The Void and Neztra

I know what you are thinking, water is water and it is silly to waste money on something that is delivered right to your kitchen and is practically free. In theory, I have always agreed, but that was before I was introduced to SmartWater.

Most bottled water is spring water, which means to me that it could really contain any number of impurities, but the flavor is there. The flavor of some spring water remind me of camping in Colorado next to an ice cold mountain stream. Distilled water, impurity free, is a safe bet, but lacks any flavor. It is flat and pointless.

SmartWater is a combination of the two; distilled, but infused with electrolytes that lend a sharpness and depth to the flavor of the water that is missing in other distilled waters.

I am hooked! I just wish it wasn't so costly. I limit myself to one bottle a week that I then fill with water from my PUR water filtered tap at home. The water doesn't taste as good, but I cannot financially, or ecologically justify drinking only SmartWater.

On a side note, I do have to ask, Glaceau, why Jennifer Aniston? That had to be a costly investment. I am curious to see how her endorsement will affect sales. I am not blown away by the promotional campaign.

Still, Neztra recommends this brand for bottled water drinkers.

Standard disclaimer: I am not paid nor have I been blackmailed by Glaceau to endorse this product. Besides, who even reads this blog? Seriously.

Continuing on the theme of taste vs. nutritional benefits, my latest product passion is one that I have been yearning to find for years.

When I lived in East Africa, I was introduced to the flavors of India and became an immediate fan. I still remember my first bite of searing hot Indian curry over cardamom rich basmati rice. It was like nothing I had ever tasted and something I couldn't imagine spending my life without. Sopping up the rich, creamy sauce left over from the Palak Paneer with warm, slightly smokey and softly buttered hunks of Naan was the best part.

Since then, every few weeks, I get a craving for some Indian curry and yes, there are restaurants in the area that boast a solid Punjab style Indian menu, but it isn't cheap and the ghee used in most of the recipes I love is as calorie rich as it is flavorful, which is why when I discovered packets of shelf stable and healthful Indian dishes by Tasty Bite, I experienced foodie Nirvana.

Now if you are like me, you have been to those dusty little Asian food stores where the products on the shelf are six months or more past their "best by" date and even when you get home, the scent of Naag Champas clings to the dingy packaging of whatever it is you have purchased. The flavors of the shelf stable Indian dishes you can buy at an Asian grocer have mild, toned-down spice profiles, more fat than anything else and are usually very runny and leave me unsatisfied. Tasty Bite is worlds away from those shadows of Indian culinary fare.

Full of spicy punch and large, recognizable chunks of veggies and beans, these shelf-stable, 90 second prep entrees in a bag are the next best thing to either spending three hours cooking in my own kitchen or spending $20 plus in a dark, dubious restaurant sandwiched between a head shop and a mostly deserted bar on a Friday night in the bad section of town (because, let's face it, those are the Indian restaurants that have the most authentic and delicious offerings).

The best thing is though, most of the products I have tasted run 200 calories or less per serving and they are a meal unto themselves!

My favorite is the Madras Lentils. It is like a spicy vegetarian chili with hints of ginger, cumin, cardamom and other delicious and punchy flavors. Another favorite is the Chunky Chickpeas in a garlic and ginger sauce. By itself or in a salad, the dish is hearty and wonderful.

If you are in pursuit of a low calorie, high fiber, low fat meal option, Tasty Bite products are right up your alley. Enjoy in good health!

Once again, I need to state that in no way are my statements endorsed by Tasty Bite(R) nor am I paid in any way for this review. I am simply passionate about this brand.