Summer BBQ Tips

To celebrate 4th of July weekend, I thought I'd share 4 awesome ideas for fun summer BBQs that are healthy, delicious and festive!

1. Start off with guilt-free grilling! Skip the fatty burgers and high calorie hot dogs, instead- choose these great options: fat free all-beef hot dogs or turkey dogs (I always choose Hebrew National with only 45 calories per dog), Boca Burgers or Turkey Burgers (100-160 calories per patty. I like the Ballpark turkey burgers and the original variety Boca Burger. Both have 120 calories), chicken breast, lean steaks (like the 4oz Nolan Ryan Filet for 120 calories), and pre-seasoned chicken or beef fajita meat is a great choice! I usually go with the Kroger brand (the chicken has 120 calories per 3oz serving and the beef has 160 per 3oz serving).

Another tip here, skip the bun if you can! Who needs extra carbs when you're saving up calories for desserts and cocktails. If you do have bread, choose 100 calorie sandwich thins or hot dog buns with about 100 calories. Kroger hot dog buns have 110 calories each.

2. Offer up healthy choice sides for the outdoor fiesta. Make them fun and festive! The cuter-the healthier-the better. That's my philosophy!

-Fruit kebabs for a colorful party

-Strawberries, blueberries, watermelon and banana slices for the 4th of July. Make them into a flag if you'd like!

-Grilled up veggies for any summer night! Zucchini, squash, corn, carrots, mushrooms... Choose colorful veggies for a beautiful presentation 

-Baked Tortilla Chips and Salsa for a Mexican Fiesta (see #4 below for a margarita tip!)

- Baked Potatoes with low fat cheese, fat free sour cream and spray butter for an evening dinner with steaks. Date Night at home!

3. Something Sweet! 

The healthy dessert options are endless, but here are my 2 favorite choices...

--Ice Cream Sundaes: The perfect way to cool off and guests have fun making their own! Start off with a scoop of low fat or sugar free vanilla ice cream and top with a little of everything. Fresh Fruit, low fat chocolate syrup, a dash of sprinkles, a few crushed nuts, fat free whipped cream and a cherry on top! Stay clear of candies or crushed cookies.... The toppings above will fill you up just fine! 

--Popsicles: Fun, colorful and sugar free Popsicles are usually cheep and yummy, plus- it's one less thing to make! Look for fruity flavored pops with 10-20 calories each. Awesome! Here is a fun Pinterest tip (that can also add to any party theme): add a cupcake liner to the bottom of your pops to prevent a spill or sticky fingers! Love it!

4. Cocktails- crystal light style!

I absolutely love all three mock-tail flavors in the summer! Stir up a fresh pitcher of margarita crystal light with tequila, appletini with vodka, or mojito with vodka! Each mix has 5 calories per 8oz. + the liquor of course. A 3oz tequila or vodka shot is roughly 70 calories. I also highly suggest enjoying them in a super fun and colorful summer glass! 

Happy Summer!

New Food Finds!

Three new food finds you must try!

1. Joseph's Mini Flax, Oat Bran & Whole Wheat Pita Bread: I found these adorable 50 calories mini pita pockets at Walmart. They are perfect for a sandwich of course, but I also used them to make mini pizzas in the toaster oven! While they are small, they are perfect for a snack-size turkey sandwich when you need a pick me up! When you add a little lettuce and tomato, you're looking at a great snack for about 100 calories! 

2. Ballpark Turkey Burgers: Perfect for grilling season, these 120 calorie, protein packed burgers come frozen and pre-cooked, making them so easy to make! I found them at Costco. Since they are pre-cooked, you can zap one in the microwave when your come home from work late, bake in the oven or heat up on the grill! I enjoyed mine on a 100 calorie sandwich thin with lettuce and tomato and a side of Alexia Fat Free French Fries (100 calories for 12 fries) -available at Target.

3. Earth's Best Baked Chicken Nuggets: While they are great for kids, adults can love them too! Enjoy 6 yummy nuggets for 180 calories- not bad! I found these at Sprouts. The whole grain breaded bites are also packed with protein making them a great lunch or dinner choice. Like the turkey burger, I matched these up with Alexia Fat Free French Fries. Move over greasy fat food!

Stay turned for more great food finds!

All the Taste. Half the Fat.

Don't say no to ice cream, say hello to the many DELICIOUS flavors of Dreyer's Slow Churned. All the Taste. Half the Fat. 1/3 the calories of regular ice cream. Here's to dessert!!

My Top 5 Favorite Flavors:

1. Cookie Dough: creamy vanilla light ice cream loaded with cookie dough pieces and chocolate chips.

130 calories per 1/2 cup serving

2. Mint Cookie Crunch: mint light ice cream with chunks of chocolate cookies.

120 calories per 1/2 cup serving

3. Nestlé Drumstick Sundae Cone: vanilla light ice cream swirled with fudge, chocolate coated peanuts and cone pieces.

120 calories per 1/2 cup serving

4. Peanut Butter Cup: vanilla light ice cream with chocolate peanut butter cups and peanut butter swirls.

130 calories per 1/2 cup serving 

5. No Sugar Added Fudge Tracks with Splenda: fudge swirled vanilla light ice cream with mini peanut butter cups

110 calories per 1/2 cup serving

  

BOUNS: Limited Time Only-  Cinnamon Bun: vanilla light ice cream with cinnamon bun swirls. Only in stores until the end of April- so get it soon! I found it at Target!

110 calories per 1/2 cup serving

  

  

  

  

“Choco-mint” Choices in 2013!

Holiday 2013 seems to be the season of the decedent flavor combination: Chocolate and Peppermint (or chocolate and mint). No need to fear, there are ways to enjoy these partners in crime in a guilt-free way. Below are my Holiday picks for the best “Choco-mint” Choices in 2013!

1.       Dunkin Donuts Peppermint Mocha K-Cups: The perfect at-home brewed beverage this season. I mix mine with one splenda packet and 1 non-dairy creamer tub. It’s not as good as the Starbucks version (see item #4), but it is a zero calorie (10 calories with a creamer tub) coffee option for the morning or dessert!

2.       Angie’s White Chocolate Peppermint Kettle Corn Popcorn: Holy Holiday! This was a delicious snack! So far, one of the best finds of the season. It is pricey. A small 4.5 oz bag will run you about $3.50 at Target, but it might go on sale soon! 1-1/2 cups of this super yummy treat runs you 140 Calories (4 WW points). This snack is sweet, salty and crunchy- the perfect combination. My advice is to measure individual servings into separate plastic baggies as soon as you get home from the store, otherwise you may eat the whole bag! Note: I also saw online that there is an iced gingerbread version. I’ll be on the look out!

3.       Target’s “Market Pantry” Candy Cane Granola Bar: For only 100 Calories (3 WW Points), Chewy Granola meets real chocolate chips and pieces of crunchy, sweet candy canes for a snack that will indulge your sweet tooth. My guess is that this is very seasonal, so stock up now if you’re into on-the-go granola bars. 

4.       Starbucks Skinny Peppermint Mocha Latte: I just can’t get enough of this drink! It’s really sweet and rich and hot and yummy! For me, it’s a little sweet for the early morning, but I do find it to be the best afternoon snack while out shopping on a cold weekend, or during that 3PM work Starbucks run. A grande will run you 130 calories (3 WW Points). 

5.       Snack Factory Pretzel Chips in Dark Chocolate (and White Chocolate) Peppermint Flavors: These were really hard to find (although you can buy on Amazon) I did find the dark chocolate version at Target in Frisco… still on the lookout for the while chocolate version. I thought these were pretty good…. I think I may like the white chocolate version better. The serving size of only 4 pretzels is 130 calories (4WW Points) so enjoy each bite!

6.       Yoplait Limited Addition Light Mocha Mint and Peppermint Bark Yogurt:  Get these while you can. They are hard to find. Check Walmart and Target. I only found the small 4oz versions (but they come bigger too). Light Mocha Mint has only 60 calories (2WW points) and Peppermint Bark has 110 calories (3WW points). Seriously - Stock up before the season is over. They are a really good, guilt-free treat. (I’ll also point out that the fall flavors this year were Light Pumpkin Pie and Apple Crisp. I found them on sale for only $2 at Target!) 

7.       Homemade Chocolate Covered Cady Canes: I made these for my coworkers this year. Super easy and (I thought) super cute! I found the Sweet Stripes soft candy canes at CVS in a mini version. Each candy cane has 45 calories. I covered half of the candy cane in chocolate bark, sprinkled with a few silver sprinkles, and placed in a candy pretzel rod bag with red and while curled ribbon! I’d estimate these at 70 calories each – max! Great – and easy - Gift idea!

As a side note: I also found the Jet Puffed Peppermint Marshmallows at Target. I’m not sure what I’m going to make with them yet… Holiday Trail Mix for New Year’s Eve, maybe? Stay tuned for a follow-up post on that. Happy Holidays!

New Food Finds on our "Ice-Venture!"

After being iced-in for days, we finally ventured out to Walmart and Kroger for an "ice-venture!" I found some new, fun, and healthy foods spotted on shelves! 

1. Dole Dipped Strawberries. I blogged about the chocolate covered bananas awhile ago, so I was happy to find a new "flavor" in the dark chocolate dole fruit family. This yummy dessert has only 60 calories and 2 WW points. Perfect for an after dinner snack!

2. Kroger Christmas Tree Ice Cream Pops. These are delicious!  - and adorable! For only 80 calories, 2 WW points, enjoy low fat mint ice cream with sprinkles in the shape of an adorable Christmas Tree on a stick. Festive and guilt-free! The mint flavor was very tasty (even on a cold day!) Also available in "snowman" with vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream. Stock up on these, I'm sure they are seasonal. I'm going to fill my freezer with some! (Side note: Where's the low fat ice cream menorah on a stick?!)

3. Skinny Frozen Burritos from PJs organics. This frozen lunch or dinner option was a cool find. While it wasn't awesome, it was filling and tasty. Biggest flaw is that it calls for 50 mins in the oven for heating. That's a really long time for something so simple, but I'd rather bake it than nuke in the microwave. The rolled up tortilla is filled with chicken, rice, beans, peppers and low fat cheese. The burrito has 8 WW points (which I thought was a lot for the size), and 260 calories. Not too shabby because it was very filling. Good find! Something to keep in the freezer for a night when you don't feel like cooking and you have a Mexican craving.

4. 98% Fat Free French Fries from Alexia. I looked all over for these, and finally found them at walmart. One serving of these crispy potatoes has 3 WW points, 120 calories- awesome! Also available in crinkle cut and tri-cut potato. These are a must try! I am really excited about this food find. The perfect side to any meal.

Happy Grocery Hunting! Stay Warm!

Trick or "Healthy" Treats

Halloween is my favorite holiday to celebrate- well one of them! This year, make your Halloween all about the tricks and the healthy treats!

Here are some of my favorites:

1. "Candy Corn" Parfaits: Canned Pineapple Bites and Orange Slices topped off with fat free whipped cream. Easy enough- and so cute! (2WW points!) 

2. Utz Snacks! Find them in bulk at Costco or Sam's. The Pretzels have 50 calories per bag and the cheese balls have 60 calories (1 WW point each). Both are prefect for a snack or in your lunch bag.

3. Mini-Sized Everything! The best part of Halloween is that you can find mini versions of all your favorite snacks! Give them to trick-or-treaters of course, but don't forget to save some for yourself. Mini bags of goldfish, crackers, fruit roll-ups, rice crispy treats, and more - usually all under 100 calories. (Plus, hit up all the stores on November 1st and 2nd and get your favorite mini snacks on clearance!) 

4. Witch Brooms! Simple- String Cheese + Pretzel Sticks... So yummy and creative! (See photo)

5. For a sweet treat, that's also adorable, I love the Pretzel-Hershey Hugs-Candy Corn bites. I also made them with an orange Recess Pieces in the middle. Yum! (Here's how: Place a hug on each mini pretzel. Bake in the oven for 2 mins on 350. Top with candy. Let dry - I put them in the fridge to dry.)

6. Mummy Dogs...Love these! How to: wrap 97% fat free beef hot dogs (like the kind by Hebrew National) up in reduced fat pilsbury dough (see photo) and bake in oven. Top off with a mustard face :)

Also- for the candy lovers, here is a cheat sheet list of calorie and point values from my favorite blogger, Hungry Girl:  http://s3.amazonaws.com/hungry-girl/uploads/fck/HGHALLOWEENCANDYGUIDE2013.pdf

Happy Halloween!

Ready for some Football!

Fall has arrived, which means football season is here! Gear up for the big game with these guilt-free tailgate ideas:

1. Grilled Chicken Sliders: Tyson grilled chicken breasts (cut in half), slider buns (70-100 calories), lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles.

2. Hot Dogs in a blanket: 94% fat free Hebrew National hot dogs (45 calories) and reduced fat pillsbury crescent rolls  

3. Lentil Chips and Spinach Dip: Lentil Chips were a good find!  Try the kind by Mediterranean Foods (110 calories for 22 chips) and a dip with 40-45 calories! http://www.mediterraneansnackfoods.com/

4. Banana Muffins: See recipe below

5. Light Beer: Bud 55, Miller 64, or Michelob Ultra

6. Baked Tortilla Chips and Salsa (and fat free refried beans if you'd like)

7. Veggies: Carrots, Cucumbers, Celery, Roma Tomatoes

8. Hot Pretzels: Like the kind by super pretzel- cut up into bite size pieces. 

9. Mini Football Snickers: See Below- available in your favorite teams for only 45 calories.

10. Fun Football themed plates, cups and napkins!   

Banana Muffins:

Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup splenda (if you use sugar, add an extra 45 calories per muffin)

1-1/4 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

2 egg whites

1 cup banana, mashed

1/4 cup applesauce 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Lightly grease a 12 cup muffin tin with spray. In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon. Add egg whites, bananas and applesauce; stir just until combined. Pour batter into prepared pan. 

Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes.

100 calories per muffin!

Breakfast for dinner!

Breakfast for dinner? Why not!

Start with an egg mug! What's an egg mug? Easy eggs microwaved in a mug! Spray your mug with non-stick cooking spray, mix 1/2 cup of egg beaters and cheese (or anything else, I went with a laughing cow cheese wedge) in your mug. Microwave for 45 seconds, stir, microwave for an addition 60 seconds, enjoy! 

Read some egg mug ideas from Hungry Girl: http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/1256

Next, cook up some breakfast faves! We went with Jimmy Dean Turkey Sauage (100 calories for 3 links), sliced apples, and Betty Crocker Triple Berry Muffins (120 calories each and easy to make- just add water!)

What's not to love about breakfast!?

Here are 5 more of my favorite, guilt-free breakfast finds:

1. Fiber One Muffins: 160 calories- they come in Apple Cinnamon, Banana Nut, and Blueberry)

2. Special K Red Berry Waffles (2 for 150 calories)

3. Fiber One Honey Clusters Cereal (80 calories for 3/4 cup)

4. Smart Ones English Muffin Sandwich with Turkey Sausage (230 calories)

5. Fiber One Pancakes (180 calories for 3 pancakes)

Top "Ate" Cheesecake Day Picks!

Happy National Cheesecake Day!

To celebrate, I thought I'd share my top "ate" guilt-free cheesecake finds. Enjoy them year round! 

1. Smart Ones Raspberry Cheesecake Sundae (130 calories, 4WW points)

2. Skinny Cow Strawberry Cheesecake Ice cream (150 calories, 

4WW points)

3. Hungry Girl's "Yo! Oreo Cheesecake for One" Recipe (174 calories, 4WW Points) http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/1498

4. Hungry Girl's "Cherry-Good Cheesecake" Recipe (1 Slice- 195 calories, 5WW points) http://www.hungry-girl.com/chew/show/2603

5. Jello Temptations Raspberry Cheesecake (130 Calories, 4WW points)  

6. Special K Raspberry Cheesecake Bar (90 calories, 2WW points)

7. Honey Maid Cheesecake Delight Bar (100 calories, 3WW Points

8. Turkey Hill Strawberry Cheesecake  Ice Cream Sandwich (130 calories, 5WW points)

Happy National Hot Dog Day!

Happy National Hot Dog Day!

To celebrate, I'm celebrating Hebrew National 97% Fat Free all beef Hot Dogs. These BBQ-friendly franks only have 40 calories each (1WW point) - awesome! 

Fire them up on the grill and enjoy them with:

- Sarah Lee 80 calorie buns (this was a great find at Walmart- who doesn't love guilt free buns?)

-  Sauerkraut... Practically no calories

- Pilsbury Reduced Fat Croissants (rolled up "pigs" in a blanket- a family favorite in my house!)

- Bush's Best Fat Free Vegetarian Baked Beans (130 calories for 1/2 a cup, or 3 WW points)

- Sliced Zucchini fired up on the grill

- Watermelon for dessert on a hot day? Yes please!

Hope you enjoyed a yummy Hot Dog today, and more all summer long.

Food Find- 85 Calorie Dessert Bars

If you're not familiar with products from Arctic Zero, they are crazy low-cal "Ice Cream" pints in various flavors. The 150 calorie pints are ok- not so awesome... I'd rather have a smaller portion of any yummy Dreyer's/Edy's Slow Churned Light Ice Cream flavor instead...BUT this weekend I found these 85-calories Arctic Zero chocolate-covered bars at Kroger. They are new and pretty exciting!

Now- I will point out that they are pricey, ($5.49 for a 4 pack) but, they were surprisingly tasty for an 85 calorie dessert. Most WW or Skinny Cow desserts run 110-170, so this calorie count is a nice surprise, especially on a splurge day when you need something sweet. Also, the bar is a good size- about 5 inches. They come in a vanilla/chocolate 4-pack and an orange/strawberry 4-pack. The inside is a bit icy, but still creamy, and the outside is made of rich, crunchy chocolate. I've tried the strawberry and vanilla so far.  Both were pretty good! Not the best thing ever, but a great new find for only 85 calories (2 Weight Watcher Points).

Boost with Flavor Boost by Swanson

Swanson's flavor boost packs are the perfect complement to any quick and easy meal. Each 35 calorie pack adds enough flavor for a meal for four. All the flavor, none of the mess!

For a yummy dinner, I threw grilled chicken strips (the pre-cooked kind for simplicity!), sliced red potatoes, zucchini, squash, onion and mushrooms over medium heat in a skillet with cooking spray. I seasoned the mixture with garlic powder and seasoned salt. After sautéing for about 10 minuets, I added a flavor boost pack and let the skillet simmer for 5 more minuets. From the other room, you can smell this yummy aroma! That easy- and healthy!

Learn more here and check out the recipe ideas: http://www.campbellskitchen.com/Brands/Swanson%20Flavor%20Boost

This easy meals yielded about 300 calories! (Normally we would have it with rice, but not until after Passover.)