Salads to go!

Not a big salad fan here.

Here's why:

To make a good salad requires a ton of ingredients

Planning ahead

Dressing issue - carry around bottle or find a tiny container

The veggies go bad in only a few days making it frustrating and expensive!

Thanks to Pinterest I have discovered salads in a jar!!!

You make all at once ahead of time, they stay fresh for 1 week and nothing is wasted!

TA DAAAA!

I picked up some mason jars with toppers and got to work.

I bought Ranch (Newman's Own because it is MSG free)

Tons of veggies I love

Mixed salad leaves

The layering is the most important part of this process.

Measure out 2 Tbsp dressing and pour into bottom

Then layer the chopped veggies

Top with lettuce.

When you're ready to eat, turn it upside down and shake.

It travels well, it's healthy, cost effective and super delicious.

Total calories per jar = 188 calories!!!

Teresa

Gluten Free Cauliflower Crust!

I came upon a recipe similar to this and decided to modify it to be a little more simple and calorie conscious!

For those of you with gluten intolerance this is your new approved pizza crust!

Ingredients:

2 cups riced cauliflower

2 eggs

1 cup shredded mozzarella 

(processed cheese may contain gluten, buy the "real" stuff or use ricotta)

I added Italian seasoning and garlic salt to my dough

Start with a large head of cauliflower and "rice" it.  AKA shred it!

One head made about 6 cups for me and it only took a few minutes, I did not shred the stems.

Combine ingredients, divide in half and pat onto baking sheets.

Make sure you spray it down with nonstick spray.

Bake at 450 degrees for 12 minutes

It has a nice crispy crust and a spongy center.

Top with whatever toppings suit you, I used green peppers, mushrooms, spinach, 

chicken and just enough shredded cheese to hold it together.

Bake for another 7 minutes to melt it together

I was surprised by how delicious it was and how well it held together.

Total calories for each pizza crust = 255 calories!

My total calories the pizza with toppings = 330 calories!

I'm going to be brutally honest here, I don't have a gluten intolerance and I still prefer my "Pita Pizza" over this one.  The calorie for the crust was even less.  

However, IF I did have a gluten intolerance this would become my crust and happily!

Teresa

A Day in Food

Today I over slept and then somehow missed breakfast.

So, lets start at lunch!

Chicken Quesadillas with 1 cup of grapes! = 332 cals

For a snack I made my 100 calorie cupcakes and had one of each! = 200 cals

Dinner:  Boca burger with tons of grilled veggies, veggie chips and 

fruit cocktail with light cool whip and sugar free jello. = 430 cals

Evening snack:  Lean Cuisine Spinach Artichoke dip with pita, 1 corn tortilla, 1 cup peas = 360 cals

Grand total for today = 

1322 calories!

Here's a little caution from me.  I eat calories based on my body weight, BMR, and weight loss goals.  This may be too little or too much for your needs.  Please use responsibly.

Teresa

100 Calorie Cupcakes!

I'm talking actual cupcakes . . . with frosting!

100 CALORIES EACH!

Ingredients:

1 box of Cake Mix (ANY FLAVOR)

1 can of diet pop (light with light cake and dark with dark cakes)

Mix together in a mixer and pour 1/4 cup into 24 cupcake wrappers.  

They only fill about 1/2 way but they rise beautifully.

Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes

Frosting:

1 tub of light Cool Whip

1 small box of pudding (any flavor)

Mix together well and spread evenly over cooled cupcakes.

Add sprinkles of course!

These freeze very well.  I make a batch and then stick them in the freezer until I need a little treat.

Here's one I made with Funfetti cake mix, sprite zero and french vanilla pudding.

Chicken Quesadillas!

Chicken Quesadillas are one of my favorite foods!

I used to make 2 huge ones loaded with cheese and all kinds of naughtiness, 

I could easily eat over 1000 cals in one sitting.  

I decided I can't live without them, so I did some easy swaps.

2 small corn tortillas 80 cals

1/2 grilled/skinless chicken thigh 50 cals

2 Tbsp Salsa 10 cals

1/8 cup black beans 30 cals

1/4 cups shredded cheese 80 cals

2 Tbsp Fat Free sour cream 20 cals

Grand total = 270 cals

These are loaded, gooey, cheesy and waistline friendly.

The combo of protein, fiber and fat make it filling.

Happy cooking!

Teresa