March To-Do List #5

Start the new Weight Watchers online program after we return from our ski trip 

and stick to it for at least one month

 

In an effort to try and eat healthy, live a healthier life, etc. etc. I have started the Weight Watchers online program.  I've been on the program for exactly one week and have really only cheated once, and that was because we were at the lake.  Otherwise, I've done extremely well sticking to my points, practicing discipline and self-control and I've even worked out a couple of times.  It helps that I have a friend at work (where it is the hardest for me to not snack, etc.) who is doing the program with me.  We have been keeping each other motivated and have made plans to walk together at least one night a week.  

I have obviously had to revamp my recipe box to get this "diet" kick-started and I thought I'd share a couple of the tips I've learned, along with a few recipes.

 

The following are the tips that have helped me revamp recipes and transform my snacking habits:

• Use non-fat Greek yogurt in place of sour cream or mayo (used in Caesar salad recipe below)
• Eat as many fruits and veggies as my heart desires.  Grapes really can fill the craving for chocolate if you really put your mind to it ;)
• Portions are key! I can still have most everything I want, I just need to eat less than half of what I did in the past.  
• Pickles, while high in sodium, are 0 points and satisfy my cravings for salty and crunchy snacks.
• Include veggies in anything possible.  For instance, this weekend my mom made sloppy joes for lunch and I added chopped green peppers to my sandwich.  I'm also going to try adding more veggies in my marinara sauce (because I can still eat spaghetti with whole wheat noodles, I will just eat less of it).
• Lots of recipes call for low-fat cheese, but I haven't had much luck finding it at the grocery store so I either cut waaay back on the cheese or do not add the cheese at all.  For instance, I got a sub sandwich on the road on Friday and left off the cheese to save a few points.  Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE cheese so this one is pretty hard!

Here are a few recipes that I have enjoyed over the past week:

Chicken Caesar Pitas
(5 Points)

1/4 c. non-fat plain yogurt (I used the Greek variety)
2 T. light mayo
2 T. grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp. dijon mustard
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2 c. cooked chicken, shredded
Whole wheat pita pockets
Romain lettuce leaves

In a medium sized bowl, combine the first seven ingredients.  Add chicken and toss to coat.  Fill each pita with lettuce and one quarter of the chicken mixture. 

Veggie Dip
(4 pts for one serving - serves 12)

1 packet Lipton dry veggie soup mix
16 oz. fat free sour cream (if I make this again, I will use the non-fat Greek yogurt for a thicker, creamier dip - fat free sour cream is pretty runny)
1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
10 oz. chopped frozen spinach
1/4 c. shredded carrot
8 oz. water chestnuts, chopped

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and stir until well mixed.  Chill until ready to serve.  Serve with cut up veggies, pretzel chips or other crackers for those not on a diet.  This dip was a big hit with my family when we were all together at the lake this past weekend.

*I also added a few shakes of Worcestershire sauce to give a little extra flavor. 

Now, if only I would have been as dedicated to the rest of the March To-Do list...