Roni’s Weight Watchen Page(s) - Take 2 (the rebuild)

This experiment came so moist I was shocked the loaves stayed together!

The holidays are coming (AACK!) and I like to bake healthy things to bring as I make my family visits. My mom always makes mini-loafs of her favorite holiday breads so I thought I’d give it a try. You can freeze them individually and bring them out when you have company or wrap them as small gifts.

• 1 package VitaMix™ Muffin Mix Banana Nut (click here to purchase)
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin
• 1 tbsp pumpkin spice
• 2 egg whites
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup quick oats
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large bowl mix the pumpkin, pumpkin spice, egg whites and water. Add the package of VitaMix and blend until just moistened.

Evenly spread the mixture across 4 mini loaf pans sprayed with non-stick cooking spray (I used 3in x 5 in disposable I got at the grocery store).

In a small bowl, blend the quick oats and cinnamon to make a topping. Sprinkle over loafs.

Bake loafs for about 40-45 minutes. A toothpick inserted will come out clean when finished.

Each mini-loaf contains 3 servings. Each serving is approximately 110 calories, 2.5 g of fat and 6 g of fiber

Labels: DessertIdeas, SnackIdeas

Sometimes it’s all in the preparation and presentation.

Today I thought I’d be a bit more creative then just slapping some toppings on a light tortilla and jamming it in my mouth. Yes, I mean jamming and yes, I do that ALL the time. When I do, I noticed my hunger goes away but I’m left completely unsatisfied and normally wanting something else. Today I took a 10-minute break, spent some time on preparation and presentation, sat down at the table and enjoyed my light snack.

Guess what! This time I was satisfied. I think by just taking a break and making eating fun, we feel fulfilled and less likely to immediately want something more. So next time you want a snack, check out your pantry and see how you can get creative with your healthy items on hand. You have healthy items on hand, right? ;~)

• 1 light (low carb) tortilla (I used Trader Joe’s Whole Wheat Low Carb)
• 1 The Laughing Cow Light Cheese Wedge
• 5-6 slices of turkey pepperoni (light ham or turkey would be fabulous too!)
• Handful of spinach leaves
• Honey mustard for dipping

Spread the cheese on the tortilla. Layer the pepperoni and spinach leaves on the cheese. Roll up tightly and evening space tooth picks about ½ inch apart. I use the toothpick and a guide for cutting and then the little rolls stay together. When you slice, be careful not to squish too much so you can retain the nice roundness of the roll.

Nutritional information will be different based on the tortilla and light meat you use. I’m estimating mine at about 150 calories.

Labels: SnackIdeas, Tips

Last night I went out and split some hummus with a friend. I forgot how good it was! So I came home and made my own. It doesn’t have all the “official” ingredients of hummus but it came out perfect! The texture, the hint of sesame flavor and the bite of garlic. Even the husband liked it! I was shocked! He’s just not a hummus type of guy.

• 1 can of Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) drained and rinsed
• 1-3 cloves of Garlic (depending on taste- I used 2 and boy can you taste it!)
• 1 tsp Sesame Oil
• ¼ cup of vegetable broth or fat free chicken broth

Put all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. You make have to help it with a stir now and then.

Serve with whole-wheat pita and veggie slices! Great for a party!

I’m estimating it at about 4 servings. I’ve hit it twice, a friend had some too, and I still have a ton leftover for tomorrow. Each serving is about 150 calories, 2 g of fat and 5 g of fiber.

Labels: SnackIdeas

I’ve been experimenting with a Banana Nut recipe for awhile.  Everything I read says you should mix whole wheat flour with “all purpose”, but I like the challenge of seeing if I can make tasty 100% whole wheat treats.  Well, these finally came out good enough to share. Don’t get me wrong the “bad” batches were pretty good too! The toddler is my ultimate taste tester and any time I can get him to eat a whole grain sugar free treat, I know it’s time to post.   ;~)

• 1 and ¼ cups (150 grams) of whole wheat flour (I weighed it)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 egg whites
• 1 large overripe banana
• ½ cup plain non-fat yogurt
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp molasses
• ¼ cup applesauce
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1/8 cup (15 grams) of almonds (I used raw)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees

Put the almonds in a plastic bag and beat with a rolling pin to chop them up. Set aside.

Mix and double sift the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside

In a medium bowl mash the banana with a fork.  Add the egg whites, yogurt, honey, molasses and applesauce.  Whisk until well blended and a bit “frothy”.

Mix the sifted flour with the banana egg mixture until just incorporated.  Don’t over mix!

Spray a 6 muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.  Evenly distribute the batter in the muffin tin.  Sprinkle crushed almonds on top. Bake for 18 minutes. 

Mine didn’t rise as much as I would have liked.  I’m not sure why but they came out tasty just the same!  Plus each one is only about 170 calories, 2 g of fat and 4 g of fiber.  If you skip the almond topping, you are looking at only 150 calories, .5 g of fat and 4 g of fiber!

Update:I made a double batch and they came out just as good! If not better in my opinion. As you can see the toddler LOVES them!

Another Update:I made them again. This time only 1/2 tsp's of the baking soda and powder and I measured out the salt. They rose up perfectly!! I have a new picture too but I don't have post right now. (recipe has been updated)

Labels: BreakfastIdeas, SnackIdeas

The first breakfast after my week long beach splurge needed to be a good one. I'm a big believer in bulking up breakfast and making a little seem like a lot. Making it look pretty is just another bonus!

• 8 oz of light fat free flavored yogurt (I used Breyers Fat Free -strawberry banana)
• 1/2 cup of bran flakes (I used Kellogs Bran Flakes)
• Fresh berries (I used blueberries and raspberries)

Layer the ingredients in a tall glass starting with a bit of yogurt, then cereal. I then alternated blueberries and raspberries that I picked up from a farmstand stop on the way home from the beach.

As for nutritional information, I'm estimating it at about 250 calories, 2 g and 6 g of fiber. I counted it as 4 points.

Labels: BreakfastIdeas, SnackIdeas

Originally Posted on June 14th, 2007 9:49 pm

I made these for the toddler’s 2nd birthday.  They came out better then I expected, moist, yummy and HUGE! Well, huge compared to the normal low point cupcakes I’m used to.  ;~)

I used sprinkles to decorate some instead of frosting.  This way I save points but they still look festive!

• Chocolate Fudge cake mix (I used Betty Crocker Supermoist Cake Mix, Chocolate Fudge, 18.25)
• 1-15oz can of pumpkin
• 2/3 cup of water
• Sprinkles (optional)
• Non-stick cooking spray

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees

Beat the cake mix, pumpkin and water for about 2-3 minutes.  The batter will seem light and airy.

Spray 2 6-cup muffin pans with non-stick cooking spray. Scoop the batter into the muffin pan and top with sprinkles.  Bake for 35-40 minutes.

I made 12 large cupcakes, just about 4 points a piece.  You could make 24 smaller ones for 2 points if you want but I was into the size this time.

Update: We had them this morning for breakfast and I finally figured out what they taste like! If you ever had a devil dog, they taste just like the chocolate cake part of that!

Labels: BreakfastIdeas, DessertIdeas, SnackIdeas

Originally Posted on June 9th, 2007 2:45 pm

This is my first attempt to modify corn muffins.  I didn’t want to vary the recipe too much from the mix as I was unsure how they would come out.  Now that I tried, I may replace the whole egg with just egg whites and see if water would work instead of the milk.  The pumpkin worked like a charm! I’ll post updates when I try them again. Oh! Did I say they were YUMMY!

• 7.5 ounce whole Grain Cornbread mix (I used Hodgson Mill Whole Grain Cornbread And Muffin Mix)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup canned pumpkin
• ½ cup skim milk
• Non-stick cooking spray

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

In a small bowl mix all ingredients together with a spatula. Spoon into a 24-cup mini muffin pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake for about 12 minutes, muffins will be firm to the touch.

With the mix I used I’m estimating 2 mini muffins at just over a point.  I think.  I was having a hard time calculating.  If anyone has any insight please comment.  I’m just happy they are whole grain, super YUMMY and the toddler liked them!

Upadate: I froze the letovers. Popped two in the microwave for 20 seconds and they came out perfect!

Labels: BreakfastIdeas, DinnerIdeas, SnackIdeas

Posted on May 16th, 2007 9:06 am

Have you noticed? I’ve been on a cherry kick recently! Oh Well, I wanted something new for breakfast and came up with this idea. It was surprisingly filling.

• Light cherry yogurt (I use a generic brand 2 points for 8 oz)
• Fresh cherries halved and de-pitted ( I used about ½ cup)
• 1/8 -1/4 cup of All bran or Fiber one to sprinkle on top

Combine all ingredients and enjoy!

The cereal and cherries separately are 0 points but adding them both I would count this as 3 total. Not bad for a quick breakfast with no cooking involved!  ;~) 

Labels: BreakfastIdeas, SnackIdeas

Originally Posted on May 4th, 2007 10:54 pm

Someone emailed me this idea a while back and I finally tried it.  I like the idea of creating your own pizza bites.  You can put anything in these things and make create appetizers!

• 16 wonton wrappers (I got them in the produce section, the were 3 points for 8)
• Tomato Paste (about 2 tablespoon)
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Basil or Italian Seasoning
• About ½ cup baby spinach leaves chopped
• About ½ bell pepper diced
• 5 small slices of turkey pepperoni diced
• 1 oz of mozzarella cheese

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

In a small bowl, combine the cheese, pepperoni, pepper and spinach. 

Dap a bit of tomato paste with back side of a teaspoon in the center of each wrapper. Sprinkle with the spices.  I used a mini muffin pan to create pockets by squishing the filling and pinching the ends together.  If you wet the ends of the wrappers, they stick together very nicely. 

Bake the bites for about 10 minutes in a preheated 375 degree oven. The tips will start getting brown.

Serve with a bit of sauce on the side!

The only points worth counting are the wrappers (6) and the cheese (2).  So you can have 2 servings of 8 for 4 points each, 4 servings of 4 for 2 points each or do what I did and eat all of them for an 8 point lunch! ;~)

Note: these are just my estimates.

Labels: SnackIdeas

OriginallyPosted on March 10th, 2007 1:35 pm

• 1 medium zucchini diagonally sliced (on the thicker side)
• Tomato paste
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Basil
• Black pepper
• 1.5 oz mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp parmesan cheese
• 5 slices turkey pepperoni diced in small pieces
• Non-stick cooking spray

Turn on the broiler on high. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.

Mix the mozzarella, parmesan and diced pepperoni in a small bowl.

Slice the zucchini; smear each slice with about a teaspoon of tomato paste and lay on the cookie sheet paste side up. Sprinkle with spices. Top with even amounts of the cheese mixture, pressing lightly to stick to the paste.

But on the top rack in the oven on broil for 2 minutes. The cheese should just start to get “crusty”.

The points really only come from the cheese so for the whole batch I’m estimating 3-4 points. I ended up with 12 in the batch so 2 - 2 point servings sound right. Then again, I ate the whole batch for 4. ;) The picture shows half of them.

Labels: SnackIdeas

I make these all the time and I’m tired of typing it over and over again.  So here it is, once and for all! ;)

• 1 point tortilla
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Oregano
• Basil
• Pepper
• Diced peppers
• 4 slices of turkey pepperoni
• 1 oz mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Smear the tomato paste on the tortilla.  Sprinkle with spices, add peppers and pepperoni, top with cheese and bake for about 10 minutes.

That’s it! With a 1 point tortilla I count it as 4.

Oh! and if you have a pizza stone they come out super crispy!

UPDATE: if you want a crispier crust, put the tortilla in the preheated oven for a few minutes to get crisp. Remove and add your toppings!

Labels: DinnerIdeas, SandwichIdeas, SnackIdeas

Posted on March 4th, 2007 9:27 pm

I had to share this because I can’t believe how good it came out!

• 8oz of light cherry flavored yogurt (I use the Fit & Active brand from Aldi’s)
• Handful of frozen cherries
• 1 tsp unsweetened dark cocoa

Blend together! That’s it!  I really can’t believe how good it came out.  There’s just something about Chocolate and Cherries together for me. This definitely cures my ice cream craving.

I would still count it as 2 points but it may be closer to 3.

Labels: DessertIdeas, SnackIdeas

Originally Posted on February 28th, 2007 9:28 pm

• 1 large zucchini cut into large fry like pieces
• ½ cup of fiber one or all bran cereal ground up in food processor (I measure the ½ cup and then grind)
• ¼ cup of Parmesan Cheese
• Garlic Powder
• Italian Seasoning (basil, oregano, parsley)
• Salt and Pepper
• Non-stick cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine the cereal, cheese and spices in a large plastic bag.  Dip the zucchini slices in the beaten egg (you could probably use just the white) and drop in the bag.  Shake to coat. 

Spray a foiled line cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray and place the coated zucchini.  Spray the tops with a little more coking spray.  Bake for about 20 minutes flipping once.  Cook a little longer If you like them more done, but I prefer mine a little firm.

Updated cooking variation:I tried to broil them to get a crunchier crust and they came out just as good in half the time. Preheat the broiler and place the zucchini 2 racks from the top. Broil for 3-4 minutes then flip and broil for 3-4 more.

No IDEA on the points! I didn’t use all the coating mixture but the cheese alone is about 2 points.  So I’d say three for the whole batch.  Thoughts?

Labels: DinnerIdeas, SnackIdeas

Posted on February 18th, 2007 1:38 pm

These were so good, they rival Sweet Potato Fries for me.  

• 1 medium butternut squash. 
• Non stick cooking spray

Peel the squash with a potato peeler.  Cut lengthwise and scrape out seeds. Cut into fry shapes and bake on a cookie sheet sprayed with non-stick cooking spray in a preheated 425-degree oven for about 35 minutes.  I flipped them once.  

You can add salt and spices but honestly, I forgot the salt and they didn’t even need it! Crunchy on the outside, soft in the middle, sweet and delicious!

As for the points, they are super low. A 1 cup seving (about 205 g) is about 90 cals, 4 grams of fiber with no fat.  Thats 1 point! Oh! and the toddler LOVED them.  ;)

Labels: DinnerIdeas, SnackIdeas

Posted on January 3rd, 2007 8:33 pm

Inspired by Qdoba Mexican Grill’s Tortilla Soup.

• Non-stick olive oil spray or a tsp of olive oil
• 1 small sweet onion (I use a think slice of a big one) diced
• 1-2 bell peppers (I used about ½ each of a green, orange and red) diced
• 3 cloves of garlic chopped
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Cilantro
• Lime Juice
• Tabasco
• Can of chicken broth
• Can of diced tomatoes with green chilies

Spray a medium saucepan with olive oil and sauté the onion, peppers and garlic until tender, about 10 minutes. Towards the end, add the chili powder, cumin cilantro, splash of lime juice and Tabasco to taste.Stir and let the flavors mix for a minute or two. Add the chicken broth and can of tomatoes with chilies.

What you get it a nice chunky soup. Now to thicken, and this is optional, I take a scoop at a time and puree in the blender then add it back to the soup. I usually do not puree it all just about 2-3 scoops to thicken the broth.

The points are tough on this one. It is really are 0 point stuff except the little bit of oil which it split amongst, about 4 servings. I would probably count 1 point for 2 bowls.

Other ideas:  Add leftover chicken, top with cheese, pour over rice, you can really do anything with it. It’s pretty versatile.

Labels: DinnerIdeas, SnackIdeas

Originally Posted on December 17th, 2006 12:46 pm

Inspired by a few recipes I found on some message boards, this is not really Fudge (duh). It doesn’t have the consistency but if you freeze it and let it defrost a bit at room temperature it hits the chocolate craving perfectly!

• 1 can of Black beans drained and rinsed
• 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder (I use half regular/half dark)
• 1 ½ cup of Splenda
• Non stick cooking spray

Put beans and applesauce in bender mix well. Add other ingredients and mix until smooth.

Spray a plastic tupperware dish (preferably a longer rectangle one) with cooking spray and add mixture. Smooth it out to fill the dish. Place in freezer for about and hour then remove and cut into 15 squares (you have to do this now because it will get too hard to cut later. The consistency is too mushy in the fridge and too hard in the freezer so I leave it in the freezer and remove a square when I want some chocolate. Let it sit at room temp for a minute or two and it’s perfect.

The whole mixture is 15 points so if you cut it in 15 squares it a point a piece. To be honest it’s pretty rich, it’s all you’ll need!

Labels: DessertIdeas, SnackIdeas

Originally Posted on December 2nd, 2006 10:33 pm

• 1 Yam or Sweet Potato
• Non stick cooking spray
• Salt
• Curry

Not sure if this is a snack but I cut it into thick slices, usually about 6. Spray with a little pam on both sides, sprinkle with salt and curry and bake at 375 for about 40 min. MMmm MMmmm perfect autumn snack, good at room temp too, so bake ahead!

If you like a crunchier fry turn up the heat to about 400-425 or put them under the broiler.

Labels: DinnerIdeas, SnackIdeas

Posted Originally on December 2nd, 2006 10:31 pm

• 1 point English muffin
• 4 thin slices of a large tomato
• 1 oz  shredded mozzarella cheese
• Garlic powder
• Oregano
• Salt & Pepper
• Any veggie topping you like I used broccoli and green peppers.

Preheat oven or toaster oven to 425 degrees.  Toast the muffin.  Measure out the mozzarella cheese and slice the tomato.  Add a little sprinkle of the cheese on each toasted muffin (will help the tomatoes stick). Place a slice of tomato on each and sprinkle with all the spices, and then a bit more of the cheese to help the next tomato slices stick.  Add the next tomato slices, spices any veggie toppings and remaining cheese.

I think the layer of tomato slices is even better then using sauce plus they are free!

With 1 point muffin and 1 oz of cheese I count this as 3 points.  Makes a great quick lunch or snack!

Labels: SandwichIdeas, SnackIdeas

Posted on December 2nd, 2006 1:19 pm

• 1 tsp Olive Oil
• Vidalia Onion chopped (I only use one thick slice but I’m not an onion person)
• Garlic Cloves diced (I use at least 3)
• 1 Large Tomatoes or a Handful of Cherry/Grape tomatoes cut in chuncks
• 1 small-medium Zucchini sliced
• 1 small-medium Yellow Squash sliced
• 1 Pepper any color chopped
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Oregano, Basil, Parsley (or Italian seasoning would work)

In a non-stick large skillet add the oil, diced onion and garlic over medium heat. While that is cooking slice up the Zucchini, Squash and Pepper and cut up the tomatoes in chunks. If you are using Cherry tomatoes half them, you want the juice to help cook the other veggies.

Once the onion starts to turn a little opaque add all the veggies and sprinkle with all the spices. Cover. The "juices" from the tomatoes and other veggies will start to steam everything. Stir a few times and cook until the veggies are tender.

The whole skillet is only 1 point because of the oil. You can eat this as a meal, a side dish or a filling for anything! I put it on a large 1 point tortilla with some mozzarella cheese and a little green chile sauce, MMmmm MMMmmm so good. I’ve also piled in on home made pizza.

Labels: DinnerIdeas, SaladIdeas, SandwichIdeas, SnackIdeas