We started concentrating on slimming our food choices and focusing on health at the beginning of the year so we are into the third month of this lifestyle. It is not that we were eating the processed foods that so many seem to have to use, we have time to cook. Further, my grandson’s diet restrictions eliminate gluten, preservatives, chemicals, colors, etc. so our diet was already pretty clean but we have learned.
Sugar is the big thing to avoid. As soon as sugar is in an item, its point cost skyrockets. Fat is monitored closely, healthy fats are used as often as possible to replace the saturated ones and then limited as much as possible.
Make sure you season your burgers extravagantly. Turkey swallows seasoning! Pic from Food Network- Bobby Flay
Lean proteins are great. They keep you fuller longer. (I may be growing a beak, I have eaten so much chicken and ground turkey.) Turkey burgers, turkey meatballs, turkey tacos and burritos…. I can’t say that I like turkey burgers as much as a hamburger but I do like what it is doing for my muffin top. Add some bread crumbs soaked in eggbeaters to add moisture. We can use lean beef but it is very pricey (even grinding one’s own) so, for a family of seven, is only an occasional extravagance. Fish is enjoyed for lunches only since The Scotsman (son-in-law) does not like seafood of any kind.
Fresh fruit and a veggie tray are available at all times. Usually a fresh fruit salad is in the frig for snacking, a side, a dessert, or for mixing with plain fat free greek yogurt for breakfast. (The Costco brand of plain greek yogurt is quite mild and easily replaces sour cream…even from the beginning.)
Turkey bacon is not really any lower in points than regular bacon but we use it because we can get uncured (remember my grandson’s diet restrictions?) at a much better cost point than regular bacon.
Spaghetti squash (when not overcooked) is great unless you are a kid. Then bring on the pasta. Pasta is to be avoided when losing weight as much as possible.
40 calorie a slice whole grain bread is a good thing.
Cauliflower is a good thing. Mixed with potatoes to slim mashed potatoes. Cauliflower rice (again, not overcooked) is a good thing. Raw cauliflower on the veggie tray is a good thing. Roasted, too.
Social support groups (like Connect on the Weight Watchers site) are good things when the give you ideas and inspiration. No naysayers!
Low fat mayo (not non-fat!) is a good thing.
Eat potatoes but in moderation. (Hey, I am a potato addict so this took some doing but I can eat a snack size bag of chips or a few French fries (baked) and be satisfied.
Trader Joe’s has many good options. Oriental dumplings, ginger miso broth, corn puffs for a snack….cook those dumplings in the broth….yum!
My muffin top is shrinking (down about 10 pounds), my daughter has lost much more. It is working and it is not painful. So far but we have one another to support each other when we falter. Helps.
Tonight we had our first cookout and picnic on the new deck. It was an extraordinary warm spell in the east. The temperatures were in the mid 70’s and BEAUTIFUL! The kids enjoyed playing outside. The Bearded One sat outside and observed. We all ate at a makeshift table. It was pure joy!
Now to shop for a patio dining set for eight!
Re Pasta. We tried the quinoa pasta and it is excellent. The Tinker prefers it to regular pasta, much more flavor. It could be another addition to your very healthy repertoire!