Thursday, June 20, 2013

“My Fit Foods” Features Dairy in Many Ways, Shapes and Forms

My Fit Foods opened two weeks ago in Chicago. I was one of the fortunate first food bloggers in The Windy City to sample these freshly prepared, chilled, ready-to-eat or heat-and-eat meals and snacks. And to my delight, many contained a dairy component. 

About the Company
The idea of My Fit Foods began in 2006 in the apartment-kitchen of Houston-based personal trainer and former Marine Mario Mendias. In efforts to ensure that his clients achieved the results he promised, he cooked for them, as many were too busy to shop and prepare healthful meals. In 2007, he outgrew his apartment-kitchen and partnered with restaurant pioneer Anthony Milton (My Fit Foods, CEO) to create My Fit Foods and expand the mission to provide fresh, healthy foods-to-go that taste great at an affordable price. The menu expanded with additional meals and snacks all focused on lean protein, low-glycemic carbohydrates and heart-healthy fats.

According to the company, dairy foods play an important role in the nutritional profile of My Fit Foods’ balanced meals. Dairy is an excellent way of obtaining nutrient-rich, low-glycemic carbohydrates, as it is loaded with calcium and vitamin D and is a great source of protein, according to a company spokesperson.

With just a little more than six years under its belt as a retail store concept, My Fit Foods is on the forefront of a major nationwide expansion. More than 50 locations can now be found within Arizona, California, Idaho, Oklahoma and Texas. There are two in Chicago, with a third on its way…and lucky me, all nearby!

Here are some menu offerings that include dairy:

Fit CottagePictured above, cottage cheese takes center stage in this low-fat, high-protein snack that includes pineapple and berries. (one size=$4.50, 200 calories, 12 grams protein, 2 grams fat)


Picnic Time

This snack contains Fuji apple slices, almonds, dried cranberries, grapes, gluten-free nut crackers and cubes of Monterey Jack cheese. (one size=$4.75, 310 calories, 10 grams protein, 14 grams fat)

Fit Oatmeal

A great classic to start the day, this breakfast dish includes organic gluten-free steel cut oats enhanced with whey protein and flavored with cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar topped with walnuts and berries. (one size=$5.50, 420 calories, 19 grams protein, 12 grams fat)






Breakfast Tacos

Corn tortillas envelop 5:1 ratio eggs (five parts white to one part yolk), seasoned lean ground turkey and a touch of cheddar cheese and onions. (small=$5.50, 240 calories, 20 grams protein, 8 grams fat; medium=$7.00, 360 calories, 30 grams protein, 12 grams fat)




Cynthia’s BBQ Chicken

This main course is homemade BBQ sauce over chopped chicken breast with cheddar mashed red potatoes and green beans. These potatoes are made with real butter and nonfat milk. (small=$7.50, 250 calories, 23 grams protein, 5 grams fat; medium=$9.00, 390 calories, 38 grams protein, 8 grams fat; large=$11.50, 520 calories, 52 grams protein, 11 grams fat)





Brian’s Fit Enchiladas

This Mexican dish starts with soft corn tortilla and lean chicken breast that gets topped with a creamy tomatillo sauce made with Greek yogurt, fresh jalapenos, cilantro and tomatillos. It comes with a side of black beans and pico de gallo. (small=$7.50, 300 calories, 27 grams protein, 5 grams fat; medium=$9.00, 470 calories, 42 grams protein, 8 grams fat; large=$11.50, 640 calories, 57 grams protein, 11 grams fat)



Speaking of Greek yogurt, the company also sells cups of Chobani yogurt for $2.50. “We are very careful in what branded products we carry in our stores. Chobani Greek yogurt aligns nicely with My Fit Foods. Greek yogurt has a great amount of protein as well as healthy probiotics,” according to the spokesperson.

Greek yogurt is also the base for the dill dip that is a part of the veggie snack (Veg Out!), which includes tomatoes, radish halves, celery sticks and baby carrots. (one size=$4.00, 130 calories, 5 grams protein, 7 grams fat)

Dairy products can be found in many other entrees, snacks and salads. There’s even a homemade Alfredo sauce made with buttermilk and real cheese.

This beautiful representation of dairy foods in meals and snacks designed for the health- and wellness-consumer reaffirms the important role of dairy in the diet. (And as a HUGE fan of cottage cheese, I am so excited to think that this protein-rich dairy food might once again be embraced by the American consumer.)

Please check out My Fit Foods HERE. And if they are not in your city yet, hope they come soon. The food is delicious and satisfying. And…maybe your dairy food can become part of their menu.

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