Hi folks! Here are some of the ideas I've been taking advantage of lately for healthy meals, snacks, and desserts. They've really helped me stay on track and yet be satisfied with my food choices. I've remembered how I need substitutions for those higher calorie selections. It's really simply being mindful and swapping out when I can do so without affecting anything other than my waistline!
Flat Out Pizza
This one is so good and so simple that it is not a sacrifice in any way! Flat Outs are healthy flatbreads that are quite large, filling, and very versatile. They make a great wrap but are even better as pizza crust. You can check out the Flat Out website for a zillion ideas. I really love topping one that's been warmed in the oven for a couple of minutes first with a bit of pizza sauce, veggies, and shredded cheese. Of course, you can add your favourite pizza add-ons. Pop back in the oven for about 4-5 minutes and an amazing pizza is your reward!
The Impossible Pumpkin Pie
There are several versions of this miracle dessert out there but basically, it's a lighter pumpkin pie with no crust. It is so easy to make and creates its own 'crust' layer. This recipe contains regular pumpkin pie ingredients and bakes up in no time. Once I added some Light Cool Whip it was truly as yummy and satisfying to me as 'real' pie. I can't wait to make another one for Thanksgiving!
Pumpkin Oatmeal
Sticking with that pumpkin theme, we have really been enjoying Pumpkin Oatmeal for breakfast most days. I cook the porridge the usual way (McCann's is my favourite, whether steel cut or rolled, they are sweet and delicious oats) and then mix in pumpkin pie spice, raisins, and about a 1/4 cup of pure pumpkin puree per serving. It is subtle but amazing and my favourite cereal.
Sauteed Apples
We have been picking the most wonderful fall apples and a super way to enjoy them is by cooking them in a pan with a bit of water. Once they are tender I sprinkle on some cinnamon and sometimes brown sugar. I usually add the apples on top of yogurt or on my cereal but a new recipe I learned of is so good: topped with some Cool Whip and a crushed graham cracker! Wow, it's so delish!!
Chocolate Pumpkin Cake
This is the easiest cake you'll ever make! Mix one box of chocolate cake mix (I used Devil's Food) with a 15 oz. can of pure pumpkin and bake. That's it! No other ingredients and then are pretty darn good. I made a bunch of mini cakes (in a new 8 portion Wilton pan from Walmart) and they only baked for 18 minutes at 350! The texture is slightly denser and more spongey than a regular cake but still very tasty!
No Sugar Added Caramel Sauce
Ohhh, this stuff is pretty yummy! I use it as a dip for apple slices and it's almost as good as a caramel apple from the fair. I shared it with the fam and they were in 100% agreement! Nice drizzled on the cake above too!
David's Tea
I really enjoy some special teas now and again. I bought this sampler pack from David's Tea because it has a selection of flavours to satisfy your sweet tooth. I really like the Blueberry Jam one so far and the Chocolate one was pretty good too! I don't have them every day so it will take me a while to work my way through. I prefer black teas so I'm starting with those but these tiny tins are the ideal way to see which you like.
Fruit Compote
This is just a mishmash of fruit stewed on the stove until thickened. I started with a bag of fresh cranberries and added a cup of water and a couple tablespoons of brown sugar. I added some fresh strawberries, a sliced apple, some frozen cherries and mixed field berries. Once it's cooked (about 15 minutes on low) I added some cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and a tiny bit of ginger. Smells so intoxicating! It is so scrumptious and perfect for on top of yogurt, oatmeal, waffles (very do-able using the "Original" toaster waffles and sugar-free syrup), French toast, or even just on its own. Yum! Makes your teeth a little purple though!
Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Sorry I didn't take a pic of this one! I baked a spaghetti squash for 45 minutes and then scooped out the flesh. I added it to a pot of my hearty meat pasta sauce and then baked it in a casserole (you can also use the squash halves) with a bit of cheese on top. You can toss in whatever veg you like in the sauce to add to the yum (I used celery, mushrooms, peppers, olives, and carrot). It is so good and very filling. Like a lasagna without the carbs!
Well I guess that's enough for now - I'm making myself hungry! Happy Thanksgiving to Canadians and enjoy some healthy options this weekend. I got most of these ideas from the great friends at Weight Watchers and then adapted them to my kitchen but you can easily Google them to get many other variations. Enjoy!
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