A note for those of you on Weight Watchers:
1/2 tablespoon of Hagens = 1.5 points

Allergen information: contains milk, fish and soy.

Ingredients: Corn oil, malt vinegar, salt, vinegar, sugar, spices, molasses, anchovies, tamarind extract, blue and romano cheese (milk, bacterial culture, salt, rennet and/or pepsin, and/or microbial enzyme, lipase cellulose, sorbic acid, may contain calcium chloride), modified milk ingredients, onion, garlic, maltodextrin, modified corn starch, dextrose, xanthan gum, guar gum, water, corn syrup solids, lemon juice solids, sodium citrate, flavors, caramel, potassium sorbate, silicon dioxide, soy flour.

Nature's fast food

The North American diet is filled with fast food and we all know we're not treating our bodies very well when we eat too much of it.

If we think about it, vegetables and fruit are nature's fast food. We don't need to cook them. Just wash, chop or slice, and voilà! You've got a meal that's not only delicious...it's good for you!

When you make a salad, use Hagens Dressing to add to nature's goodness.

About fat

According to Health Canada: "Fat is an important part of a healthy diet because it provides essential fatty acids and energy (calories). It also helps your body absorb Vitamins A, D and E."

The good fats

Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids should be included in your diet because they lower your risk of heart disease.

Hagens' main ingredient is corn oil, a polyunsaturated fat. (Anchovies are also included in the mix, and fish contain natural oils from this group, too.)

The eat-in-moderation fats

Saturated fatty acids include dairy products and Hagens contains a small amount of blue and romano cheese. While saturated fats are known to raise blood levels of bad cholesterol, thus raising the risk of heart disease, they also raise blood levels of good cholestrol.

The bad fats

Trans fats raise blood levels of so-called bad cholesterol, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Also, trans fats lower blood levels of so-called good cholesterol, which protects against heart disease. These fats should be avoided in your diet.

We're happy to announce that Hagens has zero trans fat.

Did you know?

Eating fresh vegetables and fruit provides more fibre than juice.

Go for colour

Dark green vegetables such as spinach, arugula and romaine lettuce, and orange vegetables such as carrots are great sources of vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy teeth, bones and skin. Vitamin A is also good for the eyes.

Add fruit to your salad! Orange fruit such as apricots, nectarines, and peaches are also a good source of vitamin A.