A place for all of those Weight Watchers "point-counters" to pick up tips, tricks and wisdom!

Monday, June 28, 2010

Hiatus Day




I am now taking a hiatus from my blog for the summer. I have been blogging daily for about 5 months and have hopefully given you some good ideas, advice and inspiration. I plan to keep doing the Weight Watchers lifestyle with of course room for summer treats here and there. I will be back in September when school starts again, hopefully thinner, leaner and meaner!!!

If you are reading this for the first time, don't fret, you have 5 months worth of blog entries to get through, if you have been following me along, I hope to see you when I return and wish you a happy summer!

Friday, June 25, 2010

Chocolate Pudding Day


Tomorrow, June 26, is National Chocolate Pudding Day. I like the Jello Sugar Free Pudding and also the Hunts Fat Free singles.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Apples for breakfast


I have been eating an apple for breakfast recently and guess what? It fills me up until lunch. I find breakfast hard to keep fresh and creative. I love eating breakfast but don't eat breakfast cereal. I do try to vary my breakfasts, but on the mornings I eat an apple, I feel really satisfied. (I also east something else with it like a yogurt or a Vita muffin...)

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Blueberry Addiction


I am totally loving blueberries now. I know they are packed with antioxidents. 1 cup are 1 point. Pick some up, you'll be glad you did! We have a pick-our-own farm really close to here, and starting July 4th or thereabout, they are READY!!

Monday, June 21, 2010

WW Magazine


I was able to score a free years subscription to WW magazine from the back of a Jiffy Pop popcorn box - and it actually came. I really like the variety of articles and recipes. Especially with all of the points already calculated. Some great summer reading!

Saturday, June 19, 2010

100 MILES


I have walked over 100 miles on my treadmill. I like keeping track...it's a motivator for me! This doesn't include the outside walking I occasionally do.

Friday, June 18, 2010

How many points in a S'more?


I calculated how many points in a traditional s'more, so I'll pass it along.

A traditional Hersheys bar is 5 points for the whole bar, so depending on how much chocolate you like on the s'more, you can calculate. I like less chocolate, so probably 1/4 to 1/8 of a bar is good for me.

A marshmallow has 1/2 a point per marshmallow

A traditional graham cracker has 1.5 points per full cracker. I also calculated with the low fat grahams which there is no difference in points.

So if S'mores are in your picnic menu, now you are equipped with the information!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Corn on the Cob


Don't forget about the lucious corn this time of year. It's great on the grill. You can also add some great flavors to it by adding dry rubs which you would use on meat, or some dry spices like dill or thyme. Corn on the cob is 1 point per ear!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Twinkies?


Did you know a Twinkie has only 3 points per cake (double that for the 2 pack). I don't support eating Twinkies, but it does fit in if you really have a hankering for a childhood treat.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Throw another on the grill


No matter what we are grilling, I put chicken on the grill. I just grill it plain to have later in the week. I have found I really like having grilled chicken sandwiches, or grilled chicken added to my Smart Ones meals especially the fettucine alfredo - yum!

Monday, June 14, 2010

Another Frozen Option-Blue Bunny


I was happy to calculate out that the Blue Bunny Grasshopper ice cream sandwich was 3 points. What a fabulous taste! I got a box of 10 sandwiches for .99 on sale and with a coupon. The Smart Ones desserts are 3 points too and are about $1.50 to $2.00 each. This is .10 each!!!

Friday, June 11, 2010

Wendy's Salad



The other day I was out and needed to pick up a quick lunch to go. I got the Wendy's side salad (yes, I was able to bypass the fries and frosty!!). I got two side salads @ $1.29 each. Not only was it a huge amount of food, but the price was right. I added 4 tablespoons of the Emerils balsamic dressing I love for 2 points. I added a little cut tomato and onion I had left over. I was so impressed with the amount of salad it was. I had to share.


Thursday, June 10, 2010

TGI Fridays


I had a FABULOUS lunch the other day at TGI Fridays with a girlfriend. It's the Dragonfire Salmon!!!I have to tell you this dish was so good, I am going to write to them to tell them, and I never do that. I couldn't find the nutritional information, but found it for the Dragonfire Chicken, a similar dish only sub chicken for salmon. The Dragonfire chicken calculates to 9 points, so I'm sure the salmon is very close. I have to say this is the best 9 points I have had in a long time.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Great website


Here is an interesting website to browse if you are looking for food news and reviews!

http://www.iateapie.net/

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Great Frozen Treat


Here is a great frozen treat for only 1 point. The GoGurt tubes are only 1 point. Keep them in the freezer and they make a great frozen treat too! (A lot of stores now have their own store brand of tube yogurt - they should be similar in points)

Get a coupon here:
http://www.yoplait.com/simplygogurt/

Monday, June 7, 2010

National Chocolate Ice Cream Day


June 7th
Today is National Chocolate Ice Cream Day. Ok, go ahead, just have a bit, did you need an excuse? But read this first...

I found a great article on light ice creams available on the market.
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/the-best-of-the-light-ice-creams


Friday, June 4, 2010

Crystal Light - new product


This is a new product from Crystal Light. I like sports drinks, so I wanted to try this. I have not tried this grape flavor, I tried the lemon lime. It's a cool refreshing taste and very light.

It's sweetened with evaporated cane juice, which is a fancy way to say sugar, and with rebiana, which is extracted from the stevia plant. So it's not calorie-free -- a packet has 30 calories instead of 0. Still, it's much better than juice drinks or regular soda. Color in the grape flavor comes from dried purple carrot extract (cool!) and dried hibiscus flower extract. (from www.examiner.com)

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Breyers bars


I have found another 3 point ice cream treat. Breyers Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bars. Mmmm. Another summertime favorite!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Trader Joes Chili Lime Chicken Burgers


Now that's it's grilling season I love these on the grill. They are 3 points per burger. I load them up with toppings like onion, tomato, lettuce and pickles.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Refried Beans


Another side dish to expand your menu is refried beans. The Old El Paso Fat Free are 1 point for a 1/2 cup serving - 6 gms of fiber per serving!

Monday, May 31, 2010

Celebrating Memorial Day


Remember the sacrifice...

Friday, May 28, 2010

Dreamy Dressing


I have a stockpile of this dressing because I love it so much. It's Emeril's Balsamic Viniagrette. Not low fat, just regular. 2 Tbsp are 1 point. That makes it even better. I like it as a veggie dip, as a sandwich topping and of course on salads. I also like it as a dip for grilled chicken. Hope you can find it in your market too.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Rhubarb


Have I mentioned rhubarb? It's an odd fruit - or is it a vegetable? Anyway it is a little bitter, but with a little Splenda or sweetener, it makes a great topping for yogurt. It's a very unique taste and is often paired with strawberries. I'm going to make up some strawberry rhubarb sugar free jam. If you want to try something new, it's really low in points. This picture is of raw rhubarb - you will always want to cook it before you eat it. Just boil it with a little water until it's mushy.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Eggplant Delish!!!


I just recently re-tried the eggplant from Trader Joes. It comes in thin slices that are pre breaded. Just put it in your oven to crisp it up. 2 large rounds of eggplant are 3 points. I like it over polenta and and 1/2 cup of sauce. A really satisfying way to eat it. I didn't even miss the cheese. It's on my list to buy it again!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

In love with omelettes!


I've been having omelettes lately for dinner. I use 2 eggs and a little water all whisked together (that's 4 points) - then add what you want -LOAD it up with veges. I like mine with cream cheese. I know it woulds weird but I got turned onto it a long time ago in college and it is yummy. Last night's omelette was with bacon, cream cheese and grape tomatos. A 7 point dinner and really filling!

Monday, May 24, 2010

Food Network Magazine


I really enjoy reading the Food Network Magazine. I have received a few issues and it is great. It is not focused on low fat or diet type foods but the magazine in general is wonderful!

Friday, May 21, 2010

Dill Pickles


Dill Pickles are one of my favorite meal add ons. They have zero points. But be careful, they are often loaded with sodium.
I find the whole pickles have lots more flavor than the pre cut sandwich stackers or dill pickle chips. For the flavor I'll cut them myself. I love them on sandwiches, burgers, and vege burgers!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Speaking of Ice Cream...


Have you tried the Klondike Slim-a-Bear line of ice cream. The ice cream sandwich is only 2 points. I prefer the chocolate over the vanilla, but I'm defnitely a chocolate gal! At my stores, they frequently go on sale.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

McDonald's ice cream


The McDonalds low fat vanilla ice cream cone is 3 points. So the next time you have to have ice cream, or you have to take the kids out for ice cream, do the drive through and resist all else, just get the cone!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

May is National Strawberry Month


Oh how I love strawberries~

1 cup of fresh strawberries is 1 points.
Oh, and they have tons of antioxidants...

Monday, May 17, 2010

Pita Puffs with Sea Salt


This is a HUGE Trader Joes find for me because I am big on the CRUNCH factor. What a crunch and 1 ounce is a totally satisfying 2 points. I will now be buying a few bags each time I go.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Protein snack


Feeling sluggish, need a high protein snack. Try a hard boiled egg. It is 2 points and one of the biggest protein bangs for the buck! They're not just for the Easter bunny anymore~

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Did you notice...

I have lost 25 pounds!!!

Speaking of melons...




Not all melons are created equal. I really love honeydew melons too, but canteloupes have half the point of honeydew. One whole honeydew is 8 points, one whole canteloupe is 4 points.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

A must have - Fresh Extends bags


If you love lots of fresh fruits and veges like me, but hate when you have to throw them out because they go bad, try these. I recently got the Hefty Fresh Extends bags. Just put your unwashed produce in the bag with a paper towel. They are amazing. I had strawberries in the fridge for about 4 days and they were super fresh right out of the bag!

Here's the website to read more about it.
http://heftybrands.pactiv.com/products/food-storage-bags/hefty-fresh-extend-bags.aspx

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Watermelon


I can't wait for watermelon season. I love the real sweet seedless kind! It is very low in points too because it is 92% water. Did you know watermelon is actually a vegetable? China is the largest producer of watermelons in the world.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Free Iced Coffee at Dunkin Donuts


Free iced coffee at Dunkin Donuts on Tuesday, May 11th - 9am-10 pm. Check with your local DD to see if they are participating. Iced coffee black = 0 points!!

Friday, May 7, 2010

An unlikely find...Dried Beef


Here is a totally unlikely find. Dried beef. About 7-8 slices is one point. It is very high in sodium, so if this is an issue, stay away, and for the rest of us, use it sparingly. How do I use it. I like it on an egg sandwich or cut up in scrambled eggs. i also find it is great for any salty cravings you have. 2 slices for 0 points and you are good to go to satisfy that salty craving. I found it at the grocery store near the chili and canned meats, like spam and corned beef.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Made one of my goals!


On May 5th I made one of my goals, to walk for 24 hours (not straight of course) - but I track the hours and miles I walk on the treadmill, and I made 24 hours - Imagine a whole day of walking. My next goal is to walk 100 miles.

So, word of the day: have goals. No matter how small, and track your progress to your goal, you'll be amazed at how good it feels!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Happy Cinco de Mayo


It's Cinco de Mayo, celebrate with something Mexican...

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

My secret

Here's a secret. Every once in a while I use Benefiber in my food to decrease the points value of a food I have. For example, I had purchased Greek yogurt and got the 2% instead of the fat free by mistake. The 1 cup of yogurt of 2% is 3 points. I added 2 tsp of Benefiber to add 3 grams of fiber to it. It became 2 points, and I used it in a smoothie. It adds no taste, no grit.


Monday, May 3, 2010

Corn Dogs


Did you know a State Farm Corn dog is just 5 points, so if you feel like having a carnival in your back yard, or just want some old time FUN food, try one! Available at your grocery store in the freezer section.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Afternoon pick me up-Iced Coffee


If you find you're sluggish in the afternoon, try an iced coffee. With the weather getting warmer, iced coffee is so refreshing and 0 points (for black coffee). I take mine with fat free half and half , no sugar - make mine decaf. Even decaf picks me up. It's so refreshing!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Weight Watchers Ice Cream Cones


My new favorite 2 point indulgence. The Giant Mint Fudge Cone. Super Yum!!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Pepperoni Pizza

Here is a 6 point pepperoni pizza I think you will love. I use 1 Thomas' bagel thin, put 1/4 cup of tomato sauce on each half, top each half with 7 slices of turkey pepperoni, and then I use a total of 3 points worth of part skim mozarella on top. Bake at 350 for about 10 minutes until the cheese melts. Super yum. One of the best substitutes I've found! (sorry no pic)

Monday, April 26, 2010

Another good read


I also like reading Health magazine. If you have a chance to check it out, it has great articles on all health subjects!

Friday, April 23, 2010

Powerade Zero


I like to have a sports drink after my work outs. I love the Powerade Zero - lemon lime is my favorite flavor.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Jelly Bean Day


Today is National Jelly Bean Day!

April 22

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Colonel Sanders- move over



This is the most amazing chicken, you will love it!. It's Trader Joes Roasted Chicken Pattie. It is 3 points for the whole piece which is huge and hangs off the bun. I have it on a Sandwich Thin for a completely satisfying 4 points. It is so juicy and flavorful too. Also it is NOT loaded with sodium like lots of other pre-made foods. It is pre-cooked, so you just warm it up in a pan with a little cooking spray and it's done.

How about chicken parmesan with sauce and cheese

greek style with feta and olives

or BLT style with pre cooked bacon, lettuce and tomato

You cannot miss this!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Laura's Lean Beef


Do you love a good hamburger now and then. Give Laura's lean beef a try. You can check out their website and nutritional information. The 92% ground beef is 4 oz for 4 points. That's a quarter pounder for 4 points. It's making me hungry just thinking about it! You can use it in meatballs, tacos, etc.

Here's the website:
http://www.laurasleanbeef.com/

Not only is it low in fat it it hormone and antibiotic free. Just all good for ya!

Monday, April 19, 2010

What I like to read



If you haven't read it in a while, try Cooking Light, there are great articles on food, helath and fitness. I love getting my Cooking Light every month!