Go Light - Light Margarine

I am going to start a series of posts about some changes I have made since losing the weight 2 years ago.  I have found that choosing the light option of most foods has not only helped me lose the weight but has been beneficial in helping me maintain a healthy weight as well.  This week I want to talk about margarine. 

When I tried (but failed) to lose weight in the past I would do things like eat the heart healthy butter spreads that were only 5 calories a serving.  While that was doable for a short amount of time for me it wasn't something I could stick to because 1) it wasn't all that tasty and 2) it didn't work well in recipes or even as a base to cook things in.  Basically the flavor and the texture were just lacking, so for me that wasn't something that would be a long term solution.

So instead of going from full calorie margarine to practically no calorie flavorless stuff, I tried the middle of the road solution and went with light margarine. (I use Blue Bonnet but most brands have a light version.) I actually haven't really noticed much of a difference between it and it's full calorie version.  Even my husband has not minded the change and so this actually became a staple that all of our home has adopted.  No more his and hers margarine taking up space in our fridge!  See, this was the type of change that could become part of my permanent lifestyle because it wasn't so drastic that no one could stand it.  We've never had company complain about it either and believe me, I have some people who will balk at anything I try to serve them that is healthy.  If they haven't noticed this change your family might not either!

Exchanging light margarine for regular margarine will save you about 20 calories for every tablespoon you eat.  While that my not sound significant, if you start to tabulate how much you actually use margarine in cooking, baking, and to garnish your food it really adds up.  Going light on margarine is one change we made that not only helped me lose weight, it's helped me keep it off too!

Chopped Steak Recipe

I tend to eats lots of chicken because you get so much more for the calories, however I do sometimes miss my beef. One day I wanted to make some chopped steak with gravy, something I just pretty much gave up, but I really missed. So, I searched for a healthier option and found this video. This was really delicious! It's still something I don't eat often, but when I am in the mood for beef and gravy, this hits the spot!

Chopped Steak Recipe

Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers

I was craving a burger again so my husband decided to fix his famous Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers for dinner tonight! Ok, so he got the recipe from Allrecipes.com but he is the one that found the recipe for us. While the recipe linked is pretty good and still pretty healthy, I made a few more modifications and got the patties down to 205 calories for a 4.5 ounce patty. Add that to my 80 calorie Delightful Bun by Sarah Lee and some Fat Free Mayo and you have the most awesome burger for under 300 calories!. I was so stuffed tonight that I felt like I cheated on my diet!

For my modified Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers you need:

1 pound of white ground turkey meat (this is leaner than just ground turkey) 640 calories
1 egg white 20 calories
1/2 cup feta cheese 160 calories
1 clove garlic
1/2 package frozen spinach

Mix the ingredients together, patty, and cook about 7 minutes on each side.
This divides into 4 really good size patties that are about 4.5 ounces a piece at 205 calories each (the calories in the garlic and spinach are so minimal I don't count those).

Delightful Bread

When dieting you quickly find that every calorie you eat counts. That is why when I make a sandwich I use diet bread. It used to be that I would eat a low calorie bread but I would not enjoy it very much. Of course that made it hard for me to even want a sandwich. Then about a year or so ago I found this newer diet bread by Sara Lee called 45 Calories & Delightful. It comes in 4 different flavors, White, Wheat, Whole Wheat and Multi Grain. They are all really good and flavorful but my favorite is the Wheat. At 45 calories a slice, compared to regular bread which is about 80 calories a slice, you save 70 calories on every sandwich you eat!

Now I can enjoy more sandwiches, afford to have toast with my eggs or even have a slice of toast and sugar free jelly for a snack that's only 55 calories! Finding these simple ways to cut calories can make a huge difference in dieting. If you eat a sandwich every day at work for lunch you just cut out 350 calories in one week just by changing the bread you eat! And this bread, unlike other diet breads, makes you not notice it so much!

Pudding Cups

Fat Free or Sugar Free pudding cups are an awesome way to kill a sweet tooth craving for under 100 calories. I have these pudding cups often, whenever I want that dessert or sweet fix. The Fat Free cups are 80 calories and the Sugar Free ones are 70. You can even add a little sugar free or fat free whipped topping and still keep it at 100 calories.

Fat Free and Sugar Free Pudding Cups are a delicious way to stay within your calorie range, lose weight and still enjoy a little chocolate now and then (or vanilla or whatever flavor you choose)!

Breakfast: Weight Control Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a yummy way to start the day, especially in these cold winter months. A few months ago I tried this Weight Control Oatmeal by Quaker. I found it to be very delicious and also filling. Protein and fiber are essential ingredients for a healthy diet which also help you to feel full longer. Each serving of Quaker Weight Control Oatmeal is 160 calories and has 7g of protein and 6g of fiber which is about twice as much as you get in the average bowl of oatmeal. That makes for a very filling and satisfying breakfast.
I also think they are very delicious. In the variety pack you get Brown Sugar, Cinnamon and Banana Bread. Banana Bread is my favorite, but I really like them all. Personally I tend to eat these more in the evening then in the morning (I do break the rule of eating breakfast most of the time). I find this to be a great bedtime snack. It's warm, sweet, tasty and filling which allows me to rest without waking up hungry first thing in the morning.

Dinner: Smoked Turkey Sausage

Last night for dinner we had sausage and sauerkraut with a side of green beans. Of course you all know that sausage is fatty and high in calories. Well, awhile back I found Butterball Smoked Turkey Sausage at our local grocery and tried it. I found it very delicious and now I use it all the time. Anytime you want Smoked Sausage try using a turkey variety instead (any brand should do, just check the nutrition label to be sure).

The ButterBall Smoked Turkey Sausage was 100 calories for every 2 oz. serving. There were only 6 grams of fat per serving as well. The sausage my husband ate was 190 calories per 2 oz. serving with a whopping 16 grams of fat. This is an excellent way to make your calories count! You get twice as much meat and protein with a lot less fat. Add to that the sauerkraut which is only 5 calories per serving and you have nice, low calorie, low fat dinner. Not only that but it's an easy to prepare meal on those days when you are rushed and don't have a lot time.