Buy Fat Free Cheese!

I am a cheese fanatic. When I go to the store and I see a cheese I haven't tried before I buy it. To date I have not tried a cheese I don't like although I have my favorites. My top four are blue cheese, goat cheese, swiss cheese and sharp cheddar. One of my favorite places to go to buy cheese is Trader Joe's. They always have a great assortment at reasonable prices.

My favorite new find is fat free cheese! Imagine that- FAT FREE! I always keep cheese slices in the house. They generally are about 60 calories per slice. I tried Borden's fat free cheese slices and I can't tell the difference! The best thing is that they are only 30 calories per slice. What a 2 for 1 deal!

A friend of mine recommended I try Lifetime fat free cheese. Apparently they have 8 different kinds : swiss, cheddar, jalapeno jack, mild mexican, sharp cheddar, monterey jack, garden vegetable and mozzarella. They are all 40 calories an ounce! I can't wait to try them!  

To learn more about cheese you can go to the following sites:
http://www.typesofcheese.com
http://www.thenibble.com/reviews/main/cheese/cheese2/glossary.asp
http://www.lifetimecheese.com/products/fat_free_squares/index.html

Let's Go Sneaker Shopping!

Once you start going to the gym regularly buying sneakers becomes as enjoyable as buying a new Louis Vuitton pocket book. You want a pair of sneakers for every sport/ activity you engage in. Currently I have 3 pairs of sneakers, one pair for running, one for dance and one for cross training. When new sneakers come out it takes massive self control to help from buying them.

What I can say is getting the correct sneaker for the sports/ activities you are involved in is paramount. You will only have one pair of feet during your lifetime so it is important to give them the support and comfort they need during your workouts. Below are  Fitness Magazine's 2012 sneaker choices.

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The FITNESS 2012 Sneaker Guide

The Best Walking Shoe

For casual strollers to serious power walkers
Winner: New Balance 895
Bye-bye, staid walking shoes. This bold "superlight" pair is "incredibly flexible, while being supportive and cushiony," testers say. The unique egg-crate-inspired design of the outsole "puts an extra spring in your step." That, combined with a stable-but-not-stiff foam midsole, makes them "well built for both casual and speed walking." ($85, shopnewbalance.com)

The Best Walking Shoe: Runner-Up

Runner-Up: Ryka Dash
"The perfect travel shoes," according to testers, these kicks are "comfortable out of the box" and "have fantastic cushioning, without the added weight." The leather-and-mesh uppers and rubber outsoles "can really take a beating." The verdict: "You'll want to walk in them forever." ($60, ryka.com)

The Best Hiking Shoe

For off-road walkers or day hikers
Winner: Vasque Talus WP
These "great" lightweight hiking boots had one tester raving that the waterproof Nubuck leather "keeps your feet dry and warm, even when they're fully submerged in water." The Vibram outsole offers "excellent grip" and "a sufficient amount of traction for all types of trails," and its women's-specific upper "hugs your feet nicely." ($150, vasque.com for stores)

The Best Hiking Shoe: Runner-Up

Runner-Up: Teva Forge Pro Mid eVent
Testers were amazed that this "supercomfortable" boot "fit like a glove from mile one." Thanks to its breathable, waterproof membrane, feet stay "pleasantly dry." It also has a "very grippy" rubber outsole, which aced "rock, mud, light snow, ice, and gravel." A stretchy ankle cover keeps grit out of your shoe. ($140, teva.com)

The Best Neutral Running Shoe

For stable foot strikers who don't need correction from their shoes
Winner: New Balance 890v2
A "Cinderella fit," "good arch support," "perfect cushioning" -- testers "absolutely loved everything" about these colorful kicks. The "extremely light," "bouncy" sneakers have a shorter-than-usual drop from heel to forefoot that encourages a "stronger," "faster," "effortless," and more natural stride. ($100, newbalance.com)

The Best Neutral Running Shoe: Runner-Up

Runner-Up: Mizuno Wave Creation 13
Nicely "supportive for people with high arches," these sneaks are "cushioned, without seeming pillowy," testers say. A thermoplastic wave design in the midsole gives them their spring, making you "feel more aerodynamic" on your runs. ($150, mizunousa.com)

The Best Mild Stability Running Shoe

For runners whose feet roll inward (overpronate) slightly as they strike
Winner: Mizuno Wave Inspire 8
This "extremely lightweight" shoe offers "great stability and shock absorption," testers say. Its breathable open-mesh upper wraps around your foot for a pleasing "glovelike fit," and its stable-yet-springy midsole provides "wonderful support for an overpronating stride." ($115, mizunousa.com)

The Best Mild Stability Running Shoe: Runner-Up

Runner-Up: Saucony Hurricane 14
These shoes may be an ounce lighter than the previous version, but they "still offer excellent support," allowing you to "feel connected to the road while still protecting your feet and joints." An antimicrobial sock liner and foam midsole provide "nice cushioning under the tongue and the balls of your feet." ($140, saucony.com)

The Best Extra Stability Running Shoe

For runners whose feet roll inward (overpronate) considerably as they strike
Winner: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12
Testers rave that these sneaks are "supportive and cushioned to perfection." Their biodegradable foam midsoles incorporate a thermoplastic device and varying densities of foam to "prevent your feet from rolling in." A flexible forefoot puts a "nice spring" in your stride. ($110, brooksrunning.com)

The Best Extra Stability Running Shoe: Runner-Up

Runner-Up: Nike LunarEclipse+ 2
This shoe "doesn't look as if it would be very supportive, because it's so light, but it is," testers marvel. Its midsole packs "unmatched cushioning" and features a wedge-shaped design that kicks in extra stability only when you start to overpronate. In short, "you may never want to take these off." ($135, nike.com)

The Best Minimalist Running Shoe

For striders who want the barefoot-inspired experience
Winner: Merrell Dash Glove
This "extremely comfortable," "flexible" shoe weighs just 5.8 ounces but "still provides a lot of support," and its Vibram outsole supplies "great cushioning for running on pavement or rocks," testers say. Thanks to its zero drop from heel to forefoot, you land on the ball of your foot. Testers felt "no slipping or friction" from its "snug fitting" synthetic leather-and-mesh upper. ($110, merrell.com)

The Best Minimalist Running Shoe: Runner-Up

Runner-Up: Brooks Pure Connect
Testers were "surprised by the amount of cushioning" these six-and-a-half-ounce shoes served up. With a heel-to-toe drop of just four millimeters and a split toe box, they make "forefoot striking a joy." The flexible kicks "move and expand with your feet." ($90, brooksrunning.com)

The Best Trail Running Shoe

Winner: Saucony Peregrine 2
These "dream" trail runners have "lightweight, flexible" foam midsoles and "nice, low-cut ankles." The durable carbon-rubber tread "grips well on a variety of terrains," and its built-in rock plate protects your feet and "allows you to recover quickly whenever you stumble on roots, rocks, and the like." ($100, saucony.com)

The Best Trail Running Shoe: Runner-Up

Runner-Up: Asics Gel FujiRacer
"Potholes, uneven roads, gravel and grass were no match" for these bulk-free trail shoes, testers say. With extra gel pads under the heels and "arch-supporting" foam midsoles, they are "just right on cushioning" and "great for running long distances." A water-drainage system helps keep your feet dry. ($110, asicsamerica.com for stores)

The Best Cross-Training Shoe

For exercisers who do workouts with a lot of side-to-side moves
Winner: Reebok RealFlex Transition
Testers loved wearing this "bouncy," "breathable" shoe for their elliptical, stairclimber, total-body, and CrossFit workouts. The flexible, waffle-patterned outsole "offers a ton of cushioning for jumping exercises" and "facilitates pivoting and moving side to side." Its mesh upper is "extremely comfortable" and "takes a huge load off your gym bag." ($90, reebok.com)

The Best Cross-Training Shoe: Runner-Up

Runner-Up: Puma Pumagility
This "deceptively light" sneaker has "good lateral support" that "prevents your foot from moving around during side-to-side or front-to-back moves." The cushy triangular pieces in its midsole compress on impact so that "your knees feel better supported" when you jump. ($85, shop.puma.com)

The Best Cycling Shoe

For those who clip in for road cycling or Spinning
Winner: Specialized Torch TR
This women's-specific clip-in shoe is "great for powering through" your workout and has an arch-supporting midsole that "keeps you properly aligned" as you ride, testers say. Its sturdy, injection-molded and glass-reinforced outsole provides "good energy transfer" and has "generous vents" so there are "no hot spots." ($125, specialized.com)

The Best Cycling Shoe: Runner-Up

Runner-Up: Louis Garneau Women's CFS 300
With two interchangeable insoles that you heat in the oven and then mold to your foot, this splurge clip-in style provides "a custom fit" and "makes you feel in sync with your bike." Two straps and a ratchet cinch the mesh-and-leather upper snugly. ($300, louisgarneau.com)

The Best Tennis Shoe

Winner: Asics Gel-Solution Speed
Testers note that these "superb" sneaks "move very well" with "no slipping." The extra gel cushioning under your forefoot and heel provides plenty of shock absorption, and the lightweight upper, with memory foam in the heel, offers "a lot of ankle support." ($130, asicsamerica.com for stores)

The Best Tennis Shoe: Runner-Up

Runner-Up: Adidas Barricade 7.0
"Movement feels quick" when you're wearing this "very comfortable," "sturdy" shoe, testers say. It's more than an ounce lighter than the previous Barricade model, with a seamless upper and a flexible, cushioned midfoot that "keeps knees and joints feeling good." A durable outsole makes you "feel superstable while moving laterally" on the court. ($130, adidas.com)

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, March 2012.

The Hungry Girl on Dr. Oz!

My favorite cooking TV show host Lisa Lillien, Hungry Girl, was on Dr. Oz last week. The show focus was “eat twice as much and still lose weight.” She discussed pasta extenders, frozen food and shared a variety of recipes.

Pasta Extenders

She shared two recipes “Mega Mach and Cheese” and “Easy Cheesy Lasagna”. The recipes are below.

Mega Mac n’ Cheese

Ingredients 

Makes 4 servings

• 3 cups frozen cauliflower florets
• 4 1/2 oz (about 1 1/4 cups) uncooked high-fiber elbow macaroni
•  2 tbsp light sour cream
• 2 slices 2% American cheese
• 4 wedges of The Laughing Cow Light Creamy Swiss Cheese
• Optional seasonings: salt and black pepper

Directions

• Place cauliflower in a large microwave-safe bowl; cover and microwave for 3 minutes. Uncover and stir. Re-cover and microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, until hot. Drain excess liquid. Roughly chop cauliflower, return to the bowl, and cover to keep warm.
• In a medium-large pot, prepare pasta per package instructions, about 7 minutes. Drain pasta and stir into cauliflower. Cover to keep warm. 
• In a medium microwave-safe bowl, mix sour cream, cheese slices, and cheese wedges, breaking slices and wedges into pieces. Microwave for 20 seconds. Stir well. Microwave for another 20 seconds, or until cheeses have melted. Stir well. 
• Add cheese mixture to the large bowl and thoroughly stir. Enjoy! 

Nutrition Facts

     98  calories, 4.5g fat, 390mg sodium, 30g carbs, 4.5g fiber, 5.5g sugars, 10g protein

Easy Cheesy Lasagna for Two

Ingredients

Makes 2 servings 

• 2 (1/4-in thick) eggplant slices (cut lengthwise from a long eggplant), patted dry
•  1 egg white or 2 tbsp liquid egg whites
•  1/2 cup light or low-fat ricotta cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
•  1/2 tsp chopped garlic
• 1/4 tsp salt, or more to taste
• Dash ground nutmeg
•  1 cup chopped mushrooms
• 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning
•  2 sheets oven-ready lasagna noodles
• 1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp reduced-fat Parmesan-style grated topping
• Black pepper, optional

Directions 

Preheat oven to 425° F. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray. Lay eggplant slices on the baking sheet and spray with nonstick spray. Bake for 10 minutes. Flip eggplant and bake until browned and softened, about 10 more minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, thoroughly mix egg whites, ricotta cheese, basil, garlic, salt, and nutmeg.

Bring a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to medium-high heat. Cook and stir mushrooms until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir mushrooms into ricotta mixture. Spray a 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray. In a medium bowl, mix crushed tomatoes with Italian seasoning.

Evenly layer ingredients in the loaf pan: 1/4 cup seasoned tomatoes, 1 lasagna sheet, half of the mushroom-ricotta mixture, 1/4 cup seasoned tomatoes, 1 eggplant slice. Repeat layering with remaining ingredients.

Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and grated topping. Bake until cheese is lightly browned, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts 

250 calories, 6.5g fat, 31g carbs, 5g fiber, 16.5g protein

Frozen Food

She recommended steaming vegetables and mixing them with a frozen meal such as a Lean Cuisine meal. She also shared an alternative to eating a “Whopper.” She called it a Whopper Stopper. To make this you use a BOCA burger and load it with vegetables such as tomatoes lettuce and onions and use a flat high fiber bun.

In addition she shared her "Dark Chocolate Cake" recipe, “Red Hot Apple Pie in a Mug” recipe and her “Chicken Parmesan” recipe. The recipes are below.

Hungry Girl's Dark Chocolate Cake w/ a Fraction of the Calories

Mix one can of club soda with a box of moist style dark chocolate cake mix and bake. Two ingredients that’s it!

Hungry Girl's Red Hot Apple Pie in a Mug

We all know where the buttery crust of traditional apple pie ends up – on the scale. Get the same satisfaction, without any of the guilt, with this unconventional recipe from TV host, author and "foodologist" Hungry Girl Lisa Lillien. This modified dessert goes a long way on flavor. Set the microwave and enjoy! 

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving 

•  1 medium Fuji apple, cored and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
•  12 to 15 pieces Red Hots cinnamon-flavored candy
•  1/2 sheet (2 crackers) low-fat cinnamon graham crackers, crushed
•  Dash cinnamon 

Directions

Place apple cubes in a microwave-safe cup or mug. Top with Red Hots – the more you use, the hotter the results! Cover and microwave for 2 minutes. Stir well. Re-cover and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, until apple cubes are soft. Mix well. Let cool, at least 10 minutes. Top with crushed graham crackers and cinnamon. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

      5 calories, 0.5g fat, 44mg sodium, 46g carbs, 3.5g fiber, 23.5g sugars, 0.5g protein

Hungry Girl's Pan-Fried Chicken Parm

Chicken parm is usually a nightmare for dieters. Luckily, TV host, author and "foodologist" Hungry Girl Lisa Lillien has found a way to keep the same great crunchy flavor of traditional chicken parm while cutting out a lot of the fat! 

Ingredients

Makes 2 servings

• 1/2 cup bran cereal
•  1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, or more to taste
• 1/8 tsp salt, or more to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder, or more to taste
• 1/2 tsp onion powder, or more to taste
• 1/4 cup canned tomato sauce with Italian seasonings
• 1/4 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute or 1 large egg 
•  2 (4 oz) raw boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
• 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• Optional seasoning: black pepper

Directions 

• In a blender or food processor, grind cereal into crumbs. Transfer to a wide bowl and mix in Italian seasoning, salt, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder.
• In a small bowl, mix tomato sauce with remaining 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and remaining 1/4 teaspoon onion powder.
• Place egg substitute in another wide bowl (or beat egg in the bowl). One at a time, using tongs, coat chicken cutlets with egg, shake to remove excess, and coat with crumbs. 
• Bring an extra-large skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to medium-high heat. Lay coated cutlets in the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes per side, until chicken is cooked through.
• Evenly spread sauce over chicken cutlets, still in the skillet. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
• Reduce heat to low and cover skillet. Cook until cheese has melted, 2 to 3 minutes. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Per serving:

1 cutlet (made with egg substitute)

258 calories, 6g fat, 684mg sodium, 16.5g carbs, 7g fiber, 1g sugars, 38.5g protein

1 cutlet (made with egg)

279 calories, 8.5g fat, 663mg sodium, 16g carbs, 7g fiber, 1g sugars, 38.5g protein

If you didn’t see this episode of Dr. Oz you can view it at: http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/hungry-girls-secret-guide-eating-more-and-losing-weight-pt-1

What Glucomannan Can Do to Help You Lose Weight!

By Marcelina Hardy, Staff Writer Monday, February 20, 2012

The worst part of dieting is the hunger pains. All you want to do is stop eating junk food, but when you eat healthy foods your stomach grumbles at you. It’s enough to drive you mad. Some days, you just can’t take it and cheat on your diet.

What if you didn’t have to cheat anymore and could actually feel full when you’re on a diet? Yes, it’s true. With glucomannan, you can finally stop your stomach’s hunger cries.

How It Helps You Feel Full
Glucomannan is a water soluble dietary fiber derived from the konjac plant. It has been proven to help relieve constipation and lower blood sugar, cholesterol and weight.

When mixed with water, glucomannan becomes thick like a gel, capable of reaching a volume as much as 17 times its original size. The expanded fiber takes up space in your stomach and intestines, providing that full feeling.

While glucomannan is in your stomach and intestines, it absorbs fat to help it pass quickly through your body instead of accumulating. It also soaks up extra sugar and cholesterol, helping your body excrete it, which can lower your blood sugar and cholesterol.

Support for Weight Loss Success with Glucomannan
Do the effects of glucomannan sound too good to be true?  Researchers have found evidence that, when taken regulalry, glucomannan can help with weight loss.

In a double blind study published in Pub Med, participants were given two 500 milligram capsules each with eight ounces of water. They drank the jellified liquid one hour before meals, three times a day. The participants in this study were told not to change their diet or exercise regimens. Within two weeks, the participants who took the glucomannan lost five and a half pounds. Their cholesterol levels were also significantly lower.

In another study, participants lost approximately ten pounds in 16 weeks, while the placebo group lost less than two pounds. Participants also reported reduced hunger during the trial.

Dr. Mehmet Oz recommends glucomannan one hour before dinner every day. He reports when individuals eat a diet that includes snacks of 200 calories, six grams of fiber and ten grams of protein it will significantly boost their weight loss efforts.

How to Use Glucomannan in Your Diet
In both studies, the researchers did not ask the participants to change their regular diet and exercise program. Even though they didn’t reduce their caloric intake or increase their physical activity, they still lost weight. Combining glucomannan with a healthy diet and exercise program can significantly increase your weight loss results.

When first switching to a healthy diet and increasing your physical activity, you feel hungry. With glucomannan, you feel fuller from less food, so you won’t have the cravings you normally do when you reduce your calorie intake. You will also get the most out of your exercise routine by not eating high-calorie foods afterwards.

Precautions with Glucomannan
Glucomannan is a natural supplement. However, due to its thickening qualities, it can result in gastrointestinal obstruction for individuals who have a history of this condition. It’s important to speak to your doctor before taking glucomannan to rule out any precipitating health issues.

More Info on Konjac Root/ Glucomannan as a Dietary Supplement!

If your interested in using Glucomannan as a dietary supplement, to help curb your appetite, here are the versions available at GNC:

Honey Mustard Pretzel- Coated Chicken Fingers!

I just made an amazing recipe from the Hungry Girl 1-2-3 book. If you like chicken fingers you really need to try this recipe! 

Here's the recipe:

PER SERVING (1/2 of recipe, 4 chicken fingers): 349 calories, 2.5g fat, 928mg sodium, 39g carbs, 1g fiber,13.5g sugars, 37g protein -- PointsPlus® value 8*

Prep: 15 minutes

Cook: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 10 oz. raw boneless skinless lean chicken breast, cut into 8 strips
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp. honey mustard
• 1/4 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)
• 20 standard-sized (not mini) hard salted thin pretzel twists
• 1 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. granulated sugar (I used Equal)

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray and set aside.
• Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine honey mustard with egg substitute and whisk well. Submerge chicken in mustard-egg mixture, and set aside to marinate for at least 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place pretzels in a sealable plastic bag, seal, and finely crush through the bag with a meat mallet or other heavy utensil. Add sugar, reseal, and shake to mix. Spread the mixture out on a large plate or in a large dish. Set aside.
• Using tongs, transfer chicken strips to the pretzel-sugar mixture and thoroughly coat. Then transfer the to the baking sheet. (Discard excess mustard-egg mixture.) Mist the tops of the strips with nonstick spray.
• Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through baking, until the chicken is cooked through. Eat and enjoy!

MAKES 2 SERVINGS

My Addiction to Sugar Free Hard Candy!

One way that I quench my sweet tooth is to always have sugar free candy on hand. You can go to any supermarket or convenience store and find a plethora of sugar free candy for sale. You can even get sugar free hard candy at the dollar store now! 

My two favorites are Werther's Originals and Eda's sugar free hard candies. Both Werther's and Eda's are 40 calories for 5 pieces! You can visit the Werther's Originals website at: http://www.werthers-original.us/#/B10000 and Eda's website at: http://www.edasugarfree.com/our-products/overview/ for more information.

120 Calories of Chocolaty Goodness!

This is a 2 minute recipe I created this evening that includes 4 steps and takes less than 2 minutes to make.

• Step 1: Microwave a 100 calorie single serve mini bag of popcorn
• Step 2: Put in a bowl (leave out the unpopped kernels)
• Step 3: Sprinkle on 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder and 2 packets of 0 calorie sweetener (my pick is equal)
• Step 4: Mix thoroughly and enjoy!

Here's what the completed recipe looks like:

Floosh's Stuffed Cabbage Recipe!

I just made a yummy recipe from the Hungry Girl website. It has just the right amount of saltiness and sweetness and is made with lean ground turkey and cabbage: Floosh's Stuffed Cabbage. I even got to use a bottle of the Trader Joe's Organic Marinara I just bought. Here's a pic of the amazing recipe straight out of my kitchen:

Here's the recipe from hungrygirl.com:

Floosh's Stuffed Cabbage

PER SERVING (1/7th of recipe, 2 cabbage rolls with sauce): 260 calories, 6.5g fat, 629mgsodium, 32.5g carbs, 3g fiber, 24g sugars, 18g
protein -- PointsPlus® value 7*

Prep: 45 minutes
Cook: 70 minutes

Ingredients:
Cabbage
1 extra-large head green cabbage (large enough to yield 14 large leaves), core carefully
removed with a sharp knife

Filling:
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 tbsp. chopped garlic
1 1/4 lb. raw lean ground turkey
1/3 cup ketchup
1 1/2 tbsp. tomato paste
1 tbsp. granulated sugar

Sauce:
3/4 cup jellied cranberry sauce
1/3 cup low-sugar grape jam or preserves
2 cups low-fat plain marinara sauce
1/3 tsp. salt
Optional: chopped scallions

Directions:
Place cored cabbage head in an extra-large pot and cover with water. Bring water to a
boil on the stove. Once boiling, cover and cook for 5 - 7 minutes, rotating the cabbage
occasionally with tongs or a large heat-resistant spoon, until the leaves soften, loosen,
and begin to fall off the head. Remove pot from heat. Carefully remove the cabbage
head and leaves from the pot, drain it, and let it cool. Meanwhile, prepare the filling and
sauce.

To make the filling: Combine onion, garlic, turkey, ketchup, tomato paste, and sugar in alarge bowl. Knead with your hands until the mixture is evenly combined. Set aside.To make the sauce: Combine cranberry sauce, jam/preserves, marinara sauce, and salt
in a large glass measuring cup or a mixing bowl, and stir with a whisk or fork until
smooth. Set aside.

Once cabbage is cool enough to handle, gently remove 14 large leaves. (Refrigerate
the rest for another use.)Prepare the (empty) extra-large pot used to boil the cabbage by spraying it lightly withnonstick spray.

Lay one cabbage leaf on a dry surface and spoon 2 heaping tbsp. of filling into the center of it. Spread filling out slightly and roll cabbage up around the filling like a burrito, folding the sides in first and then rolling it up from the bottom.Place seam-side down in the pot. Repeat with remaining 13 leaves and remaining filling,gently stacking the rolls in the pot, if needed. Pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls,covering as much of the exposed cabbage as possible.

Cover the pot and set the stove temperature to low heat. Cook for about 1 hour, until thefilling is cooked through.

Gently remove the cabbage rolls and serve topped with the sauce. Garnish with
scallions, if you like, and enjoy!

MAKES 7 SERVINGS

Just Might be the Lowest Calorie Store Bought Marinara Around!

I have been looking for a low cal marinara to use with my Shirataki noodles and in recipes that call for marinara. The lowest I was able to find in local supermarkets (various brands) was 70 calories for 1/2 a cup. That was until I visited  Trader Joe's and found their Organic Marinara Sauce. It taste amazing: it has chopped tomatoes, parmesan cheese, garlic, basil, oregano and onions in it! It is lowfat (2g of fat ) and has only 50 calories for 1/2 a cup! So if you haven't tasted Trader Joe's Organic Marinara stop by the store a buy a bottle!

My New Favorite Cracker!

I'm always on the search for new healthy snacks. The Crunchmaster Multi-Grain Crackers are amazingly crunchy, are less than 9 calories per cracker, are oven baked, have 12%  fiber and no sugar. In addition they are made with  five seeds (sesame, quinoa, flax, amaranth and chia). Just don't eat too many if your watching your carbs.

See nutritional info below:

If you have a Costco card they are on sale this month! So, stop by your local Costco and try them out!

My New Favorite Fruit: The Blood Orange!

The flesh is a beautiful crimson color and it tastes sweeter than a traditional orange. Since I have a sweet tooth and enjoy citrus fruits I love blood oranges!

Here’s a description from Wikipedia:

The blood orange is a variety of orange (Citrus sinensis) with crimson, almost-blood-colored flesh. The fruit is smaller than an average orange; its skin is usually pitted, but can be smooth. The distinctive dark flesh color is due to the presence of anthocyanins, a family of pigments common to many flowers and fruit, but uncommon in citrus fruits.^[1] The flesh develops its characteristic maroon color when the fruit develops with low temperatures during the night.^[2] Sometimes there is dark coloring on the exterior of the rind as well, depending on the variety of blood orange. The skin can also be more tough and harder to peel than other oranges.

While all oranges are likely of hybrid origin between the pomelo and the tangerine,^[3] blood oranges originated as a mutation of the sweet orange.^[4]Within Europe, the Arancia Rossa di Sicilia (Red Orange of Sicily) has Protected Geographical Status.^[5]

If you haven’t tried a blood orange yet, pick one up during your next visit to the supermarket!

Interesting Info on Konjac Root/ Glucomannan!

Shirataki noodles are made of Glucomannan/ Konjac root. Glucomannan and Konjac root are synonymous. Apparently, Glucomannan/ Konjac root can also be taken medicinally. Here is information about Glucomannan from the webmd website:

GLUCOMANNAN

Other Names: Amorphophallus konjac, Amorphophallus rivieri, Glucomanano, Glucomannane, Konjac, Konjac Mannan.

GLUCOMANNAN Overview Information

Glucomannan is a sugar made from the root of the konjac plant (Amorphophallus konjac). Glucommanan powder, capsules, and tablets are used as medicine.

Glucomannan is used for constipation, weight loss in adults and children, type 2 diabetes, blood sugar control, and lowering cholesterol.

In foods, glucomannan is used as a thickener or gelling agent. Glucommanan flour and powder are used in food.

How does it work?

Glucomannan might work in the stomach and intestines by absorbing water to form a bulky fiber which treats constipation. It may also slow the absorption of sugar and cholesterol from the gut, helping to control sugar levels in diabetes, and reducing cholesterol levels.

http://www.webmd.com

My Shirataki Noodle Addiction Continues

My Shirataki noodles from konjacfoods.com came in  a few days ago! I have been eating them every day since I received them. They have really helped me put a dent into the last 15 pounds I need to lose. Using the noodles allows me to have meals all below 170 calories many below 70 calories. I just substitute the Shirataki noodles for pasta in any recipe I make. The following are 2 great recipes I have used with Shirataki noodles since I received them. They are delicious!

Recipe 1: Ginger  Sesame Noodles

Sauce

• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1 inch piece of ginger
•  2 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp of browned then ground (in food processor) sesame seeds
• ½ tsp chili flakes
•  3 packets of equal

Grind in food processor for 30 seconds

Garnish

• Slices cucumbers
• Chopped cilantro
• Chopped scallions

Directions

• Use 3 packets of angel hair or thin konjac noodles. Put in colander, rinse in cold water and set aside
• Spray wok or frying pan with PAM
• Wait until pan is warm then add noodles and then sauce. Toss in pan for 2 minutes
• Put on  plates and sprinkle with cilantro and scallions (can also sprinkle with sesame seeds)
• Put cut cucumbers on side

Makes 3 servings 70 calories each

Recipe 2: Linguine with Clam Sauce

Directions

• Use 3 packets of linguine konjac noodles. Put in colander, rinse in cold water and set aside 
•  Scrub 4 lbs. of little neck clams in cold water
• Spray a large wok or frying pan with PAM 
•  Saute 2 medium sized chopped onions, two chopped garlic cloves and ¼ cup of chopped parsley for 60 seconds.
• Add 1.5 cups of water and season to taste.
• Cover and steam until clams open, about 6 mins. If clams do not open after 8 minutes toss them away. Do not overcook the clams or they will be tough.
• Remove the clams and put into a separate bowl
• Add one chopped tomato and the Shirataki noodles to the pan and toss for two minutes
• Replace the clams and toss then serve

Makes 3 servings about 170  calories if you eat 15 small clams with the Shirataki noodles