Friday, June 29, 2012

Grilling Recipes

I got this from meatless mondaywww.meatlessmonday.com It has a lot of great recipes. I started eating meatless on Mondays a few months ago and actually look forward to Meatless Monday. Hope you enjoy these great grilling ideas.

Get Grilling with Meatless Monday


The start of summer is the perfect time to enjoy delicious, sizzling meals straight off the grill! Meatless grilling is an easy way to experience seasonal flavors without ruining your swimsuit diet. Plus, the occasional vegetarian dish can help you incorporate more vitamin-packed vegetables into your diet and reduce your risk of certain chronic diseases.
“Americans love grilling and eating a lot of meat, but consuming red and processed meat, like our beloved hamburgers and hot dogs, has been linked to a host of illnesses including diabetes, heart disease and various forms of cancer,” says Allison Cappelaere, Registered Dietitian and Project Director for the Johns Hopkins Meatless Monday Project. “What’s more, cooking and grilling meat at high temperatures – especially when charred – releases cancer-causing compounds and increases health risks.”
It’s easy to remember to cut back when you start the week with a meatless meal! So fire up the grill with the help of our top 10 tips:
1. Kabobs are a BBQ staple that can easily go meatless. Add tofu cubes, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, roasted potatoes or any other vegetable that strikes your fancy.
2. Many vegetables can be thrown right on the grill (with delicious results)! Try fresh corn, asparagus, eggplant, zucchini, squash or bell peppers.
3. You can also add fruit to the grill for a sweet side or dessert. Try peach halves, pineapples, melon, kiwi or figs with a touch of honey marinade.
4. Swap your burger for a portobello mushroom or grilled eggplant slices. Put it on a bun and add interesting toppings like avocados, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, or an olive spread.
5. Try a veggie burger recipe that celebrates hearty ingredients like black beans, lentils, quinoa and chickpeas. You can also find pre-made patties at supermarkets and natural food stores.
6. All you need is pizza dough, the usual toppings and your favorite thinly sliced or pre-grilled vegetables to make a delicious, smoky pie right on the grill.
7. Use your favorite marinade recipe to add flavor to extra firm tofu cubes. Grill them up and add them to a salad, serve with veggies, or enjoy them on their own.
8. Try grilled vegetables to make a filling summer salad. Add a bit of fruit, feta or olive oil to complete the dish; or think beyond lettuce and concoct a bean or grain salad.
9. Consider your sides when planning a meatless BBQ. Pasta salads, raw vegetables and hummus dip are great ways to turn your plant-based dishes into a full meal.
10. End the meal on a healthy note with a tray of fresh fruit, a parfait or homemade smoothies.

BBQ Peaches

Ingredients
  • 2 firm, ripe freestone peaches, halved and pitted
  • 4 tablespoons barbeque sauce

Directions

  1. Preheat grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
  2. Slice flesh-side of peach halves diagonally about 1/4-inch deep, twice in each direction.
  3. Drizzle flesh-side of each peach half with barbeque sauce; brush sauce for an even coat.
  4. Place peaches, flesh-side up, on the grill. Cook until barbeque sauce bubbles slightly and peaches are a little softer than when you put them on the grill, 7 to 10 minutes

Serves 4 = 1 PP

Grilled Pineapple

Ingredients
  • 1 fresh pineapple - peeled, cored and cut into 1 inch rings
  • 1/4 teaspoon honey
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 dash hot pepper sauce
  • salt to taste

Directions

  1. Place pineapple in a large resealable plastic bag. Add honey, butter, hot pepper sauce, and salt. Seal bag, and shake to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight.
  2. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil grate.
  3. Grill pineapple for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until heated through and grill marks appear.

Footnotes

FOOTNOTE

  • You can cut the pineapple slices into wedges for easier handling, then just thread onto skewers before grilling!

                            12 servings = 2 PP

BBq Chicken with Grilled Sweet Potatoes

Recipes
BBQ Chicken with Grilled Sweet Potatoes

BBQ Chicken with Grilled Sweet Potatoes158 people rated this recipe
PointsPlus®value | 7
Servings | 4
Preparation Time | 30 min
Cooking Time | 15 min
Level of Difficulty | Moderate

main meals | This special meal is a little more elegant than the traditional summer burgers-and-dogs, but not much more work.

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp paprika
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1/2 Tbsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 Tbsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 Tbsp dry mustard
  • 1 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 pound(s) uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast(s), four 4-oz pieces
  • 2 large uncooked sweet potato(es)
  • 1 spray(s) cooking spray
  • 1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste

Instructions

  • Mix paprika through to sugar. A few hours before you plan to grill, rub chicken breasts with seasoning mixture. Cover and refrigerate until 15 minutes before you grill.
  • Peel sweet potatoes and slice into 1/3-inch discs. Place in a pot with enough cold, salted water to cover, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 3 to 4 minutes, then drain and cool.
  • When it's time to grill, preheat grill, then spray potatoes with cooking spray or olive oil spray and salt them. Salt chicken breasts. Place potatoes and chicken on grill and cook until done. The seasoning mixture makes the chicken very reddish in color, so be careful not to cook the chicken too long.
  • Copied from Weight Watchers e-tools

Inspiration


"Forget about all the reasons why something may not work. You only need to find one good reason why it will."
- Dr. Robert Anthony

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Hiking Feather Falls

Here are just a few of the pictures I took while on our hike. The first hike I have ever done in my life. It was such an amazing experience. I look forward to many more in the years to come. Thank you so much Jenn for being there and sharing the day with me. Your the best.
In the Beginning there were two?

Jenn was my inspiration

First Small falls we encountered

Bald Rock Dome

We made it up to the falls. What a  wonderful experience.

Captured a rainbow. How beautiful

There were lots of beautiful flowers and folage

Light filtering through the trees

We made it. 4.5 hours---9.5 miles--still friends ---
PRICELESS

Saturday, June 23, 2012

7 PP meal idea

Received an email from Donna and Gene and they tried this easy meal Burttio and liked it. Donna said if you had a 1 PP tortilla there was enough filling to make 2 burrito each for the same points. Sometimes a fast and easy meal idea like this comes in handy. 

Tuna Melt Burrito


quick meals
7 PointsPlus Value
 


Ingredients
Point Plus
1/2 cup(s) canned chunk white tuna in water
 
2 tsp reduced-calorie mayonnaise
 
2 Tbsp low-fat shredded Cheddar cheese
 
1 medium whole wheat tortilla(s)
 
1 tsp uncooked red onion(s)
 
1 tsp dill
 
Instructions
Combine tuna, mayonnaise and cheese in a small bowl; spoon down center of tortilla. Roll up burrito-style (first tuck in ends and then roll up sides) and place seam-side down on a plate. Microwave, covered, until cheese is melted, about 1 minute; garnish with onion and dill.

 
 

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Enchiladas, Cabbage Salad and Strawberry Margarita

I decided I was hungry for Mexican food. I know that I struggle with going to a Mexican Restaurant soooo. I decided to make Mexican at home. This is the results and the recipes or at least as close as I can get to whatever I threw together. I hope some of you try the enchiladas they were delicious, quick and easy and the Strawberry Margarita was really good to. Thank you Rosemary for introducing me to the Crystal light margarita mix. Your really racking up those Bravos. Make sure to give yourself one for this latest find. Crystal Light Margarita, all the flavor without any of the calories.


Chicken Enchilada 5PP, Cabbage Salad 2PP, 5- Baked Tortilla Chips 1PP and Strawberry Margarita OPP
DELICIOSO
Total - 8PP





                                                     LYNDA'S EASY ENCHILADA

1- can Kirkland chicken
1- can bush's grillin beans (black bean fiesta)
ww cheese
mexican spices
plain yogurt
7 corn tortillas

Drain chicken, mix with Mexican spices. Spoon 2 Tbsp of chicken mixture into a corn tortilla. Add 2 Tbsp. ww Mexican shredded cheese.  Place into a 9x9 " cake pan. Continue with the other 6 tortillas. Top all enchiladas with the can of bush's black bean fiesta, and 1/3 cup ww cheese. Cover with foil and cook at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. I didn't want to heat our house up so I cooked ours on the outside grill.  Serve up with a dollop of plain fat free yogurt. Garnish with some diced tomatoes, and jalapeno.


                                        THROW IT TOGETHER CABBAGE SALAD

3- cups or so shredded cabbage
1-apple peeled and chopped small
1/4- small red onion chopped small
5- baby carrots shredded
2 Tbsp Newman's Own Ginger Sesame Dressing
salt and pepper to taste
dash of celery seed

Mix all ingredients together and enjoy


                                          STRAWBERRY MARGARITA

1- crystal light margarita mix
2 -quarts water
5-strawberries

1)Mix together in pitcher crystal light and water .

 2) Puree 5 strawberries in blender, add 8 oz crystal light margarita drink to strawberries, add 5-7 ice cubes and blend till smooth.

If you like you can dip your margarita glass in some of the crystal light drink in a flat bowl then into a bowl with powdered sugar. Garnish with a fresh strawberry. Ole

I have to say this is one of the most complete and tasty meals I have put together. It was even better the second day as leftovers. I had all the components of a real Mexican meal. Enchilada, slaw, chips, and margarita. Maybe I'll just start my own Mexican Restaurant. :)

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Pancakes = 2 Point Plus

Rosemary shared this WONDERFUL recipe with me a few weeks ago. I don't know what took me so long to make it except I couldn't wrap my brain around making pancakes out of cottage cheese. I love pancakes and haven't eaten them in a long time. The taste, the texture and the size of the serving is amazing. This is a recipe I will make again and again.

Thank you Rosemary for the delicious recipe. Give yourself a Bravo for this one.

3 Cottage Cheese Pancakes with Fresh Strawberries blended, Cantaloupe, Fat Free Milk= 7 PP

1 C 1 % cottage cheese
2 whole eggs and 2 egg whites or ( Egg Beaters - 1/2 cup plus 4 Tbsp)
1/2 C flour
1 tsp honey
1/4 t baking powder
1/4 t salt

Top with your favorite applesauce, strawberries, peaches. What ever fruit is in season.

Beat eggs. Add rest of ingredients. Blend well and drop from a spoon ( I used my 1/4 cup WW spoon) onto greased hot griddle. Turn once. Makes 8 pancakes = 2 PP each

These are Delicious Popsicles 1 Points Plus

I made these this week and shared with 2 of my friends and we all loved them. So simple yet so satisfying. Hope you all enjoy.

Creamy Coconut Pineapple Popsicles Recipe

An amazing low calorie summer popsicle recipe that is healthy, delicious and all natural. It’s sweet, creamy, and makes a great Weight Watchers snack for a hot day.

Ingredients

  • 1can light coconut milk
  • 1 can pineapple chunks, in their own juice
  • 1 large banana
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Blend all ingredients together in a blender, until smooth.
  2. Pour into popsicle molds, and freeze.
Preparation time: 5 minute(s)
Cooking time:
Diet type: Vegan
Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate
Number of servings (yield): 12
Culinary tradition: USA (Traditional)
Entire recipe makes 12 4” high popsicles
Serving size is 1 popsicle
Each popsicle = 1 Points +
PER SERVING: 57 calories; 1.5g fat; 10g carbohydrates; 0g protein; .5g fiber


Read more: http://www.laaloosh.com/2012/06/05/creamy-coconut-pineapple-popsicles-recipe/#ixzz1xzkVIRW9

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Dinning out quick meals Ideas

Subway

This month at Subway the Oven Roasted Chicken with Spinach is the $5.00 sandwich. I Pointed the sandwich out with the following

Oven Roasted Chicken with Spinach= 8 PP
Parmesan Oregano Bread
Pepper Jack Cheese
Spinach, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pickles, Green Pepper, Jalapeno, Banana Pepper
Mustard

Subway is my go to when I'm out on the town and need a filling quick meal. I always get a 12 inch but only eat half. Take the rest home to Rog or I have it for Dinner. When you add a piece of fruit and a none calorie drink it's a real good Points Plus Value Meal.


Taco Bell

Fresco Crunchy Taco Beef = 4 PP
Fresco Soft Taco Beef =4.5 PP
Fresco Burrito Supreme Chicken=9 PP
Fresco Burrtio Supreme Steak=8.5 PP
Fresco Ranchero Chicken Soft Taco= 4.5 PP
Fresco Grilled Steak Soft Taco=5 PP
Fresco Bean Burrito= 8 PP

After our Thursday morning meeting I went and had  a Fresco Soft Taco for Breakfast. I had brought along a Banana. Interesting Breakfast meal but it was good.


KFC

Grilled Chicken Breast =5.5 PP
Grilled Chicken Thigh= 4.5 PP
Green Beans= .5 PP
Mashed Potato and Gravy= 3.5 PP
Grilled Chicken Cesar Salad w/o Dressing or Croutons =5.5 PP
Fat Free Ranch 1 Packett=1 PP
Croutons 1 Packet=2 PP
Biscuit = 5 PP

KFC is our Weekend take out go to. When I order I ask for a grilled  Breast (I have them put it in a small box by itself so it won't soak up any grease). I usually have Mashed and gravy, sliced tomatoes, and a Biscuit. It adds up to 14 PP. For me 5 PP for a Biscuit is soooo worth it. I love my Biscuits and thats the only time I eat them.

In and Out Burger

Hamburger with mustard and ketsup instead of spread=8 PP
Hamburger without bun/wrapped in lettuce = 7PP
French Fries = 11 PP

When I'm in Chico I love to go to In and Out Burger. 8 PP for a Hamburger especially an In and Out Burger is a real treat.

Costco

Hebrew National Hot Dog = 15 PP
1 slice Pizza - Combo = 18.5 PP/ Cheese = 19 PP/ Pepperoni = 16.5 PP
Churro =  J&J =13 PP/ California = 11 PP
Ice Cream Bar= 24 PP
Berry Sundae 12.3 oz =11PP
Yogurt  12 oz.= 10.5 PP

Costco is a place you can eat sooooo cheap on your wallet but soooo bad for your Points Plus Day.


Starbucks

Egg White, Spinach and Feta Wrap=  7.5PP
Starbucks Perfect Oatmeal = 3.5 PP
Roasted Vegetable Panini = 9.5 PP
Farmers Market Salad = 5.5 PP

16 oz. Drinks with non-fat milk/ no whipped cream
Iced Caffee Latte = 2.5 PP
Iced Skinny Flavored Latte= 2 PP

I'm not one who likes to waste Points Plus on a drink. I have had the Egg White, Spinach and Feta Wrap. It is VERY  good. Add a cup of coffee and a piece of fruit. MMMM

Eating out is no longer frightening. I have my go to meals and always carry my dinning out book.I hope this gives you some easy go to meals when your out and about. I'm going to make a copy and keep it in my car. When I'm out and about it will be so easy to take a quick look and keep me on track. If there is any Restaurant items you would like Pointed out please email me and I will try to give  you a Points Plus count.

Monday, June 18, 2012


Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, this time more wisely. Today is a new day!
— Denise

Thursday, June 14, 2012

This not That

 Thank you Mary for making a visual of my favorite unhealthy snack, Lays Potato Chips. This will make me think the next time I feel like diving into a bag.

This is the visual Mary shared and what she had to say about it.

 

 At 3:00 I was digging through the cupboards and I found....you know what....potato chips. Ok....here's what I did. I weighed out 2 portions (56 grams)....guess how many points...9. Still inspired from this morning, I decided to do something different. I air popped 1/3 cup pop corn, which made 8 cups. Do you know that 8 cups of air popped pop corn is 6 points. A big Ahhha moment for me...and it's now 4:40, and I'm still eating the popcorn. Do you know how long the chips would have lasted? I've attached a photo of what 8 cups of popcorn looks like compared to 2 servings of potato chips, and in truth, I probably would have had 3 or 4 servings of potato chips. My blog page: http://glittergrammy.blogspot.com

6/14/2012 Todays Inspiration


Success isn't determined by pounds, pant sizes, or inches. It is determined by your ability to make positive lifelong changes every day.
— Denise

From: Denise Austin

Chef Megs Low Sodium Sausage

I'm not a big sausage eater because of the fat and sodium. Here you have control without spending a lot of money.  I look forward to trying this out. Sunday Brunch with sausage, egg beater, and cheese omelet, Fruit, a slice of Sara Lee Delightful.MMMM= 8 PP or Scramble some sausage with egg beaters, wrap in at 1 PP tortilla with a little cilantro and salsa, add some  fruit=6PP. If you want to make some ahead I have made egg beater tortillas and frozen them. Grab and go. You can also use ground chicken breast or turkey breast. I have made turkey sausage before and it is very good.

Chef Megs Lower Sodium Sausage

Ingredients


    8 ounces lean (80% lean/20% fat) fresh ground pork
    2 tablespoons chicken or vegetable Stock or apple juice
    1/2 teaspoon thyme, dried
    1/4 teaspoon sage, dried
    1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
    Save Now!


Directions

Using your hands, thoroughly combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Fold a 12" sheet of waxed paper in half. Divide the sausage mixture into eight equal portions (about one tablespoon each.) and roll into balls using your hands. Place the balls on one side of the waxed paper, fold the other side over, and press to flatten the sausage into patties.
Coat a nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Cook the sausage over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, turning halfway. Sausage should cook until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Makes 4 servings, two patties per serving=4PP

Number of Servings: 4

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user CHEF_MEG.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Lemon Chicken with Broccoli

Made this for dinner tonight. It is very good. I will be making it again soon. Very easy and tasty. I did use twice as much lemon as the recipe calls for. I love lemon. I served it over Cauli-rice.

Cauli-rice=0PP
1/4 head of cauliflower (grated)
Microwave for 2 minutes or to desired doneness.
Do not add water. Microwave dry.




Lemon Chicken with Broccoli2343 people rated this recipe
PointsPlus®value | 4
Servings | 4
Preparation Time | 10 min
Cooking Time | 10 min
Level of Difficulty | Easy

main meals | An easy weeknight dinner. Great with a side of angel hair pasta, rice or couscous.


Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp table salt, divided
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 12 oz uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast(s), thinly sliced
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cup(s) fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 2 1/2 cup(s) uncooked broccoli, small florets
  • 2 tsp lemon zest, or more to taste
  • 2 Tbsp parsley, fresh, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  • On a plate, combine 1 1/2 tablespoons of flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and pepper; add chicken and turn to coat.
  • Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, turning as needed, until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes; remove to a plate.
  • Put 1 cup of broth and garlic in same skillet; bring to a boil over high heat, scrapping up browned bits from bottom of pan with a wooden spoon. Add broccoli; cover and cook 1 minute.
  • In a small cup, stir together remaining 1/2 cup of broth, 1/2 tablespoon of flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt; add to skillet and bring to a simmer over low heat.
  • Cover and cook until broccoli is crisp-tender and sauce is slightly thickened, about 1 1/2 minutes. Stir in chicken and lemon zest; heat through.
  • Remove skillet from heat and stir in parsley and lemon juice; toss to coat. Yields about 1 cup per serving.

Recipe taken from Weight Watchers e-tools
Blue Cheese Chicken Burgers

Image of Blue Cheese Chicken Burgers569 people rated this recipe
PointsPlus®value | 8
Servings | 4
Preparation Time | 15 min
Cooking Time | 10 min
Level of Difficulty | Easy

main meals | These burgers are Buffalo chicken wing knock-offs. They're brushed with a spicy BBQ sauce and then topped with crumbled blue cheese. Amazing flavor
Ingredients

  • 2 spray(s) cooking spray
  • 1/4 cup(s) barbecue sauce
  • 1 1/2 tsp hot pepper sauce, or to taste
  • 1 pound(s) uncooked extra lean ground chicken breast
  • 1/2 cup(s) uncooked scallion(s), sliced
  • 1/4 cup(s) uncooked celery, chopped
  • 1/4 cup(s) dried plain bread crumbs, plain-variety
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 tsp table salt
  • 4 item(s) mixed-grain hamburger roll(s)
  • 2 cup(s) romaine lettuce, shredded
  • 1 large fresh tomato(es), cut into 8 slices
  • 2 Tbsp blue cheese, crumbled

Instructions

  • Off heat, coat a grill or grill pan with cooking spray; preheat to medium-high.
  • In a small bowl, combine barbecue sauce and hot pepper sauce. In a medium bowl, combine chicken, 1 tablespoon of barbecue sauce mixture, scallion, celery, bread crumbs, garlic and salt. Using wet hands (to prevent mixture from sticking), form chicken mixture into four 1/2-inch-thick patties; brush top of burgers with some remaining barbecue sauce mixture.
  • Place burgers on grill, sauce side down; brush tops of burgers with remaining sauce. Grill, turning once, until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Lightly toast open-faced buns on grill during buns on grill during last minute of cooking.

  • To serve, place 4 bun bottoms on each of 4 plates. Top each with 1/2 cup of shredded lettuce, 2 tomato slices, a burger, 1/2 tablespoon of cheese and a bun top (cheese will melt a little from hot burger). Yields 1 burger per serving.

  • Notes
    If you like your food really spicy, give the lettuce and tomato a few shots of hot sauce.

    Copied from Weight Watchers e-tools

    Meatless Monday Meals 6/11/2012

    Oatmeal topped with banana slices, dust with cinnamon and fat free milk

    Broccoli-Cheese Soup with sliced strawberries and cool whip


    Broccoli-Cheese Soup-2 servings= 3 PP each
    4 Cup raw Broccoli (chopped)
    8 baby Carrots (sliced thin)
    2 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth
    1/4 Cup fat free Milk
    1/2 tsp. salt
    1/4 tsp. pepper
    1/2 cup low fat cheddar cheese

    Cook broccoli and carrots in chicken broth for 10 minutes on medium. Put 3/4 of the broccoli into your blender and blend till smooth. Add blended broccoli back into pan, add milk, salt, pepper and cook for 10 minutes on med-low. Add cheese , heat till melted. Enjoy


    
    Taco Salad

    Taco Salad- 1 serving=6PP

    1/2 cup pinto beans
    2/3 cup Morningstar Farms crumbles
    1/4 tsp. cumin
    1 tsp. chili powder
    jalapeno pepper to taste (chopped fine)
    5 baked tortilla chips (crumbled)
    2 small tomatoes (diced)
    1 green onion (sliced)
    2 cup lettuce (shredded)
    1 Tbsp. fat free sour cream

    Combine pinto beans, crumbles, cumin, chili powder and jalapeno into small pan. Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes. Stir frequently. Place lettuce on plate, top with beans, put crumbled tortilla chips on top of beans, top with sour cream, add diced tomatoes and green onion.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks with Points Plus

    I'm going to copy this off and put it in my kitchen for when I can't figure out what I want to eat. You may need to figure Points on some things if you are using different food items. There are some great meal ideas.

     

     

    The Look Good in Shorts Diet: Fill Up to Slim Down

    This simple gimmick-free healthy-eating plan helps you shed pounds without feeling deprived, thanks to a satisfying mix of lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and veggies. (Bonus: You can have ice cream and cookies, too!) Choose one breakfast, lunch, and dinner and two snacks from the choices below, aiming to eat about 1,500 calories a day.

    Breakfast
    Waffle with bananas
    Enlarge Image
    Approximately 300 calories each
    Maple pecan waffle with bananas=5PP
    Top 1 toasted whole-grain frozen waffle with 2 tablespoons chopped pecans, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, and 1 small sliced banana.
    Cottage cheese with blueberries and almonds=5PP
    Top 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese with 1 cup blueberries and 3 tablespoons slivered almonds.
    Berry smoothie=6PP
    Blend 12 ounces skim milk with 1 cup frozen raspberries and 1 packet plain instant oatmeal.
    Spinach omelet sandwich=6PP
    Scramble 1 egg and 2 egg whites with 1 cup baby spinach and place on a toasted whole-grain English muffin. Serve with 1/2 grapefruit.
    Almond butter and orange marmalade toast=5PP
    Top 1 large slice whole-grain toast with 1 tablespoon almond butter and 2 teaspoons orange marmalade. Serve with 1 small orange.
    Peach and granola yogurt=7PP
    Top 8 ounces low-fat vanilla yogurt with 1 diced medium peach and 1 crumbled low-fat oat-and-nut granola bar.
    Apple nut oatmeal=6PP
    Prepare 1 packet plain instant oatmeal with water and top with 1 chopped small apple, 2 tablespoons chopped nuts, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar.
    Bacon and egg breakfast burrito=6PP
    Scramble 1 egg and 2 egg whites with 2 slices cooked and crumbled turkey bacon. Wrap in whole-grain tortilla with 1 tablespoon salsa. Serve with 1/2 cup diced cantaloupe.
    Pancakes with vanilla-blackberry syrup=7PP
    To make syrup, heat 1/2 cup blackberries in microwave for 30 to 45 seconds, then mash with 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon honey. Pour syrup over 3 whole-grain pancakes.

    Lunch

    Turkey and pear sandwich
    Enlarge Image
    Approximately 400 calories each

    Turkey, Swiss, and pear sandwich=4 PP
    Make sandwich with 2 slices whole-grain bread (Sara Lee Delightful), 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 2 ounces sliced turkey, 1 slice low-fat Swiss cheese, and 1/2 small sliced pear. Serve with 1/2 cup baby carrots dipped in 1 tablespoon low-fat ranch dressing.


    Guacamole veggie burger=8PP
    Top a heated plain veggie burger with lettuce, tomato, and 2 tablespoons prepared guacamole and place on a whole-grain hamburger bun. Serve with 1 small apple.


    Mediterranean tuna sandwich=6PP
    Mix together 3 ounces drained canned tuna (packed in water), 2 tablespoons fat free Italian vinaigrette, 2 tablespoons sliced black olives, and 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper; place in 1 whole-grain pita. Serve with 1 medium plum.


    Bean and cheese burritos=7PP
      Top each of 2 small whole-grain tortillas( 1 PP each) with 1/2 cup fat-free refried beans, 4 tablespoons salsa, 4 tablespoons shredded low-fat cheddar cheese, and 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce.


    Greek salad=6PP
    Combine 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1 small diced tomato, 1/2 cup canned garbanzo beans (rinsed and drained), and 1/4 cup fat free croutons. Top with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 4 tablespoons crumbled fat free feta cheese.


    Veggie chili=8PP
    Prepare 1 1/2 cups canned low-fat vegetarian chili according to package directions and serve with 8 whole-grain crackers.


    Chicken Caesar wraps=8PP
    Fill each of 2 whole-grain tortillas(1 PP each) with 2 cups romaine lettuce, 3 ounces skinless rotisserie chicken, and 4 teaspoons light Caesar salad dressing. Serve with 3/4 cup grapes.


    Dinner

    Salmon and pasta dinner
    Enlarge Image
    Approximately 500 calories each
    Salmon with pesto fettuccine and garlic spinach=11PP
    Serve 3 1/2 ounces baked or broiled salmon on top of 1 cup whole-grain fettuccine tossed with 1 tablespoon prepared pesto. Serve with 2 cups baby spinach sauteed in 1 teaspoon olive oil and 1 clove minced garlic.
    White bean and basil pasta=11PP
    Top 1 cup cooked whole-grain pasta with 1/2 cup marinara spaghetti sauce, 1/2 cup canned white beans, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and 2 Tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese.
    Chicken and asparagus with loaded baked potato=9PP
    Serve 4 ounces grilled chicken breast with 8 medium-size grilled asparagus spears and 1 medium baked potato topped with 2 tablespoons low-fat sour cream and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives.
    Broccoli-almond stir-fry=12PP
    Saute 2 cups frozen broccoli, 3 tablespoons slivered almonds, 4 ounces cubed firm tofu, 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce, and 2 teaspoons olive oil. Serve with 1 cup cooked brown rice.
    Grilled steak and arugula sandwich=10PP
    Make sandwich with 1 small toasted whole-grain roll, 3 ounces grilled sirloin steak, 1 thin slice part-skim mozzarella cheese, 1 cup arugula, and 2 slices tomato. Serve with 1 cup low-sodium minestrone soup.
    Shrimp tacos=6PP
    Fill each of 3 whole-corn tortillas with 4 grilled shrimp, 3/4 cup shredded carrots and napa cabbage, 3 tablespoons salsa, and 3 tablespoons chopped avocado.
    Spinach with grilled chicken=10PP
    Toss 4 cups of baby spinach with 1 cup strawberries, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoons olive oil, and 2 tablespoons chopped pecans. Top with 6 ounces sliced grilled chicken breast.

    Snacks

    Fig cookies and tea
    Enlarge Image
    Approximately 150 calories each; choose two each day
    - 2 whole-grain fig cookies served with 1 cup green tea with 1 teaspoon honey=4PP
    - 4 whole-grain crackers(wheat thins), each topped with 1 thin slice low-fat Cheddar cheese=2PP
    - 4 ounces low-fat cottage cheese served with 4 ounces no-sugar-added pineapple cup=2PP
    - 1/2 cup low-fat chocolate ice cream topped with 1/4 cup sliced strawberries=3PP
    - 12 ounces skim latte with 1 packet sugar=3PP
    - 2 cups veggies dipped in 2 tablespoons fat free ranch dressing=0PP
    - 1 small whole-grain tortilla(1PP) filled with 2 tablespoons hummus and 2 tablespoons shredded carrots=2PP
    - 1 small whole-grain tortilla filled with 2 tablespoons melted low-fat Cheddar cheese and salsa=2PP
    - 6 ounces low-fat vanilla yogurt topped with 2 tablespoons whole-grain cereal=3PP
    - 1 small sliced apple topped with 1 tablespoon peanut butter=3PP
    - 3 slices tomato, each topped with thin 1oz. part-skim mozzarella and 1 fresh basil leaf=2PP
    - 1/2 cup grapes with 12 almonds=2PP
    - 1 low-fat granola bar=3PP
    - 4 ounces sugar-free chocolate pudding (hunts pudding cup) topped with 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts=4PP
    Originally published in Ladies' Home Journal, June 2009.
    Copied from Ladies' Home Journal

    Monday, June 11, 2012

    Fitness Test

    I found this inspiring. I defiantly need to work on some of them. I'm a lot closer today than I was 22 months ago with a little work I'll get there.