Club Fx Finds: 5 Healthy New Items at Heinen’s

The following article was written by Heinen’s Chief Dietitian, Melanie Jatsek RD, LD.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a personal dietitian to point out the most wholesome foods at the grocery store?

We’ve made that possible at Heinen’s with our “Club Fx Approved” buttons affixed to hundreds of products throughout the store. This stamp indicates that the food meets our Fx™ (food as medicine) criteria as a whole food, whole food derivative, or smart alternative to more conventional products.

And yes, every buttoned item has been carefully evaluated by me, Heinen’s Chief Dietitian, to assure it meets the requirements.

What Makes a Food Fx™-Approved?

While we’re on the subject, you may be wondering the specific qualities a food must have to qualify as Club Fx-approved. We’ve narrowed it down to these five:

• Whole Food or Whole Food Derivative. A whole food is defined as a natural, unprocessed food (such as vegetable or fruit). Foods that have been processed or refined as little as possible and are free from additives or other artificial substances are also included here.
• Smarter Sweeteners. Fx™-approved sweeteners include raw honey, pure maple syrup, coconut sugar, cane sugar, coconut nectar, dates, molasses, stevia, monk fruit, and allulose.
• Minimal Added Sugar. No more than 10 grams of added sugar per serving. If you’re aiming for optimal, I recommend no more than 5 grams of added sugar per serving.
• Healthier Fats. Acceptable fats include avocado oil, coconut oil, coconut butter, extra virgin olive oil, flax seed oil, grass-fed butter/ghee, palm oil (sustainably sourced) and expeller-pressed high oleic sunflower/safflower oil.
• No Artificial Colors or Preservatives. This one speaks for itself. You will often find “no artificial colors or preservatives” mentioned on the front of a package, but I also urge you to read ingredient lists.

New Fx™-Approved Foods at Heinen’s

One of my favorite things about being Heinen’s Chief Dietitian is finding new Fx™-Approved products and letting everyone know about them! Here are the latest and greatest Fx™-approved foods to hit the shelves and Heinen’s:

1. Blue Zones Kitchen Bowls are your solution for healthy fast food. Modeled after the diets of the world’s longest living people, these tasty plant-based bowls are chock full of simple, whole food ingredients, like vegetables, beans, and spices—ingredients found in your very own kitchen. Located in the Frozen Foods Department.

Available in a Burrito Bowl and Heirloom Rice Bowl.

2. Carrington Farms Organic Quinoa Croutons crunch like your favorite crouton without the unhealthy fats. And because they are made from crispy puffed quinoa, you can safely serve them to family and friends following a gluten-free diet. These vegan croutons make a great topping for salads and soups! Located in the Salad Dressing Aisle.

Available in Garlic Parmesan and Pepper & Sea Salt.

3. Evergreen Mini Waffles come in three dessert-like varieties for kids and adults. Each flavor is made with Evergreen’s Fruit & Veggie Powder Blend (Apple, Carrot, Zucchini, Green Pea), whole wheat flour for extra fiber, whole eggs for a dose of protein, and a touch of maple syrup for sweetness. For a quick breakfast on-the-go, make a waffle sandwich with Heinen’s Fan Favorite fresh ground peanut, walnut, or almond butter. Located in the Frozen Foods Department.

Available in Apple Cinnamon Cobbler, Zucchini Carrot Cake, and Peanut Butter & Banana.

4. Olipop Crisp Apple and Ridge Rush are two new flavors of the prebiotic soda our customers love. Crisp Apple is a fall-inspired beverage described as tantalizingly sweet and refreshing, while Ridge Rush is a healthy take on Mountain Dew made with green tea to give you a little pick-me-up. Olipop can help you kick your soda habit to the curb in a healthy, Fx™-friendly way because it’s low in sugar and contains added fiber to balance blood sugar and improve gut health. Located in the Wellness Department.

5. Two Brothers A2 Organic Grass Fed Deli Cheese can turn your favorite sandwich into an Fx™-approved meal! A2 protein is a type of casein protein from the milk of heritage breed cows that is easier to digest than traditional A1 protein in typical dairy products. And of course, the fact that the cows have also been raised on pasture and fed a diet of grass means these cheeses contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats. Our friendly Deli Associates are happy to slice this cheese in any quantity you desire. Located in the Deli Department.

Available in Colby Jack and Raw Medium Cheddar.

By Melanie Jatsek RD, LD

Heinen's Chief Dietitian, Melanie Jatsek, RD, LD believes that the answer to a strong, healthy and vibrant body lies within. As a published author with over 24 years of experience in wellness program development, health coaching and professional speaking, Melanie offers expert guidance through Heinen's Club Fx program to help customers take inspired action to build the healthy body they were meant to live in without giving up their favorite foods.