This quick, easy, light dish is a great way to heat up on a cold night. Plus, you’ll receive one entry to win a $2,500 Frozen Food Shopping Spree when you purchase the frozen chopped spinach!

Creamy Chicken & Tortellini Soup
Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes

1 9-ounce package refrigerated whole-wheat cheese tortellini
1 can reduced sodium chicken broth
2 cans 99% fat free cream of chicken soup
1 10-ounce package frozen, chopped spinach, thawed (you can also substitute 1 6-ounce bag fresh, pre-washed baby spinach, chopped)
3 Ukrop’s Kitchen pre-cooked chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces or pulled with two forks
2 cups skim milk
½ tsp. dried thyme
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Boil tortellini in a saucepan, following instructions on the package, but replacing part of the water with chicken broth. Add remaining ingredients to pan and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, cover, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until heated through.

A new year has begun and it is time to take a look at what is hot and what is not! Here is a look at a few nutrition trends that are expected for 2010.

Fresh is the best.
Food and beverages fortified with various health-enhancing ingredients may be less of a consumer focus. The majority of shoppers, ~88 percent, believe it’s more important to eat foods naturally rich in nutrients instead of fortified or enriched, according to Barbara Katz, president of HealthFocus International. The new ideal is fresh, less processed, real and authentic.

Simplicity is more.
This year will be defined by the concept of less is more. Experts say we’ll see this in multiple ways, including less packaging, shorter ingredient lists and more understandable ingredients. A shorter ingredient list was the top 2010 trend identified by readers of SupermarketGuru.com.

Food is the new insurance.
With concerns about health care likely to remain, people will intensify their efforts to stay well and look to food as a solution. Research conducted by HealthFocus International indicates that shoppers have a growing desire to control their own health and “live long and live strong.” Big claims will focus on mental sharpeness, immunity, heart disease, arthritis, eye health and the ability to “detox.”

Meat-free is the new meat.
While many consumers will not completely commit to vegetarian ways, expect to see more people choose to eat meat less often, predicts Dawn Jackson Blatner, a dietitian and author of “The Flexitarian Diet.” Meat will be increasingly viewed as optional as more people opt for plant-based plates dominated by whole grains, beans, nuts and vegetables. The triple concerns over our health, the environment and the economy will help drive this trend, Blatner said.

Sodium is the new trans fat.
Now that many companies and restaurants have removed trans fats from their ingredient list, sodium is anticipated to be in the spotlight. Expect to see more companies announce sodium reductions, although experts say the cuts will likely be gradual to allow time for consumers to adjust to new flavors.

For a special few weeks in January, Ukrop’s receives fresh, juicy Honeybell tangelos from Florida.

Never tried a Honeybell? These special citrus fruits are a cross between a Dancy tangerine and a Duncan grapefruit with the juicy, zippy flavor of a grapefruit and the fresh scent and bright orange color of a tangerine. Although they’re part grapefruit, Honeybells don't taste sour at all. In fact, the Honeybell tangelo variety is so named because it tastes sweet as honey. You’ll recognize it in the store by its unique bell shape.

We only have Honeybells for about three weeks because they’re allowed to ripen naturally and their peak season is short. These rare sweet treats are easy to peel and eat anywhere at any time. Try them alone as a snack, atop a salad. They also make great gifts because of their limited peak season. Stop in soon and take home a Honeybell. Before long they’ll disappear until next January!

If you’ve resolved to shape up your diet in 2010, having a well-stocked pantry is an important way to start. Knowing you’ve got easy, healthy meal and snack options waiting for you at home can make it easier to resist the temptation of fast foods and other unhealthy snacks. Here are some of our top suggestions for filling your pantry:

Nuts and Nut Butter: Both items pack plenty of protein to keep you feeling full. Grab a handful of nuts for a quick snack, or spread some nut butter on an apple or a piece of whole-grain bread. Just make sure to check the portion size and keep your serving in check.

Kashi Cereal Bars: These bars contain fiber and protein, making them a great on-the-go snack.

String Cheese: It’s easy to grab, low in calories and it’s packed with calcium.

High-Fiber Cereal: A single serving of cereal (use a measuring cup to ensure you’re getting a single serving) topped with skim milk makes a nutrient-rich breakfast or snack.

Salsa: Add it to a defrosted chicken breast along with a serving of reduced-fat Mexican blend cheese for dinner in a pinch.

Frozen Fruit: Throw some in the blender with a serving of skim milk for a simple, delicious smoothie. To make this a nutrient-packed breakfast, add a bit of protein powder.

Frozen Vegetables: Pack the freezer with frozen vegetables in individual and family sizes. You can defrost them in a pinch for a quick meal or to round out a meal. Try to skip the varieties that are topped with fat-filled sauces and stick with plain veggies. You can always add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Light Tuna Pouches: Mix them with chopped veggies and fat-free mayonnaise for a quick, filling lunch or snack.

Beans: These fiber-rich treats make ideal, affordable meal starters. Just make sure to rinse them before you cook with them. 

Canned and Boxed Soups: These also work well for quick meals. Imagine Creamy Tomato Soup comes in a resealable box so you can pour out one serving and save the rest for later. Try pairing it with a grilled cheese made with reduced-fat American cheese and whole wheat bread. Amy’s Organics Black Bean Vegetable soup makes a tasty meal alone when topped with a bit of shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of reduced-fat sour cream and Tostito’s All Natural Tortilla Chips.

Whole grain products are packed with fiber that keeps you feeling full longer.

Happy 2010!  Surviving the holiday season’s bounty of rich foods and sweet treats is not easy and the scale may have gone up a few pounds.  Now it's time to get back on track and get the New Year off to a healthy start. Wondering where to begin? Here are a few easy tips:

• Start slow. It takes approximately 3 weeks to form a new habit. Choose 1-3 small goals and stick with them rather than attempting to change everything at once. For instance, if you typically drink regular soda every day, try replacing at least one beverage with a glass of water or other calorie-free choice. Once you have accomplished your initial goals, pick a few more to work on. 

• Ditch the fad diets. It's easy to spend lots of money on diet plans, pills and supplements. Unfortunately these offer only short-term results and may be unsafe. You will be much more successful in the long run by making gradual lifestyle changes.

• When shopping for groceries, look out for whole grain products such as 100% whole wheat bread, cereals, waffles, crackers, pasta, brown rice and low-fat popcorn.  Whole grains are filled with fiber which helps keep you feeling full between meals.  Fruits and vegetables are also fiber-packed, so be sure to aim for at least 5 servings a day!

• Pay attention to portions. Calories add up quickly, so it is important to practice portion control. Check out the nutrition facts for a product’s serving size. Use measuring cups and spoons to keep portions in check.

• Keep a journal to record your intake for the day.  This is one of the most successful tools for weight management and long term success.