Guest Reviewers

The guest reviewers at HeatEatReview.com are usually one-time review volunteers.

Latest Reviews by Guest Reviewers:

Trader Joe’s Vegan Pad Thai

December 7, 2006 | Reviewer: Guest Reviewers

Trader Joe's Pad Thai

Price: $1.99
Serving: 1/2 container, 6 oz.
Calories: 260
Fat: 12%, 8g
Sodium: 25%, 610mg
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 13%, 40g
Fiber: 4%, 1g

Trader says: Trader Ming’s Noodle Boxes were inspired by the noodle cars on the streets of Bangkok, Thailand. In Bangkok, people enjoy all kinds of wonderful foods from street vendors. In a way, the streets are really just one big open air cafe. We have imported three great flavors from Thailand and now you have an easy way to eat these noodle dishes.

Lindsy says: While the clever packaging and love of pad thai is what made me pick this little box off the shelf, I was underwhelmed by my actual dining experience. Things looked promising when I took my little box of noodles out of the microwave. The aroma caught the attention of several of my coworkers all anxious to know what the noodles tasted like. Needless to say, they were just some pretty boring noodles with some pretty uneventful sauce and squishy peanut pieces. Also, because to me a microwave meal means not having to dirty any dishes, I ate my noodles out of the box. This became increasingly difficult as I reached the end of my meal (where all the squishy peanut pieces lived) and I had to deal with sauce on my hand.

TJâ€™s get a few points because a) this meal requires no refrigeration, b) I can throw the little box in my bag, bring it to work and barely even notice that is there and c) it is incredibly easy and fast to prepare (open two packages, press power and two minutes later viola!). Negative points are acquired for a shape and texture of a noodle that would make any thai restaurant gasp in horror and the sodium content that has forced me to drink gallons of water a day to avoid dehydration.

I shall bestow three stars upon this meal.

Filed Under No Freezer Needed, Three Stars, Trader Joe's Reviews, Vegan, Vegetarian | 12 Comments

Lean Cuisine Roast Turkey

November 23, 2006 | Reviewer: Guest Reviewers

Lean Cuisine Roast Turkey

Price: $1.50
Serving: 1 package, 9.75 oz.
Calories: 260
Fat: 4%, 2.5g
Sodium: 29%, 690mg
Protein: 13g
Carbs: 15%, 46g
Fiber: 13%, 3g
Weight Watchers Points: 5

Lean Cuisine says: Tender slices of roasted turkey breast with gravy over savory cornbread dressing made with celery, onions and herbs. Served with a side of apples simmered in a sweet cinnamon and brown sugar glaze.

Veda says: Lean Cuisine didn’t lie in their description of this meal. The juicy turkey, flavorful stuffing and sweet apples are surprisingly filling and tasty. This meal made wish for an endless Autumn and maybe a slice of pumpkin pie. The only change I would suggest to Lean Cuisine is a little less salt in the gravy. Other than that it is good to go. Oh and added perks? I got this on sale at Giant for $1.50. Can’t beat that!

Filed Under 5 WW Points, Lean Cuisine Reviews, NaBloPoMo, Three Stars, Turkey | 4 Comments

Smart Ones Penne Pollo

November 14, 2006 | Reviewer: Guest Reviewers

Smart Ones Penne Pollo

Price: $3.49
Serving: 1 tray, 10 oz.
Calories: 280
Fat: 6g
Sodium: 510mg
Protein: 21g
Carbs: 39g
Fiber: 3g
WW Points: 6 Points

Smart Ones says: Sunny Italy comes to mind with every bite of this dish seasoned with basil garlic sauce.

Linz says: I don’t know about you, but when I think “Sunny Italy,” I tend to conjure up images of sun-drenched beaches, bottles of vino, glistening chicken dinners with rosemary and garlic and pasta. Acres of pasta, annointed with extra-virgin olive oil and perfect plum tomatoes. Penne Pollo, while not bad as far as Weight Watchers frozen entrees go, does not remind me of anywhere remotely exotic. Then again, I’ve never been to Italy.

While not the most exciting of meals, Penne Pollo is totally decent-tasting. The sauce, though a bit thin, is pleasantly garlicky. The chicken chunks are tasty, tomatoes juicy, and the pasta is actually al dente. If eaten slowly, this meal is even somewhat filling. While I was eating Penne Pollo, I found myself thinking, “This is pretty tasty! Why does eating this depress me so much?”

Maybe because I’m actually on the Weight Watchers program that I tend to avoid eating frozen Weight Watchers food. It’s like wearing the band’s t-shirt to the show! No, that’s not it exactly, I don’t know why, but there’s something patronizing about Weight Watchers brand food. The company’s saying “Eat this, it’s tasty! And portion controlled! Because you can’t be trusted to eat pasta on your own, ya fatty! We know what’s best for you!” Am I projecting?

Summing up, Smart Ones Penne Pollo, isn’t bad at all. While I tend to stick to Amy’s Organics for lunch, I would put Penne Pollo in my rotation. It’s not the food’s fault that being on a diet sucks. Back to therapy for me…

Filed Under 6 WW Points, Chicken, Four Stars, NaBloPoMo, Pasta, Smart Ones Reviews | Leave a Comment

Birds Eye Spring Vegetables in Citrus Sauce

October 25, 2006 | Reviewer: Guest Reviewers

HeatEatReview.com finally gets into the ‘healthy-foods’ game with Veda’s review of Birds Eye Veggies. Did you know that frozen vegetables are often fresher than the ones found in the refrigerated cases at your store? Yes, it is true.

Birds Eye Spring Vegetables in Citrus Sauce

Price: $3.29
Serving: 1 1/4 cup, 4 oz.
Calories: 70
Fat: 5%, 3.5g
Sodium: 12%, 280mg
Protein: 2g
Carbs: 3%, 8g
Fiber: 8%, 2g

Birds Eye says: Carrots, asparagus, sugar snap peas and red peppers with zesty cilantro and lime

Veda says: I am so glad that I bought this. As directed, I popped the dish into the microwave, with the film intact and let the veggies steam for a couple minutes. Once I finally peeled the plastic film back (thanks to Ryan for helping me, because it was basically super-glued), I found perfectly cooked veggies. The yummy blend of asparagus, snap peas, peppers and carrots was crisp and juicy, with just the right amount of onion, garlic and zesty cilantro. Not only did it smell and look wonderful, but it tasted even better. Good job, Birds Eye. I’ll be back for more!

Filed Under Birds Eye Reviews, Four Stars, Vegetarian | 8 Comments