Secrets of Success

Kroger Cowpals

Instead of spending upwards of $4 on Laughing Cow brand spreadable cheese wedges, throw down less than $2 for the Kroger Cowpals Light Swiss Flavored Pasturized Cheese Spreadable Wedges. They're just 30 calories each with 1.5 grams of fat and are just as tasty as the brand name.

Like to have something with your cheese but can't be trusted with crackers?

I love having whole grain crackers with cheese at work for lunch, but I can't be trusted to have a box of crackers in my house without eating the whole thing one night. So I stopped buying crackers and now use pears or apples instead. I bring a paring knife with me to work and smear the cheese right on the fruit pieces. Delicious, and it cuts way down on my temptation to binge on carbs.

Ricotta Replacement

Need a low-salt, low-fat replacement for ricotta that isn't as grainy? Try running salt-free cottage cheese through a food processor. While the taste of salt-free cottage cheese isn't good on its own, it makes a great base ricotta replacement. Add a little pepper, an egg white, and any other seasonings you like, and it becomes perfect for lasagna!

Apple with cheese snack

Great low-cal healthy and satisfying snack! Slice an apple into very thin slices (about 24). Cut one slice of American cheese (low fat, if you wish) into 24 small pieces. Put one little piece on each slice of apple. Good munching that will take long enough to eat that you feel satisfied!! Try it and enjoy!

Portion Everything On Shopping Day

I buy snack bags, sandwich bags & medium bags. When I shop, I buy full size packages & then come home & weigh & measure the portions out & put them in bags. This is important for meat, cheese & anything that I would binge or tend to overeat. This way, I can have what I want because it's portioned & it's easy to control.

Recipe Makeovers

Minipizza w/whole-grain pitta, low-fat cheese, homemade tomato sauce & extra lean ham is 1 of my fav dishes & it doesn't pack a lot of calories! Figure out ways to enjoy your fav food w/ a healthy twist. Get creative!

I can even enjoy chocolate milk w/ skim milk & 2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder or healthy sandwiches loaded w/ veggies, melted low-fat cheese & lean meat. They're yummy, fulfulling & the possibilities are endless!

I also replaced fries w/ thin slices of baked potato. Crunchy!

Cutting Cheese

I use to hate cutting cheese...like blocks of cheddar. I found the secret to easy cutting a few years ago.

WET THE KNIFE...duh!

Cuts like a hot knife thru butter.

Free Healthy Eating Low or Fat Free Cheese Cookbook

At http://greatcheese.com/skinn
y/thankyou.php
you can download a cookbook with 40 great recipes with nutritional information on each. These recipes look like they would be just what was needed to satisfy a craving in a healthy way.

Have a Laughing Cow, man!

I love Laughing Cow lite cheese & use it to spread on the bread for a sandwich instead of mayo, or over a stick of celery & put pistachio nuts in it for a super snack...then discovered it's great for replacing butter in mashed potatoes! YUM!

Opening Receptions = FREE Food, Fun, and Learning - Just Get Out There & FInd It

We love going to opening receptions for art exhibitions. There is always food--usually healthy stuff like veggies, fruit, and cheeses and sometimes wine (stay away from the soda and junk). Dinner, entertainment, social interaction, and learning and seeing new stuff. It is a win on all levels!

Pizza Craving Cure

I LOVE pizza, but hate the calories that come with it. Buy "Earthgrains Natural Whole Wheat Thin Buns" which are 100 calories for two halves. Recipe in more information. Result? ~200 calories, 16 g fiber, and a portion friendly snack thats easy!

Eat Strongly Flavored Foods

I eat sharp cheddar cheese instead of colby or American. then a smaller amount goes a long way. Same for rich dark chocolate vs milk chocolate and greek yogurt instead of common yogurts.