WW dessert favorite

Since ice cream season is upon us, I really like to splurge on the Smart Ones brand Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream sundae. I have tried several of the Smart Ones desserts, and find this one the best. It is really minty, and also has some thick fudge on top too. It has a crumbly chocolate base which you want to get every morsel of. It's 3 points, but very satisfying.

Cream Cheese

It's so simple I forgot to mention it. The WW brand cream cheese is delicious and a great addition to your grocery list. 2 Tbsp is 1 point, make sure you measure it thought, it's difficult to eyeball. Put it on celery, light bagels, lots of uses. I'm sure it would be good mixed in with pasta too for a creamy pasta.

Activia Yogurt

I've tried lots of yogurts around. The Fiber One has 0 points, the Dannon light has 2 points, the WW brand has 1 point, but I found the brand I like the taste of the best, it's Activia -light- (1 point). I think it has the best mouth feel and balance of creaminess and sweet/tart taste. I prefer the peach. You can get a coupon for $1.00 off it if you sign up for their newsletter on their website. Give it a try!

V8

Don't forget about ole V8. It's a great source of vegetables, and lots of vitamins. I find it filling and a good mid day energy boost! 1 point for 8 ounces

Milk

If you haven't tried the fortified skim milks yet, give them a try. I have used these for years and years, they taste great for being skim. Some stores have their own brands... I use Tuscan Over the Moon or Skim Plus, whichever is on sale.

Turkey Pepperoni

Oh, this is so yummy. 14 small rounds for 1 point. The Hormel brand has more points, so look for this brand.

Kielbasa

A great dinner alternative the whole family is sure to love is Hillshire Farms Turkey Kielbasa. I buy a bunch when they are on sale and freeze them. I slice them into coin shapes and pan cook them until lightly brown. 1 ounce is 1 point!

Recipe# 3 Calandra Rolls: Sausage and Peppers

Sausage and peppers sandwich.

Slice one Al Fresco sausage in half, cook both halves in a frying pan until brown and warmed through. Cut up onions and peppers, saute. Place all items in an oven-warmed roll. Super yummy at only 5 points!

One of my new FAVES! Pierogies

I LOVE mashed potatoes, but with all of that milk and butter, it's a killer. Here's my suitable substitute. Mrs. T's pierogies. They are 1 point per piece (potato and onion flavor). So you can have a nice side-dish the whole family will love and fill that potato craving. The package says to keep frozen, but my method is to keep in the fridge, and just pan fry with cooking spray for about 4 minutes each side. They are so good.....

Carrots!

When is the last time you ate a carrot - no a real carrot, not one of those mini things cut and formed to be portable, kid friendly and bite sized. If you haven't had a real carrot in a while, it is time to do a taste test. The real full size carrots, in my opinion, are so much tastier than the baby carrots, albeit a little less convenient. But for the 1 minute it takes topeel a full size carrot, I'll take it any day over the little guys! Give 'em a try!

Don't hate me because I'm yummy!

Don't hate me because this might be the yummiest thing you've eaten in a while, and relatively guilt free. It's the Betty Crocker Warm Delight Minis. (Find them in your grocery store in the baking aisle near brownie mixes) The Molten Caramel cake flavor is 3 points, and the other flavors are similar I'm sure. They take 30 seconds in your microwave. These are the same points as many of the Weight Watchers desserts, but much cheaper (coupons are abundant), and warm and yummy. I give you permission not to share!

Vinegar Benefits

Keep that vinegar handy. It has some great benefits. Japanese research shows that comnuming 3 teaspoons of vinegar a day can help reduce the accumulation of body fat and reduce body weight. (source: Health Magazine March 2010). It can also lower your blood sugar and help metabolize carbohydrates. You can read about it in this New York times article.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/24/health/24really.html?_r=1
So make yourself some cucumber and vinegar salad: add onions or thin sliced radishes too. Yum, 0 points and good for you!

Boost Metabolism

Don't forget to load on the hot chile peppers or hot sauce. The capsaicin in peppers is said to speed up metabolism. My favorite hot sauce is Cholula.

National Potato Chip Day

Today is National Potato Chip Day...ok,ok, was this really necessary to tell you?

Recipe #2 Calandra Rolls: Oven Toasted Sandwich

Oven toasted sandwich

Slice roll, place 3 points worth of cold cuts inside (I use Boars head ham, 3 oz.). I use 1/2 oz. of reduced fat grated cheddar on top. Place in oven for about 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and roll is crusty. Remove from oven and top with shredded lettuce, sliced onions, pepper rings, and sliced tomato. I like a few sprays of Wishbone red wine vinegar dressing on top. Yum at just 6 points (5 without cheese), and soooo much better than Quiznos or Subway!

Load on the YELLOW!

According to research, mustard can boost your metabolism, so pile it on your sandwiches and burgers! (source: Health magazine: March 2010)

Laugh Out Loud

Another great cheese option is Laughing Cow Light - 1 point per piece

My FAVE Veggie Burger

I've tried lots of veggie burgers and of all of them I like my store brand ShopRite veggie burgers the best. Great taste, and it doesn't pretend to be a beef burger, none of that fake grilled taste, just pure yum! These have 2 points each. So if you've tried some, don't be afraid to try your store brand, maybe you'll find a winner. I really like them on a sandwich flat with cucumber slices and red onion. (3 point sandwich)

100 calorie bagels

I found the Thomas' 100 calorie bagels - 1 point each. Great addition to my bread list. Delicious and just the right size.

Peach Strawberry smoothie!

In a blender mix one can of DelMonte 100 calorie peaches, juice and all, 2-3 ice cubes, and one container Fiber One strawberry yogurt - add water to adjust smoothness as desired. Blend until smooth. 1 point baby!!

variations:

*you can add 1/2 cup milk if you want a calcium boost - add 1 point

*you can add juice of your choice, pineapple, orange, etc, just add the appropriate points for what you put in

*you can add a banana-add 2 points

*add fresh or frozen strawberries - add points depending on how many you add.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Yes, That's right. I found this amazing chicken entree only 5 points.
It's Barber Foods, Light and Flavorful Chicken Cordon Bleu

It's soooo Yummy!

Add a salad and vegetable and you have an instant dinner the whole family will love. For some 5 points seems like a lot, but most of the Weight Watchers meal entrees are 5 or 6 points and this is much more satisfying, and it doesn't come in a black oval tray!
You can get coupons for it on their website too. (click on Promotions, then the lower right corner)
http://www.barberfoods.com/Our-Products/Category-One/low-fat-chicken-cordon-bleu-recipe.aspx

Apple Jacks!

Craving a sweet? Try one cup of Apple Jacks for only ONE point!

Quote of the Day

The higher you climb, the better the view!

Recipe # 1 Calandra Rolls: French Toast

French toast:

Take the Calandra roll and cut into 1/2 inch slices. Mix 1 egg with 1/2 cup skim milk 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 cup water. Spray a frying pan with cooking spray, dip roll pieces in egg mixture and cook on pan until golden brown. 5 points french toast. Top with 1/2 cup Mrs. Butterworth's Sugar free syrup for 1 more point, or top with fresh strawberries or fruit! A great weekend indulgence!

Rollin' with It!

I LOOOOOVE these rolls. They may only be local though, but maybe you have one similar near you. They are Calandra brand. They are near the deli counter at my stores, not with the rest of the bread. They are 2 points for a heavenly crusty roll. I'll give you a week of recipes with these rolls!