Celebrating Memorial Day

Remember the sacrifice...

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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...

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.

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~

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.

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

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.

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!!

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.

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!

Happy Cinco de Mayo

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

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.

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.