Price Chopper gift certificates.  (Please read all Official Rules below.)

Did you know…

-The name for the holiday gradually changed from “Decoration Day” to “Memorial Day”.   In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May.

-Each year on Memorial Day a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 pm local time. 

-Currently, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave.  Also, it is customary for the President or Vice President to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

(www.history.com)

Price Chopper wishes you and your family a happy Memorial Day!

PC Memorial Day Contest Official Rules

Who are the new faces of summer? Allan Harris and Lynn Sterling star in our latest House of BBQ campaign! Harris is a world class singer, guitarist and songwriter who floats between jazz, rock and the blues. Sterling is a triple-threat actress with theater, film and television experience on her resume.

Check out Harris in our new House of BBQ commercial here:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27QCbYMu8LY&feature=player_embedded]

Harris leads, “The Allan Harris Band” and is a three-time winner of the New York Nightlife Award for “Outstanding Jazz Vocalist”. He has played throughout the U.S., Europe, Russia and the Far East and is regularly featured at some of the world’s greatest music festivals including Jazz Aspen, Wien Jazz Festival in Austria and the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy.

Also, Harris is a long-time supporter of the Children’s Miracle Network and Challenge Aspen, among other charities.

Sterling has been featured in the national touring productions of Evita, Sophisticated Ladies, Sweet Charity, Can-can and Anything Goes. Her Broadway experience includes appearing in the City Center production of Pal Joey, and the roles of Bombalurina, Demeter, Cassandra, and Tantomile in Cats.

Here’s Sterling’s new commercial:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjQXcmZjgCc&feature=related]

Our House of BBQ website features tons of great tips on how you can get grillin’ tonight! On the site we have info on direct versus indirect grilling, general tips and tricks (Did you know you should never salt meat before grilling because it allows juices to escape and makes the meat dry out?), great ideas on how to grill with the kids and much more. Also, check out our previous post on how to grill healthy foods!

We’ve got tons of great grill recipes on Pricechopper.com too! Rachael Ray’s recipe for Manny’s Western Barbecued Ribs is finger licking good and this lime and tomato mahi mahi dish makes our mouths water. Check out our grilling recipe homepage for many more ideas!

Our House of BBQ campaign previously starred the beloved Melvin Sparks, who passed away in March.

Remember to make our House of BBQ your home for summer grilling!

by Sylvia Geiger MS, RD, CD, Price Chopper Community Nutritionist We’ve all heard it said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It’s the meal that refuels you after an overnight fast, gives you energy for mental and physical activity, and wards off hunger so you can concentrate. Some people need to “fuel-up” as soon as they wake up, but for others there isn’t time or an appetite to eat before heading out the door. No worries – it’s OK if breakfast isn’t your thing until 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. – just be sure to choose the right foods when you do get hungry.   Also, don’t be boxed in by the idea that only certain foods are suitable for breakfast. If a tuna salad sandwich with an apple is your idea of breakfast — go for it! People all around the world eat different breakfasts and there is no reason to limit your options to cereal & milk, eggs & bacon, or other foods we typically classify as “breakfast” foods. For staying power to fuel you through the morning, try to include at least three different foods in your breakfast: 1. A grain such as bread or cereal (preferably a whole grain) 2. A fruit or veggie 3. A protein food such as milk, yogurt, tofu, egg, meat or fish.  NuVal scores are an easy way to select the healthiest options. Look for cold cereals with a score of 27 or higher, hot cereals over 44 and frozen or refrigerated breakfast options above 21. [slideshow]

• Some On-the-Go options include: 
  • Make a Banana-Cocoa Soy Smoothie and take it along in a thermos.
  • I like to make a batch of Lemon-Raspberry Muffins. I freeze these in individual baggies and heat them up in the microwave later. Round out this meal with a yogurt and some fruit. Yum!
  • This recipe for Cranberry Muesli is another easy grab & go item.
• When you don’t need to rush out the door, try these options:
  • Quick Breakfast Tacos with salsa and some fruit. Strawberries, blueberries and blackberries are on sale this week.
  • Homemade Maple-Nut Granola with yogurt and your favorite fruit.
  • EatingWell Waffles
  • Oatmeal with fruit or Blueberry-Ricotta Pancakes

Here’s our Healthy Meal of the Week: (NuVal scores are in parentheses and all main ingredients are on sale)

• Poached Salmon with Creamy Piccata  (87) or  Peanut Crusted Beef (39)
• No need for a recipe with our  Premade Veggie Kebabs or Shrimp Kebabs
• Cherries with Ricotta and Almonds (100)

Bridal showers, graduations and year-end school celebrations fill the calendar in May and June. With all that celebration, good cheer and anticipation for the future, come the platters of special party foods that are often not too waist-friendly.

The trays of little pop-in-your-mouth tidbits are so delicious and irresistible! Who hasn’t mindlessly grazed their way through a party and later thought, “Did I really eat that?”  For many of us it’s hard work to stay clear of that double chocolate frosted brownie while also sticking to a diet plan.

So why not make it easy for your guests and serve delicious party fare that allow them to indulge and celebrate without worrying about fitting into the bridal gown, tuxedo or swimsuit.

Here are some tips for party foods that are fun and celebratory, yet fit into just about anyone’s daily food plan.

1. Let your creativity shine with colorful trays or bowls of fruit. Fresh fruit will look beautiful and appetizing anyway you slice or dice it, try tiny fruit skewers, hollow out melons and fill them with cut fruit & berries of contrasting colors. Serve trays of cut fruit with yogurt or dessert dipping sauces. Some different ideas for fruits include Apricot Canapes or Citrus Infused Srawberries.
2. Make veggies more interesting than a tray of carrot sticks, celery stalks and cut vegetables with a bowl of ranch dip. Try some of these party favorite ideas: Quesadillas or vegetables strips with hummus.
3.  Fancy , yet lower calorie appetizers are always festive. Try Steak-&-Boursin Wrapped Bells or Shrimp & Avocado Canapes.
4. Kid party foods can be festive without too much sugar. Try fruizza or  Sweet Snacking Pita  Chips  or Turkey Fingers with Maple Mustard Sauce

  [slideshow]

Click below for recipe ideas using this week’s sale items! All main ingredients are on sale. (NuVal score for raw ingredient in parentheses)

• Spicy Turkey Burger (33)  
• Spicy Swai Fillets (82)
• Broccoli Salad with Creamy Feta Cheese Dressing (100)
• Blueberries and Lemon Cream (100)

 

 

Springtime is here, the nice weather is finally moving in and summer is just around the corner. So, what does this mean? Lots of events, parties and barbeques! We know that this is a busy time of year and one for special occasions. It’s time for prom, graduation parties, Memorial Day barbeques, Fourth of July picnics, birthday and anniversary parties, and everything in between!

We want to know how you prepare for all these special times. Do you rely on Conair products to help you look and feel your best? Tell us why you need to look your best for an important event coming up this spring or summer and you could win new and exciting Conair products! Comment both on our blog and under the post on our Facebook page for the chance to win. Three winners, chosen by Conair, will each receive a Conair prize pack, pictured below.

  Don’t forget to check out all the great products Conair has to offer on their website. You’ll also find tons of tips and techniques for how to use their products to look your best!  Winners will be announced on Friday, May 13, 2011. Official rules for the Price Chopper and Conair “Look Your Best” Contest can be found by clicking on the link below. We can’t wait to hear what great events you will be celebrating this spring and summer! Price Chopper & Conair “Look Your Best” Contest Official Rules   What’s the best memory you have with your mom? We know it’s hard to pick just one, but tell us in the comments of our Facebook status and you’ll have a chance to win one of two $250 SpaFinder gift certificates from Magnum Ice Cream!

On Mother’s Day, you want to give mom a chance to indulge and relax.

Magnum Ice Cream is a perfect way for mom to indulge! It’s a premium brand that’s just arrived in the U.S.after decades of popularity abroad. There’s a flavor for every taste including varieties like Double Chocolate and Almond!

Also, check out the Coupons tab on our Facebook page to save $1.25 off of a Magnum Ice Cream three pack! The coupon is valid between May 2, 2011 and May 7, 2011.

There’s no better way for mom to relax than a day at the spa! SpaFinder gift certificates are accepted at 6,000 spas around the globe. They can be used for any spa treatment of the recipient’s choice such as relaxing massages, luxurious facials, fine beauty products, and more.

Winners will be announced on Thursday, May 5th, 2011.

Here are some fun facts about Mother’s Day gathered from around the internet to keep in mind as you celebrate:

• In the vast majority of the world’s languages, the word for “mother” begins with the letter M.
• Anna Jarvis started the modern celebration of Mother’s Day in 1912, but later protested against the commercialization of the holiday.
• Mother’s Day is the most popular day of the year to eat out at a restaurant according to the National Restaurant Association.
• Moms liked the names Isabella and Jacob best in 2009 – they were the most popular girl and boy baby names, respectively.

Happy Mother’s Day from Price Chopper and Magnum!

Click here for Official Rules

by Sylvia Geiger MS, RD, CD, Price Chopper Community Nutritionist

Flowers, breakfast in bed, and dinner at her favorite restaurant are traditional ways to celebrate our mothers. This year, it’s time to show our love for mom in a new way by supporting her efforts to care for her own health.

In their role as caregivers, moms are likely to put their own health on the back burner or at risk while providing for loved ones. These generous actions can have serious consequences—especially on heart health.

We’ve long known that women are just as likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease (heart attack & stroke) as men, but the myth that women don’t need to actively work towards preventing heart disease prevails. Nothing could be further from the truth. Women of any age will benefit from exercise, diet, and lifestyle choices that promote heart health.

Check out these tips to help mom take positive steps toward eating for a healthy heart:

1. Heart-healthy eating means selecting plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes & beans, lean meats and fish, and low-fat dairy foods everyday.
2. Use NuVal shelf tags numbers to find foods with the highest NuVal scores; these foods will be more heart healthy. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars, sodium, cholesterol, and saturated and trans fat. All of these undesirables lower the NuVal scores for a food.
3. Look for whole grain breads, crackers, rice, and cereals. Again, the higher NuVal score, the better for your heart. These foods will have more fiber, a lower Glycemic Index, and less sodium and added sugars.
4. Aim for eating fish twice a week and choose lean meats and poultry.
5. For more information see our Healthy Heart Wellness Center or visit the American Heart Association for more tips on preventing heart disease.

Surprise mom with this week’s Heart Healthy Mothers Day Celebration Meal! Even the kids can help put this meal on the table!

All main ingredients are on sale this week and NuVal scores for raw ingredients are in parentheses. 

Maple Glazed Seared Salmon (87) 

  or  Fish Sticks (82)

or Chicken Breast & Mushroom Cream Sauce (39)

Broccoli  (100) or Baby Carrots (99)

Baked Potato (92) or Brown Rice (82)

Romaine Heart Salad (100) or Dole Salad Blends or Kits (100)

Chocolate Fondue with Fruit (96-100)

Don’t forget to celebrate mom with healthy foods! She deserves it!

Are you getting up in the early hours of the morning to watch the Royal Wedding, or are you celebrating with an afterparty fit for a king and queen? At Price Chopper, we love celebrations and we want to help you get into the wedding spirit with a contest and coupons!

Everyone will see how the Royal Couple looks on their wedding day and we want to see how you looked on yours! Send us a photo from your wedding for a chance to win a $200 Macy’s gift card  to dress like royalty and a $100 Price Chopper gift certificate to serve only the best in fresh to your guests! (One photo per couple please) Send your photos to photos@pricechopper.com. The winner will be chosen at random on Friday, April 29th! 

Also, to share our excitement, we’re offering some great coupons to help you celebrate with William and Kate!  These coupons will  be posted on Price Chopper’s facebook page on Wednesday, April 27th.

Fish and chips is a classic English dish and you can dine like a Brit with our “Fish and Chips” fried cod dinner with fries for only $4 with coupon! Also, you can get $1 off 2 bags of Price Chopper potato chips with coupon.

If you aren’t in the mood for Fish and Chips, try out some Bangers and Mash! We’ve got coupons for both potatoes and sausage!

If you are throwing a wedding party, but don’t want to indulge in traditional English fare, we’ve got a deal on classic American cuisine as well: Get 2 pizzas and 2lbs. of wings for $22!

No wedding would be complete without a cake! We know you’ll need one, so we’re giving you $3 off a Central Market Classics Decadent Cake!

All of our Royal Wedding deals are valid from 4/28/11-4/30/11.

Don’t know a lot about the Royal Wedding? Here’s five quick facts to bring you up to date on William and Kate:

1. Prince William met Kate in 2001 while they were both studying at the University of St. Andrews.
2. William proposed to Kate while they were on vacation in Kenya. He used the same ring his father had given his mother, Princess Diana.
3. The wedding ceremony is taking place on April 29 at Westminster Abbey at 11 a.m.
4. A wedding reception will be held following the ceremony at Buckingham Palace and will be hosted by Her Majesty The Queen.
5. In lieu of gifts, William and Kate have asked that donations be made to charity and have set up a website for donations at http://www.royalweddingcharityfund.org/

Send us your wedding photos for your chance to win! For complete rules on this photo contest, click here.  Don’t forget to enjoy the Royal Wedding with great deals from Price Chopper!