Women's Nutrition Month

National Women’s Nutrition Week, April 13th – 19th, is a time for women across the country to discover the benefits of heart-healthy whole grains.

It's probably also interesting that a whole week of women's nutrition will be spent advertising weight-loss commercials, as well.

Or advertising snack food. Since the fat-free snack craze went belly (large belly, mind you) up when consumers FINALLY figured out that manufacturers made up for the missing fat by adding calories, the snakkies are going whole grain as their next push. (Remember those Snack Wells that were outrageously popular in the 1990s, and, since they were "fat free," people would eat entire boxes?)

Whole grain snacks don't appear to have such an obvious downside. At least most of the products that have come across our radar so far don't compensate for that whole-grain heartiness by loading up on fat and sugar. But do read the labels.

One of the latest out this spring is Mr. Krispers Baked Rice Krisps. They're billed as an East-West fusion snack free of trans-fats, hydrogenated oils and cholesterol. They're also wheat and gluten free, making them a perfect snack for Wheat/Gluten avoiders and consumers with Celiac disease.

Nutrition count: 120 calories per 37 chip serving (OK, that's impressive) and approved by the U.S. Whole Grain Council as a whole grain snack option. The Krisps are available in White Cheddar & Herb, Sundried Tomato & Basil, Sea Salt & Black Pepper, Barbeque, Sour Cream & Onion and Nacho.