Since I have begun this "diet" adventure, I have discovered some healthy things that we ALL really enjoy. Even Daniel, who will usually avoid anything that is too "healthy." It must be working, so I thought I would share what we have been doing. I am almost to my -20 lb mark, and Daniel is over -20lb lost. (He doesn't have to try nearly as hard. I am eating well AND working out 6 times a week. sigh.)
Our new favorite lunch that is quick, and yummy:
-A 100 calorie sandwich thin (I usually toast mine.)
-A few thin slices of ham or turkey (about 60 -70 calories worth)
-Fresh baby spinach
-Sliced tomato
-thin layer of avocado
....And you have a healthy sandwich, minus the excess calories of your average sandwich! I eat one of those sandwiches almost every day for lunch. I make Daniel's a little more "manly," by adding a little light mayo, and extra avocado. If he is lucky he will occasionally get a slice or 2 of bacon. I hate bacon, so I buy the precooked stuff that you just throw in the microwave.
We also use those for:
burgers, egg white salad sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches, chicken salad sandwiches & grilled chicken sandwiches
When I am in a hurry for lunch:
-lean pockets! My favorite are: four cheese pizza, ham & cheddar, chicken spinach artichoke, & meatball. (I try not to go there more than 2x a week because of the sodium.)
-Happy Meal from Mcdonalds! That's right, I eat Mcdonalds and I can still lose weight. I even like it. It has definitely become a guilty pleasure. I have always liked Mcdonalds. (I just cut myself off of Big Macs:)) By eating a happy meal, I get the satisfaction of fast food without the excess guilt. I don't do it a lot, but when I do- I just make sure to eat extra healthy the rest of the day and I can still keep up with my 2lb a week weight loss.
For Dinner, we have been eating a lot of salads and grilled chicken. We have come to really like spinach chicken caesar salads. (Even Ethan!)
We also eat "normal" stuff as well. Unlike my diets before, I have come to realize that I need to be able to eat most anything for this to be a lifestyle change.
-When we have tacos, I eat just one, or make it into a salad. Before I ate 2 large ones, easily.
-When we have grilled cheese, I use VERY, VERY little butter and skip the high sodium soup. Or I will melt cheese on the 100 calorie thins.
-When we have spaghetti, I measure out my pasta and sauce to make sure it isn't super high in sodium, calories AND Carbs. I try to keep it under 350 calories
-If we have pizza, I get thin crust and eat 1 piece- or 2 if they are small. (after blotting the grease, of course.:))
Here are some dinner recipe ideas:
Summer Spinach Salad:
-fresh baby spinach
-fresh sliced strawberries
-red grapes
-diced cooked chicken (that has been cooked then refrigerated)
- small amount crushed nuts (optional)
-splash of dressing of your choice (raspberry vinaigrette & or any variety of light vinaigrette is good)
Lemon Pepper Chicken with Honey:
-Juice of 2 lemons
-1 TB Olive Oil
-1 TB coarsely ground black pepper
-1- Tsp honey
-2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
In a shallow dish, combine lemon juice, oil, pepper, honey and salt to taste. Add chicken, turning to coat with marinade, Set aside for 10 min.
Preheat broiler
Broil chicken 4-5 min per side or until done
-Serve with steamed veggies or salad
237 Calories per chicken breast
10g fat
7g carbs
69 sodium
17mg calcium
Chicken-Apple Curry
1 TB canola oil (or less)
8 oz if chicken breast cut into strips
1 golden delicious apple, peeled and diced
1 small opnion chopped
1 TB curry powder
1 cup low sodium chicken broth
Heat oil in skillet over med-high heat. Saute chicken until cooked. Add salt and pepper to taste; remove chicken from pan.
Add apple and onion to skillet; cook until soft. Sprinkle with curry powder and cook for about 30 seconds.
Pour in chicken broth and cook until sauce thickens slightly. Add chicken back to skillet and warm through.
Serve with rice, veggies or fresh tomato with a splash of vinegar
Makes 2 servings
254 calories
10g fat
15 carbs
128 mg sodium
41 mg calcium
Snacks- they get me through the day! I will start with what I snack on the most:
-Sugar snap peas...and a lot of them! (I have always struggled with veggies- spinach, tomatoes, and snap peas are my main source of veggies. I'm trying!)
-FRUIT! (Strawberries, raspberries, grapes, watermelon-pretty much every fruit other than bananas. Too many calories for me to consider it a good fruit.)
-Kellogg's fiber max bars-the chocolate ones (120 calories each) When I need something quick, and that needs to fill me for 2 hrs- that is what I go for)
-90 calorie rice crispy treats
-100 calorie packs of brownie bites, or chocolate chip cookie bites
-50 calorie skinny cow fudgesicle minis (I avoid snacking in the evening if possible, but If I need something other than veggies or fruit that is what I go for)
-Old Fashion Twin Popsicles-Only 60 calories
-Carrot sticks & raw broccoli-there is a reason they are last on the list!
That's it for now! I am a calorie counter, unfortunately. www.calorieking.com has been an awesome resource!! When I get to my goal, I will stop couting calories, and just live healthy!!
And I must add...I drink A LOT of water. Everyday.
