Here they are again, Calorie Bargains — foods and products that help you stay on a healthy path.

GARDEN-IN-A-BAG

Why: This company gives you everything you need: Just mix in the enclosed packet of seeds in the leakproof bag and add water. The seeds germinate in seven to 14 days, and you can start using the leaves in about eight weeks.

Health bonus: You can add flavor to your food, with your own herb garden. It's certainly an encouraging way to get you to cook and eat more healthfully. Plus, if you have kids, it's a great way to teach them to eat better foods because they can eat what they grow.

What we like best: How simple and cute they are — great, healthy gifts.

What we like least: They're not available everywhere, but you can order them online.

The price: $7.50 per plant, plus shipping.

Offerings: Chives, cilantro, oregano, basil, thyme, dill, mint, parsley, sage, tomatoes and strawberries. They also offer an herb Garden-in-a-Pail and Mixed Herb Hanging Baskets, which also are fabulous.

Where to buy: www.pottingshedcreations.com, or call (800) 505-7496.

Ingredients: Seeds, soil wafer, drainage material and leakproof bag.

HOLEY DONUTS (MARBLE FROSTED)

Why: If you've ever sat in the parking lot waiting for that "Hot Krispy Kreme ... Now" sign to light up, this Calorie Bargain is for you.

Health bonus: Holey Donuts' proprietary recipe and cooking method give you all the doughnutty taste and texture you love, sans the deep-fat fryer.

What we like best: Once cooked, they are flash frozen and shipped right to your door.

What we like least: Doughnuts must be shipped, so no instant gratification. Also, they're still not super low-calorie, so they should be eaten sparingly.

Price: $23.95 per dozen.

Offerings: Glazed, coconut cream pie, Boston creme, apple caramel, raspberry crumb, jelly, blueberry crumb, strawberry shortcake, apple coffee cake, marble frosted, classic vanilla, caramel crumb ring, dolce latte frosted, caramel vanilla, black and white, strawberry swirl.

Where to buy: www.holeydonuts.net.

Nutritional analysis per doughnut: 210 calories, 3.5 g fat, 39 g carbs, 4 g protein.

MCDONALD'S SOUTHWEST CHICKEN SALAD

Why: It's fast, good and low in calories. The salad has a nice mix of lettuce, grilled chicken (not crispy), black beans, corn and a few pieces of crispy tortilla. It makes for a satisfying lunch or dinner, even without fries.

Health bonus: The salad has 7 grams of fiber. Wow.

What we like best: A lean, healthy and filling salad — from the drive-thru.

What we like least: It's high in sodium. Skip the croutons, which are 60 calories. And ask for Newman's Own Low-Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette or Newman's Own Low-Fat Family Recipe Italian Dressing, which have about half the calories of the creamy dressing the salad usually comes with.

Price: About $5.15 (with tax).

Offerings: Available with grilled or crispy chicken, but you gotta go for the grilled or it'll cost you an extra 7 grams of fat and 80 calories.

Where to buy: McDonald's.

Ingredients: Salad mix, grilled chicken, vegetables, cilantro lime glaze, shredded cheese, limes, chili lime tortilla strips, liquid margarine.

Nutritional analysis per serving: 320 calories, 9 g fat, 30 g carbs, 30 g protein, 7 g fiber, 970 mg sodium.

BIRDS EYE STEAMFRESH VEGGIES

Why: You simply take the veggies out of the freezer, put the bag in the microwave for four to five minutes and you're done. It's that simple; you have great steamed vegetables.

Health bonus: Get your daily dose of veggies loaded with antioxidants. Vegetables are very filling and extremely low in calories.

What we like best: It makes eating vegetables and preparing healthy meals much easier. Our two favorites are the broccoli, carrots, sugar snap peas and water chestnuts and the asparagus, gold and white corn, baby carrots.

What we like least: The four specially seasoned varieties are not all-natural. For instance, Asian Medley has added sugar.

Price: About $2.20 per 12-ounce bag.

Offerings: Broccoli cuts; super sweet corn; sweet peas; cut green beans; mixed vegetables; sweet mini corn on the cob; broccoli, cauliflower and carrots; broccoli, carrots, sugar snap peas and water chestnuts; broccoli and cauliflower; asparagus, gold and white corn, baby carrots; broccoli florets; baby Brussels sprouts; whole green beans.

Where to buy: Supermarket frozen food aisle.

Ingredients: Vegetables.

Nutritional analysis per serving: (Broccoli, Carrots, Sugar Snap Peas & Water Chestnuts) 3/4 cup: 35 calories, no fat, 6 g carbs, 1 g protein, 2 g fiber, 25 mg sodium

Charles Stuart Platkin is a nutrition and public-health advocate, and author of "Breaking the FAT Pattern" (Plume, 2006). Sign up for the free Diet Detective newsletter at www.dietdetective.com.