Get The Skinny On Oatmeal

One of my very weird food cravings is old-fashioned oatmeal.  Who else but a dietitian would have such a healthy food craving.  Oatmeal is actually a comfort food for me; especially, on cold winter days.  It reminds me of childhood when my mother would make a bowl of oatmeal before school.  I would sit in front of the television watching Captain Kangaroo while eating my bowl of oatmeal.

In addition, I love the feel of the warm texture and flavor of oatmeal.  Again, I love, love, love the texture of oatmeal.  Furthermore, oatmeal is so easy and fast to prepare.  Place 1/2 cup rolled oats and 1 cup water in a large mug and microwave for 1-2 minutes.  Then, I usually stir in skim milk and a touch of brown sugar  or honey.  Now, it is ready to eat.

What is oatmeal?  Oatmeal is ground oat groats.

What are the health benefits?  Oatmeal has a high soluble fiber content which helps lower cholesterol.  Oatmeal is also sodium free.

What is the difference between rolled oats and steel-cut oats?  

• Rolled oats are oats that have been steamed and rolled flat.
• Steel-cut oats are oats that have been sliced into small pieces.  They take much longer to cook and have a nutty robust flavor.
• Instant oatmeal has added sugars and is high in sodium.

Read more on preparing a perfect bowl of oatmeal BestBowlofOatmeal

Skinny Almond Orange Parfait

Here’s another GoGirlDiet original.    This delicious parfait is only 140 calories and really satisfies the hunger.  It makes a great breakfast or you can enjoy as a snack.

What you need:

• 1/2 cup Light & Fit Vanilla Yogurt
• 1/2 cup Mandarine Oranges, canned in natural juice, drained
• 1 Tablespoon Slivered Almonds

In a parfait glass, layer half the yogurt, oranges, and slivered almonds.  Repeat the layers.

Lose Weight By Eating Breakfast

September is National Breakfast Month 

Breakfast is the first meal of the day and the most important meal.  Did  you know, “The word Breakfast came about because it means breaking the fast after one has not eaten (fasted) since the night before”?  Moreover, multiple studies have shown that breakfast skippers have a higher body mass index (BMI) than non-skippers and breakfast consumption is associated with a lower body weight.  

Here are two of my favorite breakfast meals.

Egg McMuffin

• 1/4 cup egg substitute
• 1 whole grain lite english muffin
• tomato slices

Pour egg substitute in a bowl coated with non-stick cooking spray.  Cook on high for 1 minute.  Meanwhile, toast english muffin.  Place cooked egg topped with tomato slices on english muffin.  Voila!  Only 135 calories and zero fat.

Old Fashioned Oatmeal

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup skim milk

Cook oatmeal and milk in a large mug on high for 1-1/2 minutes and stir.  Voila!  You may flavor with splenda and cinnamon.  Only 240 calories and 3 grams fat.

GRAB & GO BREAKFAST 

No time to spare in the a.m.  Here are some healthy breakfast choices you can eat on the run.

• High fiber poptart.
• Low-fat yogurt drink.
• Banana or apple.
• Instant breakfast drink.
• Handful of nuts and raisins.
• Cereal bar.

2 Ingredient Low Calorie Pumpkin Muffins

This recipe is SUPER easy and there’s only two ingredients.

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1-15 oz. can pumpkin

 

That’s right, no oil, no eggs, nothing else.  Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes.  Pour into lined muffin pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

The end result is amazing!!  An incredibly moist muffin with a hint of pumpkin flavor and only 85 calories.  Makes 24 muffins.

Why Eat Fruit?

I love summer for the fruit.

•  Enticing

• Exotic

• Vibrant

• Devine!

Healthy Eating Tips For Summer Cook Outs

Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer and the official kickoff to cook-out season!   This doesn’t mean you have to sabotage your waistline.  You can still have fun and eat healthy.  Here are some of go girls tricks.

1.  Always bring the low cal appetizers like raw veggies with a low fat dip,  fruit salad, or a healthier version of a side dish.
2. Try to stay away from the high fat meats, such as, hotdogs, sausage, or ribs.  Choose the grilled chicken or even a small or half a burger.
3. Take only 1 starchy side, like potato salad, macaroni salad, pasta salad, or baked beans.
4. Have fruit for dessert.
5. Stay away from the sugary drinks.  Instead choose diet drinks or bottled water.
6. Limit your alcoholic beverages.  To save calories use diet soda or seltzer water for mixers and lite beer is the better option.
7. Most importantly start the day with exercise.  Take a power walk or bike ride in the morning.  You will actually feel more energized for the rest of the day.

Wendy’s Frosty Skinny Version

I came across a copy cat recipe for a Wendy’s Frosty on Pinterest.  I tweaked it to make it fat free and low calorie.  The final product is amazing!  Tastes just like a real Frosty.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup fat-free milk
• 2 tablespoons low calorie (sugar-free) chocolate instant pudding
• 2 tablespoons Cool Whip Free
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 8 ice cubes

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.  Pour in a glass and freeze until it has a frosty consistency.  Makes 1 serving; 130 calories and 0 fat.

Here It Is Again! Strawberry Smoothie!

Here it is, the GoGirlDiet Smoothie I always talk about.  This smoothie is so easy to make, low in calories and no fat.  You can drink it for a snack or you can have it for a quick breakfast and it so delish.  As they say, “it’s the bomb”!  The recipe makes 2 servings to save some for later or you can cut it in half to make 1 serving.

• 1 cup skim milk
• 1 cup Dannon Light & Fit nonfat vanilla yogurt
• 2 cups frozen whole strawberries, slightly thawed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Just blend all ingredients in a blender and pour into a glass.  Yummy!  Makes 2 servings.  1 serving= 145 calories, 0 fat, 20 g CHO, 3 g fiber, 8 g Pro, 30% calcium.

Healthy Foods Under $1

Eating healthy doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket.  Try these healthy snacks for under $1.

Healthy Foods Under $1.

Spring Clean Your Diet

Spring is finally here and it is a good time for new beginnings.  This is a perfect time to revamp your diet.  Here are a  few small changes you can try to get you started to eating healthier and losing weight.

• Start your day with a healthy breakfast.
• Cut the sugary beverages.  Replace the soda pop and juice with water or any calorie free drink and you could lose 1# per week.
• Start walking.  The Dietary Guidelines suggest 30 minutes on most days of the week.
• If you can’t avoid the temptation, get it out of the house.  Stock your kitchen cabinets with healthy low cal snacks.
• Finally, track your progress.