McDonald's Ice Cream
I know, this is a nutrition blog and I'm endorsing McDonald's. It's true. I've said this in the past--it is always possible to find something healthy at a restaurant --even a fast food chain. McDonald's is no different--in fact they have several healthy options...but I'm going to talk about one in particular. Ice cream.
OK, maybe it's not the healthiest of options, but if you are driving around and looking for a treat, McDonald's Ice Cream is a fabulous choice. At just 150 calories per cone (130 calories per cup)--you can't beat it! It is creamy low-fat vanilla ice cream, and yes I am slightly addicted to it. Plus, it won't break the bank since it is part of the dollar menu ($1.06 in Massachusetts, to be exact).
Now this does not mean that the vanilla ice cream is a healthy snack if you have it as a McFlurry. Sorry, the candy won't do much for your waist line. You will, however, feel like you have indulged once you finish the cone. Add on one of my other favorites, an unsweetened iced tea (just $1.00, calorie free and enormous at 32 oz.) and you have a great mid-day snack!
Do you like this blog? Become a follower!
Email me at nicolesilva@weightthatsit.com
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Trim Down Tip
The Cheesecake Factory
When it comes to restaurant chains, The Cheesecake Factory is one of my favorites. The menu is gigantic and should be able to satisfy anyones diet restrictions (or lack thereof). However, the menu is also a bit scary. The calorie content of many items are extremely high. So, like I always say, be prepared.
The Cheesecake Factory does not provide nutritional information on their website. However, some restaurants provide brochures divulging the calorie content for the entire menu. If your local restaurant does not have them--have no fear! Click here for the complete list courtesy of one of my favorite websites, Hungry Girl. Here is my healthy/unhealthy rundown.
Top 3 Healthy Choices:
Ahi Carpaccio - This sushi-grade tuna dish is an appetizer but is meant for two people. I sometimes order it as a meal and it is more than feeling. At 260 calories for the entire dish, pair with a side salad and you have a high protein healthy meal!
Shrimp with Angel Hair - Now, this entire dish is 845 calories--but believe me--it is ENORMOUS. Eating half is a great option--plus you have tomorrow's lunch or dinner already made!
Create an Omelet: I'm a huge fan of breakfast at all times of day. A plain omelet has 488 calories and load it up with some veggies you are at just 525 calories. Opt for tomatoes instead of homefries and egg whites instead of eggs and you will save even more calories. Add an English Muffin for 220 calories...and remember--servings are big, so you can always have leftovers!
Top 3 Unhealthy Choices:
Lunch Pasta Carbonara: 1592 calories at lunch? Yikes! This is just ridiculous...not to mention it also has 58 grams of saturated fat! Sorry but pasta with bacon is just not a good option...ever.
Beer Battered Fish and Chips: I think the title says it all. Fish fried in beer with french fries on the side. It sounds yummy, but I think you waist line would like you to save 1918 calories and 27 grams of saturated fat and opt for something else.
Miso Salmon: I chose this because I have ordered it before thinking it was a great option. Who knew it was possible for healthy salmon to contain 1673 calories, 39 grams of saturated fat. Plus it has 2400 mg of sodium-more than what is recommended for one day! Opt for the grilled salmon and you will save 1000 calories!
Clearly I didn't even broach the cheesecake subject. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but they range from 600-1300 calories per slice. I'm all for dessert but make sure you split a slice with friends to reduce the calorie count in half or more. As for the rest of the menu, there are plenty of healthy options--you just have to do some research and be sure to know before you go.
Do you like this blog? Become a follower!
Email me at nicolesilva@weightthatsit.com
Monday, February 22, 2010
Foods to Ponder
Clementines
Tis the season for clementine oranges! From November to May, the mini oranges are available in the produce section of your local store and I encourage you to take a look. If you aren't a fan or perhaps haven't tried a clementine before--this is the perfect opportunity.
A clementine is a hybrid fruit. It is a cross between a Chinese mandarin and a sweet orange. Small, seedless and juicy--it is a perfect on-the-go snack or a great addition to a salad. At just 35 calories --you can't beat this Vitamin C packed treat. Plus if you are really hungry--you can have two or three and not feel bad about it!
A 5 lb box of clementines retails for around $7--which sounds pricey but 5 lb is a lot of fruit. Read here for storage recommendations. That's all you need to know--so get out there and enjoy a clementine.
Do you like this blog? Become a follower!
Email me at nicolegsilva@weightthatsit.com
Tis the season for clementine oranges! From November to May, the mini oranges are available in the produce section of your local store and I encourage you to take a look. If you aren't a fan or perhaps haven't tried a clementine before--this is the perfect opportunity.
A clementine is a hybrid fruit. It is a cross between a Chinese mandarin and a sweet orange. Small, seedless and juicy--it is a perfect on-the-go snack or a great addition to a salad. At just 35 calories --you can't beat this Vitamin C packed treat. Plus if you are really hungry--you can have two or three and not feel bad about it!
A 5 lb box of clementines retails for around $7--which sounds pricey but 5 lb is a lot of fruit. Read here for storage recommendations. That's all you need to know--so get out there and enjoy a clementine.
Do you like this blog? Become a follower!
Email me at nicolegsilva@weightthatsit.com
Friday, February 19, 2010
Delicious Discovery
Trader Joe's French Toast
I know, I'm totally obsessed with Trader Joe's (TJ's). I could probably devote a blog solely to gushing about a favorite product of theirs--but I won't. I will however let you know how much I adore TJ's French Toast.
Just one slice of french toast has 110 calories, 3 grams of fat and 1 gram of fiber. You can find it in the frozen section of TJ's in a yellow box (as pictured). I like to have it for breakfast...well I usually have two slices for breakfast...toasted with just a little Cary's syrup. Or sometimes I'll have it as a snack in the afternoon with some fruit to curb my appetite before dinner.
It's also a great snack for little kiddos. It's nice and soft and easy to handle--plus it doesn't make too much of a mess! Does it get better than that? Oh, and to top it all off--it's good for you! No fuss, no hassle--just plain yummy!
Do you like this blog? Become a follower!
Email me at nicolesilva@weightthatsit.com
I know, I'm totally obsessed with Trader Joe's (TJ's). I could probably devote a blog solely to gushing about a favorite product of theirs--but I won't. I will however let you know how much I adore TJ's French Toast.
It's also a great snack for little kiddos. It's nice and soft and easy to handle--plus it doesn't make too much of a mess! Does it get better than that? Oh, and to top it all off--it's good for you! No fuss, no hassle--just plain yummy!
Do you like this blog? Become a follower!
Email me at nicolesilva@weightthatsit.com
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Trim Down Tip
Know Your Triggers
I truly believe you can lead a healthy lifestyle and lose weight AND eat everything...in moderations. Depriving yourself of foods like carbs or dessert does work in the short term but almost never in the long term. You will inevitably wake up in your bed with an empty bag of chips next to your pillow...believe me, it has happened. That's why you need to know your triggers.
Everyone has a certain food..or foods...that you can't get enough of. For me for example, they are ice cream and pita chips. I know, totally random, but I could not be in a room with either food without finishing the entire container or package. When you are first starting a healthy eating plan...you have to just cut out the foods that make you lose control.
Take me for example. When I first overhauled my lifestyle--I told myself that I could have a half gallon of frozen yogurt in the freezer and I could portion out half cup servings when I wanted to. That lasted two days before I was sitting on the couch scraping the frozen remnants from the container. So, I quickly realized that until I had a handle on my eating habits--ice cream (and a few other things) could not be in my home. Fast forward to today--I have yogurt in my freezer at all times. I just know my limits. More often than not, I have my husband scoop it for me so I don't overdo it. But--I eat it almost every night!
So the moral of this story--if you know chips (or whatever it may be) are your downfall...just remove the temptation in the beginning. Allow yourself to form a healthier relationship with food--one where you are in control. Then add back your trigger food and have normal healthy servings. Imagine...a world where you can be the healthiest version of you and eat your chips too!
Do you like this blog? Become a follower!
Email me at nicolesilva@weightthatsit.com
I truly believe you can lead a healthy lifestyle and lose weight AND eat everything...in moderations. Depriving yourself of foods like carbs or dessert does work in the short term but almost never in the long term. You will inevitably wake up in your bed with an empty bag of chips next to your pillow...believe me, it has happened. That's why you need to know your triggers.
Everyone has a certain food..or foods...that you can't get enough of. For me for example, they are ice cream and pita chips. I know, totally random, but I could not be in a room with either food without finishing the entire container or package. When you are first starting a healthy eating plan...you have to just cut out the foods that make you lose control.
Take me for example. When I first overhauled my lifestyle--I told myself that I could have a half gallon of frozen yogurt in the freezer and I could portion out half cup servings when I wanted to. That lasted two days before I was sitting on the couch scraping the frozen remnants from the container. So, I quickly realized that until I had a handle on my eating habits--ice cream (and a few other things) could not be in my home. Fast forward to today--I have yogurt in my freezer at all times. I just know my limits. More often than not, I have my husband scoop it for me so I don't overdo it. But--I eat it almost every night!
So the moral of this story--if you know chips (or whatever it may be) are your downfall...just remove the temptation in the beginning. Allow yourself to form a healthier relationship with food--one where you are in control. Then add back your trigger food and have normal healthy servings. Imagine...a world where you can be the healthiest version of you and eat your chips too!
Do you like this blog? Become a follower!
Email me at nicolesilva@weightthatsit.com
Friday, February 12, 2010
Delicious Discovery
Hershey's Kisses - Special Dark
Chocolate. It's hard to find someone who isn't a fan of the decadent flavor. That being said--those who love chocolate most likely have to refrain from over indulgence of chocolate candy, cake and ice cream. Behold my favorite way to get in my chocolate fix every day (yes, every single day) without guilt!
Hershey's Kisses have been around since 1907. There are 9 varieties out there...my favorite and the best for is the Special Dark version. The serving size is 9 kisses weighing in at 180 calories and 12 grams of fat. Now--that doesn't mean you have to eat 9 kisses every time you want some chocolate. I usually take 3 or 4--at 20 calories each, they leave you feeling satiated and happy!
The health benefits of dark chocolate stem from the flavonoids and antioxidants which provide protection for the heart and against oxidative damage. Dark chocolate has been found to reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol and decrease inflammation. Read more about the health benefits here.
There are many different types of dark chocolate on the market--if you don't like one, try another. They all taste different and in moderation-- it really is good for you! Happy Valentine's Day!
Note: There will be no post this Monday, February 15th, due to the holiday. Have a great weekend!
Do you like this blog? Become a follower!
Email me at nicolesilva@weightthatsit.com
The health benefits of dark chocolate stem from the flavonoids and antioxidants which provide protection for the heart and against oxidative damage. Dark chocolate has been found to reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol and decrease inflammation. Read more about the health benefits here.
There are many different types of dark chocolate on the market--if you don't like one, try another. They all taste different and in moderation-- it really is good for you! Happy Valentine's Day!
Note: There will be no post this Monday, February 15th, due to the holiday. Have a great weekend!
Do you like this blog? Become a follower!
Email me at nicolesilva@weightthatsit.com
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Trim Down Tip
Happy Snacking!
In my opinion, the key to success in achieving and maintaining your healthy weight is simple...snacking. I know, you never would have guessed that...but it's true. Three meals a day (even three healthy meals a day)are great...but you will inevitably find yourself hungry a few hours later and reaching for the cookie jar. I suggest eating every 3-4 hours--this keeps your metabolism running and helps maintain your blood sugar (preventing the rapid spikes and drops that cause you to feel ravenous). So be prepared, aim for snacks between 150-200 calories and have these treats handy!
Fresh Mozzarella and Tomatoes: 1 oz of fresh mozzarella has just 70 calories. Pair 2 oz with 10 grape tomatoes and you have a fulfilling 170 calorie snack!
Almonds and Fruit: I'm being a bit vague by saying fruit because there are a myriad of fruit options to pair with your almonds. Half a serving of almonds (approximately 12 almonds) and an apple are one of my favorite snacks and just 160 calories. Insert your favorite fruit and enjoy! Sweet and salty--a perfect combination.
English muffin and nut butter: There is nothing better than a snack that feels more like a meal. An English muffin is a great way to enjoy a mini-sandwich. I like Trader Joe's whole wheat English Muffins, but any whole wheat version is a great choice. Paired with 1 tablespoon of your favorite nut butter (unless it's Better'n Peanut Butter then you can have two tablespoons!) and enjoy a delicious 200 calorie treat.
Laughing Cow and Wheat Thins Flatbreads : Laughing Cow cheese is to die for and just 35-50 calories per wedge. Spread a little on some Wheat Thins Flatbreads and you are set to go! Two flatbreads have just 60 calories--so go ahead and have 3 or 4..one wedge of cheese goes a long way--I swear!
Popcorn: Popcorn is one of the best snacks--there is a lot of volume, low in calories and high in fiber--provided you choose the right variety (sorry, movie popcorn is not included). My favorite are the mini bags by Orville Redenbacher or Jolly Time. Both companies sell 100-calorie bags in two flavors--butter and kettle corn. I'm a sweet and salty kind of gal so I love the kettle corn--but both are delicious!
So get your snack on--and I'll be back with more snack ideas in the weeks to come!
Do you like this blog? Become a follower!
Email me at nicolesilva@weightthatsit.com
In my opinion, the key to success in achieving and maintaining your healthy weight is simple...snacking. I know, you never would have guessed that...but it's true. Three meals a day (even three healthy meals a day)are great...but you will inevitably find yourself hungry a few hours later and reaching for the cookie jar. I suggest eating every 3-4 hours--this keeps your metabolism running and helps maintain your blood sugar (preventing the rapid spikes and drops that cause you to feel ravenous). So be prepared, aim for snacks between 150-200 calories and have these treats handy!
Fresh Mozzarella and Tomatoes: 1 oz of fresh mozzarella has just 70 calories. Pair 2 oz with 10 grape tomatoes and you have a fulfilling 170 calorie snack!
Almonds and Fruit: I'm being a bit vague by saying fruit because there are a myriad of fruit options to pair with your almonds. Half a serving of almonds (approximately 12 almonds) and an apple are one of my favorite snacks and just 160 calories. Insert your favorite fruit and enjoy! Sweet and salty--a perfect combination.
English muffin and nut butter: There is nothing better than a snack that feels more like a meal. An English muffin is a great way to enjoy a mini-sandwich. I like Trader Joe's whole wheat English Muffins, but any whole wheat version is a great choice. Paired with 1 tablespoon of your favorite nut butter (unless it's Better'n Peanut Butter then you can have two tablespoons!) and enjoy a delicious 200 calorie treat.
Laughing Cow and Wheat Thins Flatbreads : Laughing Cow cheese is to die for and just 35-50 calories per wedge. Spread a little on some Wheat Thins Flatbreads and you are set to go! Two flatbreads have just 60 calories--so go ahead and have 3 or 4..one wedge of cheese goes a long way--I swear!
Popcorn: Popcorn is one of the best snacks--there is a lot of volume, low in calories and high in fiber--provided you choose the right variety (sorry, movie popcorn is not included). My favorite are the mini bags by Orville Redenbacher or Jolly Time. Both companies sell 100-calorie bags in two flavors--butter and kettle corn. I'm a sweet and salty kind of gal so I love the kettle corn--but both are delicious!
So get your snack on--and I'll be back with more snack ideas in the weeks to come!
Do you like this blog? Become a follower!
Email me at nicolesilva@weightthatsit.com
Monday, February 8, 2010
Foods to Ponder
Yogurt
Walk into the dairy section of any grocery store and you can easily be overwhelmed when trying to decide what kind of yogurt to buy. There are so many varieties...high fat, low fat, sugar free--the list is endless. So what's the deal and how do you choose? Hopefully, I can help.
Yogurt is a great source of calcium (and just to be clear--I'm talking about plain old yogurt. Not the frozen kind next to the ice cream). It is great option for those who are lactose intolerant because of the live cultures, which are good bacteria, that help promote gut function. It has been found to prevent against osteoporosis and heart disease--so if you haven't already--why not try it?
The best choice--Greek yogurt. One 8 oz container has approximately 120 calories and 20 grams of protein. The taste is definitely different than that of "regular" yogurts but the nutritional benefit is far superior. It is thick, rich and slightly tangy. Low or no fat versions boast high protein content and are low in sugar which help keep you fuller longer. Plain Greek yogurt can be used in recipes and is a great substitute for sour cream in dips! There are so many varieties out there lately, Fage, Oikos, Chobani...the list goes on and on. My favorite of the bunch is Chobani--they make fabulous non fat Greek yogurts that you don't need to doctor up. I do like other brands but find that I need to add a bit of peanut butter, nuts or Splenda to take the edge off of the taste--again, it's just my personal preference. I find that each brand tastes different--so try them all until you find your favorite. Nutritionally speaking--they are all great options.
If you aren't a fan of Greek yogurt--there are plenty of other good options out there. Look for yogurts that are less than 200 calories, low fat (less than 4 grams) or fat free and less than 30 grams of sugar (the milk in yogurt naturally adds 12 grams of sugar). Many of the flavored yogurts out there are delicious but loaded with sugar and might as well be desserts--but there are some yogurts that are flavored and good for you. Stoneyfield and Dannon have great options. Read the labels and you will be all set!
Congratulations to Julie Guptill, the winner of our Popchips giveaway! She was not only the random winner but also had the most clever idea--using popchips for breadcrumbs! Julie, send me an email with your mailing information and you will receive your chips shortly! Thanks for entering, everyone!
Do you like this blog? Become a follower!
Email me at nicolesilva@weightthatsit.com
Walk into the dairy section of any grocery store and you can easily be overwhelmed when trying to decide what kind of yogurt to buy. There are so many varieties...high fat, low fat, sugar free--the list is endless. So what's the deal and how do you choose? Hopefully, I can help.
Congratulations to Julie Guptill, the winner of our Popchips giveaway! She was not only the random winner but also had the most clever idea--using popchips for breadcrumbs! Julie, send me an email with your mailing information and you will receive your chips shortly! Thanks for entering, everyone!
Do you like this blog? Become a follower!
Email me at nicolesilva@weightthatsit.com
Friday, February 5, 2010
Delicious Discovery
Crum Creek
I'm always on the lookout for delicious snacks that I can grab-n-go. Clearly, I welcome Crum Creek and all the treats they have created for my snacking pleasure...don't worry, I'll share!
The soy bite breadsticks are my absolutely favorite. There are four varieties, sesame, onion, everything and rosemary and garlic. The taste resembles that of a pretzel but not as salty. They range from 105-120 calories and are low in fat. Made with soy protein, they are a great healthful snack and no artificial ingredients to boot!
Crum Creek makes two varieties of nuts, trail mix and soy nuts. My favorite is the soy nut trail mix. Just 130 calories, and so incredibly satisfying. It's a great mix of sweet and salty--filled with soy nuts, chocolate chips, raisins, pumpkin and sunflower seeds--you can't beat this trail mix!
I've had the pancake mix before as well--and although it may not qualify as a snack item--it's still quite yummy. A good solid pancake that you don't have to feel bad about devouring. The rest of their products are on my to do list--so if you beat me to it--let me know what you think!
Check out Crum Creek--I promise it is worth the online order--you'll be going back for more sooner than you think!
PS--Don't forget to enter the popchips giveaway (posted below). Leave a comment letting me know your favorite way to eat popchips and you could win a 24-mixed pack of popchips! The contest ends today at 8pm EST and the winner will be announced in Monday's post. Good luck!
Do you like this blog? Become a follower!
Email me at nicolesilva@weightthatsit.com
I'm always on the lookout for delicious snacks that I can grab-n-go. Clearly, I welcome Crum Creek and all the treats they have created for my snacking pleasure...don't worry, I'll share!
The soy bite breadsticks are my absolutely favorite. There are four varieties, sesame, onion, everything and rosemary and garlic. The taste resembles that of a pretzel but not as salty. They range from 105-120 calories and are low in fat. Made with soy protein, they are a great healthful snack and no artificial ingredients to boot!
Crum Creek makes two varieties of nuts, trail mix and soy nuts. My favorite is the soy nut trail mix. Just 130 calories, and so incredibly satisfying. It's a great mix of sweet and salty--filled with soy nuts, chocolate chips, raisins, pumpkin and sunflower seeds--you can't beat this trail mix!
I've had the pancake mix before as well--and although it may not qualify as a snack item--it's still quite yummy. A good solid pancake that you don't have to feel bad about devouring. The rest of their products are on my to do list--so if you beat me to it--let me know what you think!
Check out Crum Creek--I promise it is worth the online order--you'll be going back for more sooner than you think!
PS--Don't forget to enter the popchips giveaway (posted below). Leave a comment letting me know your favorite way to eat popchips and you could win a 24-mixed pack of popchips! The contest ends today at 8pm EST and the winner will be announced in Monday's post. Good luck!
Do you like this blog? Become a follower!
Email me at nicolesilva@weightthatsit.com
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Popchips Giveaway!
If you don't know about popchips...first off--get with it (!) and read here. They are a fabulous snack and good for you too!
Happy snacking and good luck!
p.s. Be sure to scroll down to read my Trim Down Tip post for today!
Trim Down Tip
Navigating the Salad Bar
You are at work and trying to decide if you should just grab a slice of pizza, the special meal of the day or be healthy and choose the salad bar. But choosing the salad bar is just the first step in making your meal nutritious and delicious. I swear the people that make up the salad bar try really hard to force you to make bad choices. Follow this simple guide and you will be all set!
1. Choose your lettuce wisely: If you have a choice, stick with the dark, leafy greens (think spinach, romaine, arugula). Iceburg lettuce, although healthy, is made almost entirely of water and doesn't contain as many nutrients as the darker varieties.
2. Load up on vegetables: You can't go wrong when it comes to fresh veggies. Tomatoes, cucumbers, pea pods, peppers--the list goes on and on. They are the perfect way to bulk up your salad without adding loads of calories. Just be sure to avoid adding too many veggies that are marinated in oils--the calories add up a lot faster.
3. A little bit of cheese: Cheese is not the enemy. In fact--it's a great way to add protein to your salad. But when I say a just a little--I mean it! A cube of feta cheese has 45 calories--crumble up one or two and you will have plenty of flavor. In contrast, just a half cup of shredded cheese can have over 200 calories. Talk about sabotaging your diet.
4. Avoid the croutons - They may seem innocent but croutons are often cooked in butter and loaded with saturated fat. The same goes for the crispy noodles and bacon bits. I know--the salad sounds like a total bummer by now--but why bother eating a salad if you are just going to load it up with unhealthy toppings. Instead sprinkle a few nuts or some chickpeas or beans to add protein, fiber and added taste.
5. Do add protein - Like I said above, protein is a great addition to your salad. If grilled chicken or fish is available--choose it! Shrimp is a great low calorie and yummy addition to a salad. Adding protein will help keep you feeling fuller longer and hopefully stop you from heading to the vending machine for a mid-afternoon snack.
Lastly--check out my previous entry on salad dressing to top off your salad. Sit down and enjoy your meal!
Note--if you like Weight...That's It - become a follower!
Email me at nicolesilva@weightthatsit.com
You are at work and trying to decide if you should just grab a slice of pizza, the special meal of the day or be healthy and choose the salad bar. But choosing the salad bar is just the first step in making your meal nutritious and delicious. I swear the people that make up the salad bar try really hard to force you to make bad choices. Follow this simple guide and you will be all set!
1. Choose your lettuce wisely: If you have a choice, stick with the dark, leafy greens (think spinach, romaine, arugula). Iceburg lettuce, although healthy, is made almost entirely of water and doesn't contain as many nutrients as the darker varieties.
2. Load up on vegetables: You can't go wrong when it comes to fresh veggies. Tomatoes, cucumbers, pea pods, peppers--the list goes on and on. They are the perfect way to bulk up your salad without adding loads of calories. Just be sure to avoid adding too many veggies that are marinated in oils--the calories add up a lot faster.
3. A little bit of cheese: Cheese is not the enemy. In fact--it's a great way to add protein to your salad. But when I say a just a little--I mean it! A cube of feta cheese has 45 calories--crumble up one or two and you will have plenty of flavor. In contrast, just a half cup of shredded cheese can have over 200 calories. Talk about sabotaging your diet.
4. Avoid the croutons - They may seem innocent but croutons are often cooked in butter and loaded with saturated fat. The same goes for the crispy noodles and bacon bits. I know--the salad sounds like a total bummer by now--but why bother eating a salad if you are just going to load it up with unhealthy toppings. Instead sprinkle a few nuts or some chickpeas or beans to add protein, fiber and added taste.
5. Do add protein - Like I said above, protein is a great addition to your salad. If grilled chicken or fish is available--choose it! Shrimp is a great low calorie and yummy addition to a salad. Adding protein will help keep you feeling fuller longer and hopefully stop you from heading to the vending machine for a mid-afternoon snack.
Lastly--check out my previous entry on salad dressing to top off your salad. Sit down and enjoy your meal!
Note--if you like Weight...That's It - become a follower!
Email me at nicolesilva@weightthatsit.com
Monday, February 1, 2010
Foods to Ponder
Salad Dressing
So you are finally on the right path. It's lunch time and you actually find the will power to turn down the turkey club and decide on a salad with grilled chicken or fish. Good for you! It's a salad..it's healthy right? Well...there is potential for health...and a lot of it depends on your salad dressing.
Regardless of where you are eating a salad--at home or in a restaurant--your choice of salad dressing is the key to saving calories and unhealthy amounts of fat. I've said this before--but your choice in dressing alone can save you 150 calories or more--and that is a lot when you are trying to lose weight! Let's get started...
If you are out at a restaurant, by all means order a salad as an appetizer or an entree. However--no matter what, ask your server what kind of dressing it comes with. If it is creamy (think ranch, blue cheese, thousand island)--avoid it. Just one tablespoon contains at least 75 calories--and your salad will definitely be doused in several tablespoons of dressing. Simply ask if you can have a lighter dressing--balsamic vinaigrette, italian or oil and vinegar--on the side and your salad will be a lot healthier.
At home--you have a lot more control over dressing up your salad. I like to make my own simple simple dressings. Just a little olive oil and fresh lemon juice and I'm happy. However, if you are going to buy salad dressing...here are the best brands:
Newman's Own Lighten Up - With a serving size of two tablespoons ranging from 35-70 calories--you can't beat these salad dressings. If you love honey mustard or caesar--there is a light version that tastes delicious! Find them in any grocery store.
Wish-Bone Light - I have yet to try a dressing from Wish-Bone that I don't like. The light versions are all low in fat and calories and are a great way to enjoy your favorite dressing! Sold at most major grocery stores.
If I didn't mention your favorite dressing--do some investigating--read the label. Stay away from anything based in cream (sour cream, mayo, buttermilk or yogurt). Look for brands with less than 8 grams of fat per serving and less than 300 mg of sodium. Also, you may have noticed I didn't recommend fat-free salad dressing. Why? Because many of the vitamins in your salad are fat soluble--meaning you need fat to help your body absorb them--thus--there is a good reason for fat (good unsaturated fats!) in your dressings. So don't over do it--but DO enjoy your salads!
Note--if you like Weight...That's It - become a follower!
Email me at nicolesilva@weightthatsit.com
So you are finally on the right path. It's lunch time and you actually find the will power to turn down the turkey club and decide on a salad with grilled chicken or fish. Good for you! It's a salad..it's healthy right? Well...there is potential for health...and a lot of it depends on your salad dressing.
Regardless of where you are eating a salad--at home or in a restaurant--your choice of salad dressing is the key to saving calories and unhealthy amounts of fat. I've said this before--but your choice in dressing alone can save you 150 calories or more--and that is a lot when you are trying to lose weight! Let's get started...
If you are out at a restaurant, by all means order a salad as an appetizer or an entree. However--no matter what, ask your server what kind of dressing it comes with. If it is creamy (think ranch, blue cheese, thousand island)--avoid it. Just one tablespoon contains at least 75 calories--and your salad will definitely be doused in several tablespoons of dressing. Simply ask if you can have a lighter dressing--balsamic vinaigrette, italian or oil and vinegar--on the side and your salad will be a lot healthier.
At home--you have a lot more control over dressing up your salad. I like to make my own simple simple dressings. Just a little olive oil and fresh lemon juice and I'm happy. However, if you are going to buy salad dressing...here are the best brands:
If I didn't mention your favorite dressing--do some investigating--read the label. Stay away from anything based in cream (sour cream, mayo, buttermilk or yogurt). Look for brands with less than 8 grams of fat per serving and less than 300 mg of sodium. Also, you may have noticed I didn't recommend fat-free salad dressing. Why? Because many of the vitamins in your salad are fat soluble--meaning you need fat to help your body absorb them--thus--there is a good reason for fat (good unsaturated fats!) in your dressings. So don't over do it--but DO enjoy your salads!
Note--if you like Weight...That's It - become a follower!
Email me at nicolesilva@weightthatsit.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
