Thanksgiving -WW recipes

As I finish my first week on plan, I am in epic failure mode.  Hmm, a small trip has turned my efforts into drive thru madness. as thanksgiving is fastly approaching, I am building my arsenal to be prepared with low point options at the dinner table.  I have held onto these recipes for some time and they can be a true lifesaver for just knowing what I can eat and how much versus adventuring into the unknown.

My first is the Weight Watcher Bread Stuffing.  Please be aware that this will not look, smell or taste like diet food.  It is very probable that it may be consumed by all guest and not just the dieting ones.

Now I do enjoy the Weight watcher Cranberry Walnut Relish.  Besides just being pretty, it makes me feel as though I have a since of culinary gourmet affluence.  Hmm, which I do not, but it is fun to pretend.

My ultimate comfort food, has got to be the mashed potatoes.  No reason to skimp on taste with this dish.  Adding the garlic and thyme brings a well deserved pop of flavor to every bite. 

Weight watchers has always been wonderful at making the meal more than just a diet, but a lifestyle and an occasion.  Always adding to your menu fresh foods and staying to natural and less processed foods, makes every meal healthy and delicious.  Most of all, almost every weight watcher recipe I have found to add to my life is usually straight forward and easy.  But most of all, do able without a special cooking class.

Have a great thanksgiving.

~trish

WW Week 1: hearty breakfast

For me, breakfast is the make or break me meal of the day.  If I am not satisfied, the day is going to go down hill for making good decisions on what to eat.  This is my go to meal in the morning.  It is 1 cup of steamed potatoes and 2 eggs for a total of 6 points.

 The potatoes are not fried.  Today I am using left over potatoes from dinner. I have a tupperware steaming container, i.e., sealed container with a vent.  I dice the potatoes and season with my favorite all spice.  Then I microwave them for about 8 minutes, depending on how much I have in there.  On mornings I do not have left overs, I dice up 1 small red potato (only 1 point), microwave for about 5.  Then spray some cooking spray and brown.  ta da. Now this is when I will add chopped green onions, like today.  Or chopped tomatoes, green peppers, or any other zero point veggie.

One thing to be aware of.  I love salsa.  I added 2 Tbsp of salsa for zero points and then was in horror when I figured out that those little spoonfuls had 1/6 my daily sodium intake.  This is why I use salsa type veggies in my potatoes and not salsa.  That sodium will mess with your head and scale.  Too much and you are retaining water like a camel and the scale will show it.  One gallon of water is 8 lbs on the scale.  Besides it is horrible for your body in so many other ways.  So stick with fresh.

For me, I feel satisfied and like I am not on a diet.  Besides, when the diet is over, this is a lifestyle choice I would still enjoy to have every morning.  Thus, helping me to keep the weight off.  And for me, losing the weight isn't the problem, it's keeping it off.
~trish

Week 1: Cassoulet

Another great favorite of mine is Cassoulet.  I love this, to me this recipe is excellent for comfort in the fall, but also gives me the grown up version of beans and weenies. This is really a great recipe for any bean, even cranberry beans.  This recipe is a version of the original put out by the WW recipe mill.

To keep your points low, use the low-fat turkey smoked sausage.  If you do, this recipe will  serve 4 with 6 points per serving.  Also, if you are not using canned beans then portion out 4 servings from dry beans and prepare them to use.  If you want a quick way to prepare them, go here.

Also check this out for some more great recipes for using beans! http://www.pulsecanada.com/uploads/4f/3c/4f3c70cc5efe8ead7b1f1c1f052ae932/Cooking-with-Beans-Peas--Lentils-2010.pdf

I hope this helps you, if you are looking for ways to add more fiber to your life with a yummy flavor.  For us, beans are a favorite in my house.
~trish

Week 1: Beef Stroganoff

See the WW, hmm, after all my success I am back onto weight watchers.  The new points plus made me lose it quick, but it came right back on.  So after a week kicking the idea that I needed to start again, last night I made the commitment.

So in search of a refresher I found Debra at Losing it!  Who is sharing day by day her efforts to be on plan.  She was a bunch of inspiration for me and I do suggest you check her out.  For the love of good food, I wanted to share this recipe for stroganoff. When I first started weight watchers almost ten years ago, this recipe was my go to for comfort.

My recipe card is a 5by7.  I love printing them at the photo lab and laminating them.  I use storybook creator and this layout is made from Creative Memories Rugged Outdoors Digital Addition.

This recipe comes from one of the best weight watcher, original points plan, cookbooks. I hope you enjoy.
~trish