SHOP TALK : It’s a Supplement, Not Meal

If you’re already thinking about that January diet, there’s a new way to lose. ToppKrisp, a crunchy, high-fiber “meal in a bag,” can be used as a meal replacement or as a supplement to a balanced diet, according to the manufacturer. Each bag of pellet-like snacks, available in chocolate, apple-cinnamon or nacho flavor, has 115 calories, no cholesterol and little sodium. ToppKrisp users are cautioned to lose weight gradually, drink plenty of water and to eat 800 to 1,000 calories a day.

Using ToppKrisp as a meal replacement isn’t a good idea, warns Bonnie Modugno, a West Los Angeles dietitian and nutrition consultant.

“As a low-fat snack, this (product) may fit into a well-balanced diet,” Modugno said. “But in no way are 115 calories enough to make a nutritious meal.”

Plus, she added, eating only ToppKrisp for breakfast and lunch will predispose dieters to binge later on in the day.

For more information on ToppKrisp, sold only through distributors, call (800) 544-8677.