Vitalicious VitaSandwiches are VitaMediocre
Let's spare everyone the "I haven't posted much" apology and just jump right in, shall we?
I was cruising Target's frozen food aisles for new stuff and stumbled upon Vitalicious' VitaSandwiches -- basically egg mcmuffins in your freezer, but healthier. They had two options: veggie and cheese or egg n' cheese. The veggie one also has egg, but it's just got little red and green pepper flecks in it. I chose the simple Egg N' Cheese version.
For those not in the know, Vitalicious are the folks that bring you Hungry Girl's beloved VitaTops muffin tops. I should probably disclose that I'm not really a fan of those, but it didn't influence my opinion of these sandwiches, since they're completely different products.
Cut to this morning. I normally hate how microwaved bread tastes, so I was happy to see they had two variations on how to cook them: "regular" (in the microwave, wrapped in a paper towel) or "extra-crispy". The extra-crispy version required that I dismantle the sandwich in frozen form, then toast the bread for 2-3 minutes while microwaving the egg part for 55 seconds, then reassembling and re-microwaving to melt the cheese for an additional 10 seconds.
I went the extra-crispy route, which was all fun and games until the cheese-melty part took an additional 20 seconds, resulting in a rubbery muffin and tough egg. But really, for microwaves breakfast sandwiches, that's par for the course. You can't predict the results of every microwave. I've had worse (*cough*healthychoice*cough*).
Overall, the sandwich was just ok. It was only 150 calories, which was a huge bonus, but it wasn't very filling and I really wasn't into the weird honey flavor of the english muffin. I assume it was honey wheat, but I'm not big on sweet with my eggs and cheese. I think a standard wheat would have been better, but that's subject to your own palette. The cheese was tasteless, as far as I'm concerned. I wouldn't have noticed if it were missing. The egg was actually fine, aside from being a bit rubbery. It tasted like... well, microwaved egg, which I don't really have a problem with when time is of the essence.
Personally, I'd rather grab a Deli Thin or Sandwich Round or whatever, microwave my own fresh egg (or even a 1/4 cup of egg beaters) and add Laughing Cow or a half-slice of my favorite reduced-fat cheese. A real egg would up the calories, but 1/4 of egg beaters would be result in a sandwich about the same as what they're selling in about the same amount of time. And at $4.00 a box -- for 2 sandwiches -- I don't feel the VitaSandwiches are worth the cost. However, if you'd like to try one for yourself, they are offering a coupon deal on their site.
I suppose if you're on the go, these are fine, but if you're going to do the extra-crispy prep, you might as well just make your own sammich. I wouldn't buy them again because I'm not "on the go" -- I work at home. But I think if they were on sale, or you had coupons or you found 'em at Costco, someone might dig' em. That someone is just not me. Sorry, Vitalicious!
They Said Stuff!
I pop an english muffin in the toaster. Grab a coffee mug. Wisk an egg and a tablespoon of milk in the mug. Stir in 1/2 an ounce of shredded cheddar and a tablespoon of bacon bits. Microwave for one minute. About the time the egg is done, the muffin is done. Breakfast!
My husband and I do something similar to what Matilda does.
We buy whole wheat double fiber english muffins, and we found this super easy egg cooker for the microwave. We toast the muffins while the eggs take about a minute in the microwave. Occasionally we do a fried egg instead.
My husband pre-makes low-fat chicken sausage patties once a month, and then portions out what we’ll need for the week. They come in a chub, so that’s the “hardest” part of the process.
Then we top it with a lower calorie cheese that melts while everything is still hot. The whole thing ranges from about 300-380 calories depending on your toppings; but it is filling, satisfying, and generally pretty healthy. I try to eat small meals of 300-400 calories and this has proved to be just the ticket.
I never thought about the coffee mug thing! That’s way better than using an egg ring in a frying pan! I’m going to have to do that tomorrow morning :D
Looks like I’m too late for the coupon, but I’ve always wanted to find a quick and easy breakfast that’s better than grabbing a granola bar on the way out the door.
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