Thursday, December 17, 2009

Crockpot Macaroni & Cheese (4)


I will confess that I have an ongoing love with anything cheesy! Offer me Mac 'n Cheese & I'm in heaven. Tell me it's not high in fat & calories and I'm.... well, we won't go there.... other than to say moaning with delight as I feast upon one of my favorite comfort foods of ALL time!

I found this recipe tucked away from a "long ago" attempt at Weight Watchers® in a cookbook that my mom had given to me. It was hand written, so I'm going to guess one that was passed at a meeting or shared with friends. However, because it was marked with the nutritional info I needed to just plug it in and figure out points, which was a plus, but it didn't give credit as to where my mom had originally found it!

Personally, I don't care where she found it as I love the idea of being able to toss it in the crockpot AND have something so delicious for only 4 points®. I'll confess now... I double my servings of this baby (so I save some points so I can pig out big time) when I make it! Hey, double servings... 8 points®... not a bad way to hit up a GREAT comfort food on a cold winter's night! I also bring down the points (I guess at this part because I don't have access anymore to a recipe building program that figures out the N.I.) by substituting the eggs with egg substitute (difference of 3 points® total in the entire recipe) and by substituting either 2% OR even Fat Free Cheese to lower points® even more. My end "result" is to GUESSTIMATE that I can do "heaping" cups & get about the same points® but I guarantee that this is NOT the proper way to do it! LOL I still haven't gained simply by using this technique and I do know that there has to be some difference points® wise but again, as always, I highly suggest you figure out the points according to your own ingredients!

The bad part of this recipe is that it serves 30! Yes, 30. That's actually GREAT though when you're going to a dinner that you have to bring a dish because you know you can grab your own casserole & know the points® value! It also is great in the sense that as long as you have self control you can portion out lunches & individual servings & freeze it easily! I often put 1/2 cup or 1 cup servings in zipper bags, lay flat, & freeze for later use! It makes for GREAT, quick & easy lunches on a cold day!

Crockpot Mac n Cheese (4)

1 cup nonfat milk
1 can evaporated milk
1 can cheddar cheese soup
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I use 2% & this saves me a few points/calories/fat grams OR often I will combine 2 Cups Fat Free Cheddar with 2 Cups 2% Cheddar)
1 16 oz box elbow macaroni
3 medium eggs (again I substitute egg beaters for the equivalant to help reduce nutritional info)
1 stick low fat margarine (original recipe called for low fat unsalted butter but I had difficulties finding "low fat" butter?)
2 Tbls. minced dry onion flakes

Directions
  • Turn crock pot on HIGH
  • melt stick butter into crock pot
  • Turn crock pot to LOW
  • In separate pan boil macaroni until almost done, but still firm
  • In bowl beat eggs (you can substitute egg substitute), add milk, evaporated milk, cheddar soup, dried onions and 3 cups of shredded cheese (this is where I actually save a few points by using 2% cheese or even mixing 1/2 & 1/2 fat free cheddar & 2% cheddar)
  • Pour macaroni into crock pot
  • Pour wet mixture over top and mix slightly
  • Cook on low for 3 hours

Just before serving, sprinkle remaining cup of shredded cheese on top if desired - I don't bother with this step & put the cheese in the mixture from the beginning.

Serves 30...1/2 -cup servings

Nutritional Info - if prepared with full fat content cheeses, low fat butter, & eggs (not egg substitute)

* Servings Per Recipe: 30
* Amount Per Serving 1/2 cup
* Calories: 172.6 -- * Total Fat: 9.7 g -- * Cholesterol: 46.8 mg -- * Sodium: 120.6 mg -- * Total Carbs: 13.7 g -- * Dietary Fiber: 0.4 g -- * Protein: 7.6 g




AssistU has been the whole reason I've had
the best results following the
Weight Watchers
® program...
changing 1 lb or less losses to
an average of 3 lbs most weeks!
Check out this ALL NATURAL HERBAL SUPPLEMENT!

Use DISCOUNT CODE 112BP to get the best price available!
Ask for a free sample!


Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME! While I don't always keep it up to date.. I do give you some different ideas of what might help you change up your daily menu!


Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!


WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!



TwitThis
Like this article? Twit it to your followers!



Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me along with AssistU....

Foodbuzz




1. Weight Loss With The Fabulous Fatties
Check out the Fab Fatties - tons of ideas, comic relief & great give-aways!

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness - Sign up for his FREE newsletter!
Joe Gigantino


3. HK Weighs In

4. BWJEN - Another WW Buddy & A 'bookworm' too!?
BKJen


5.Get Fit After 40

5.Green Lite Bites

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser - Sean is an inspiration to anyone trying to get healthy!
Sean Anderson

*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Breakfast Bowls - Boca Style (5)


One of my favorite breakfasts are the Jimmie Dean Breakfast D-Lite Bowls® (made with either turkey bacon or turkey sausage) but I have a problem keeping them around the house when I buy them! I love it when they run sales on them for about $1.99 a bowl too!

While this breakfast bowl isn't quite the same version, I got the idea from having so many of the bowls around & some "leftover" ingredients that served well as a quick morning fix!

This version is so quick and easy & generally I make it with leftovers from the fridge (I make a batch of the low fat Bisquick® biscuits & have some left over, grill up an extra Bruschetta burger when I'm making them for lunch/dinner). The best part is this breakfast bowl is so filling I guarantee it will easily take you into lunch time before you're feeling any hunger pangs!

Breakfast Bowl - Boca Style (5)

Serves 1

2 Mini reduced fat biscuits (see recipe from Spark People, I make the biscuit 1/2 sized so you get 2 biscuits for a nutritional value of 3 pts or use one large biscuit) (3)
1/4 C. fat free shredded cheddar
(1)
1 Boca Bruschetta Burger® (I usually grill up 1 extra & have it in the fridge) (1)

Instructions:

Other options:
  • add egg substitute equal to 1 egg or 3 egg whites - mix through ingredients and microwave until eggs are set (adds 1 point® - making entire dish 6 points®)
  • replace Bruschetta burger with turkey sausage or turkey bacon (adjust points accordingly)



AssistU has been the whole reason I've had
the best results following the
Weight Watchers
® program...
changing 1 lb or less losses to
an average of 3 lbs most weeks!
Check out this ALL NATURAL HERBAL SUPPLEMENT!

Use DISCOUNT CODE 112BP to get the best price available!
Ask for a free sample!


Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME! While I don't always keep it up to date.. I do give you some different ideas of what might help you change up your daily menu!


Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!


WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!



TwitThis
Like this article? Twit it to your followers!



Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me along with AssistU....

Foodbuzz




1. Weight Loss With The Fabulous Fatties
Check out the Fab Fatties - tons of ideas, comic relief & great give-aways!

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness - Sign up for his FREE newsletter!
Joe Gigantino


3. HK Weighs In

4. BWJEN - Another WW Buddy & A 'bookworm' too!?
BKJen


5.Get Fit After 40

5.Green Lite Bites

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser - Sean is an inspiration to anyone trying to get healthy!
Sean Anderson

*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Product Reviews for November


I'm one who tends to jump quickly to purchase "new" products that fall in my "low cal, low point, low fat" category & especially if they are a product that replaces some of my "trigger foods" (bread is my biggest, sweets/ice cream another huge one for me). I also feel that, quite honestly, I will purchase something that is good for me & good tasting for a slightly higher amount of money IF I feel it's worth it and here are some things I've found are DEFINITELY worth it!

I've rated the items on a scale of 1 to 5 stars ***** so you can tell HOW worth it I find the product, but ANY product listed on this list IS (in my opinion) worth purchasing! I would say a 5 Star product is one I purchase CONSTANTLY and would highly recommend while a 1 star is one I purchase FREQUENTLY but not ALL THE TIME and still would highly recommend.

It doesn't make my list if it's NOT worth buying. That's the "OTHER LIST".... and as a manufacturer you do NOT want to be on that list! LOL


Great Products You Will DEFINITELY want to try!

Most pictures of the product will provide a link to their product page!

  1. 5* Arnold's Sandwich Thins - these babies are ALWAYS in my fridge (keep better there, not that I have to worry about shelf life as they're usually gone within literally a day per package!) I can currently find them in rye, multi-grain, & multi-grain white (my family's fave as they're white bread freaks)- Nutritional Info: Multi Grain White- Cal. 100/ Fat 1g / Fiber 5g - Click their logo to go to their Sandwich Thins page!

  2. 5* Wegman's 2% Sharp Cheddar Cheese - another staple in my fridge it has the full melting power of a full fat cheddar, the full taste & definitely makes it impossible for even the snobbiest of cheese snobs to tell it's not the full fat thing. (I am a cheese snob, believe me). I purchase the Wegman's brand as it's generally lower in price but I have also used brand name versions of 2% cheeses that, for the most part in most brands, tends to be just as good... but why pay more? - Nutritional Info for Wegman's 2% Sharp Cheddar Slices (per slice): Cal. 50/ Fat 3g / Fiber 0g

  3. 3 1/2* Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches - I am a confessed ice cream-aholic! These are the safest bet for me to keep in my fridge (individual serving sizes, very controlled) and come in a variety of flavors (click on the pic to go to their page that lists the many flavors)! My favorite is the vanilla sandwich but they come in so many different styles & flavors you'll want to try each of them. I LOVE when I can find them by the "case" for $9.99 at Wegmans, as opposed to the individual packages that contain I believe it's 6 sandwiches. I give it a 3 1/2 Star rating because there are other options out there that are nearly identical in flavor & nutritional value at a slightly less cost, mainly the ones from Aldi's (click here to see my review on that product) but all in all they're a must have in my freezer! - Nutritional Info: Cal. 140/ Fat 2g/ Fiber 3g

  4. 2 1/2* Xenergy by XYIENCE Premium Energy Drink - this product is fairly new to the market. I am a big fan of energy drinks but ONLY if they are sugar free and aren't loaded with tons of caffeine. I don't suggest using them regularly/daily but I do use them often after or before a nice hard workout (most all of my workouts are done in the pool, but once in a while I will box a little & that really wears me out) to replenish your energy & strength. What I love most about this energy drink is that it's based mainly on replenishing your body with Vitamin B & not loading it up with a ton of caffeine & sugar! Yes, it DOES contain caffeine and YES it should be used with some intelligence. It also happens to be the "Official" Energy Drink of the UFC (which is actually why my SON tried it & turned me on to the product to be honest) but by no means does that instantly mean it's great, simply because of the product endorsement! I've tried the Cherry Lime flavor and love it. It has a little tingle from a slight carbonation (not a lot as I dislike carbonated drinks for the most part) and the flavor is very good. No BURSTS of energy but gives a nice level pick up for at least a few hours. It's not a "staple" in my house but it is often going to be used when I'm coming to or from the gym!

  5. 3* Emerald 100 Calorie Pack Cocoa Roasted Almonds - these are a great 2 point treat to have handy. I like to take them with me in my purse, just in case I have any times when I need a snack or nothing is available that would be a good choice these are great "go-to" items! While they're not ALWAYS in my cupboard, I try to keep a box around. Everyone, on or off Weight Watchers loves them too! - Nutritional Information (1 pack): Cal. 100/ Fat 8g/ Fiber 2g

  6. 5* Boca Bruschetta Burger - this is a real staple in my freezer (although so hard to find anymore!) because these babies not only are tasty (I'm not a typical meatless burger fan but the Bruschetta Burger is packed with flavor) but they come in at only 1 pt. per burger! Add that to an Arnold's Sandwich Thin and you have an amazing 2 pt. snack or meal, GREAT for those days you seem to eat all your points by 2pm! I add a dollop of fat free ranch to my bruschetta burger for a little flavor & prefer to grill my burger, just for the texture. They're easily microwavable also, my daughter does this often, and so yummy for so few calories! - Nutritional Information (1 burger) - Cal. 90/ Fat 1.5g/ Fiber 5g


AssistU has been the whole reason I've had
the best results following the
Weight Watchers
® program...
changing 1 lb or less losses to
an average of 3 lbs most weeks!
Check out this ALL NATURAL HERBAL SUPPLEMENT!

Use DISCOUNT CODE 112BP to get the best price available!
Ask for a free sample!


Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME! While I don't always keep it up to date.. I do give you some different ideas of what might help you change up your daily menu!


Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!


WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!



TwitThis
Like this article? Twit it to your followers!



Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me along with AssistU....

Foodbuzz




1. Weight Loss With The Fabulous Fatties
Check out the Fab Fatties - tons of ideas, comic relief & great give-aways!

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness - Sign up for his FREE newsletter!
Joe Gigantino


3. HK Weighs In

4. BWJEN - Another WW Buddy & A 'bookworm' too!?
BKJen


5.Get Fit After 40

5.Green Lite Bites

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser - Sean is an inspiration to anyone trying to get healthy!
Sean Anderson

*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc.

Good Morning Sunshine Breakfast Sammies (4)


My sweetie loves breakfast, to say the least, and I had to chuckle the other day when he commented that "You make the best breakfast sandwiches ever", because he's often one to foo-foo at anything "good for you". He's supportive of ME and my changing of eating habits but he's slow to accept you can "eat well" and still have flavor. The funniest part is, the part he loves MOST about my breakfast sammies are my Arnold's Sandwich Thins!

Anyone who is eating healthy knows that the Arnold's Sandwich Thins® are the answer to many prayers of "we need to have bread, please, without all the fat & calories". Arnold's now has so m any "flavors" that my cart's usually loaded with 2 of each (rye, whole grain & white) with each trip to the grocery store! If you're a "Weight Watcher®" you know that one Arnold's Sandwich Thin counts as only 1 point! I'm sorry, but for bread and bread with flavor & substance... this is just short of a miracle item!!!!!!

Here's a quick & easy recipe for my breakfast sammies.... make changes as you desire, but always make the changes points® wise!
Good Morning Sunshine
Breakfast Sammies (4* or 5 w/meat)

Serves 1

Basic Sandwich (4)

1 Arnold's Sandwich Thin, toasted (I usually use the white but go for different flavors!) (1)
1 egg, fried hard
(fry egg w/pam in teflon pan so as not to add any calories/points) (2)
1 slice 2% sharp cheddar cheese (1)

*1 slice meat {choose meat & add points accordingly: some examples I've used 1 oz. lean ham, grilled with my egg (1), 1 slice Canadian bacon grilled (1), 2 slices turkey or center cut bacon (1), 1 oz. turkey breakfast sausage - not easy to find - grilled (1) or even a few slices of turkey pepperoni (I use about 4 slices & it comes out to 0 pts) }

Each ingredient is cooked & then placed together between the toasted Arnold's Sandwich Thins® for a 4-5 point® delicious treat! Using egg substitute reduces the sandwich by 1 point® also (but I can't usually slip this by my sweetie too often unless I scramble the egg substitute with some meat)

I place my cheese on the sandwich thin as soon as it pops out of the toaster, then place the hot egg on top of the cheese. It will melt on it's own.

Other options:
  • add grilled veggies (onions & peppers) - especially great when using egg substitute
  • use left over meatballs as a meat or 1/2 slice/muffin of my diner meatloaf muffins = to 1.5 pts.® with a little ketchup!
  • remember if you go meatless you save points® also - 4 pts w/o meat
  • use egg substitute to save 1 pt - then you can add your meat w/o adding points!



AssistU has been the whole reason I've had
the best results following the
Weight Watchers
® program...
changing 1 lb or less losses to
an average of 3 lbs most weeks!
Check out this ALL NATURAL HERBAL SUPPLEMENT!

Use DISCOUNT CODE 112BP to get the best price available!
Ask for a free sample!


Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME! While I don't always keep it up to date.. I do give you some different ideas of what might help you change up your daily menu!


Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!


WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!



TwitThis
Like this article? Twit it to your followers!



Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me along with AssistU....

Foodbuzz




1. Weight Loss With The Fabulous Fatties
Check out the Fab Fatties - tons of ideas, comic relief & great give-aways!

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness - Sign up for his FREE newsletter!
Joe Gigantino


3. HK Weighs In

4. BWJEN - Another WW Buddy & A 'bookworm' too!?
BKJen


5.Get Fit After 40

5.Green Lite Bites

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser - Sean is an inspiration to anyone trying to get healthy!
Sean Anderson

*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc.