LaaLoosh » 3 Point

Casual Gourmet Chicken Sausage – 3 Points +

LaaLoosh — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:45:22 +0000

Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner idea, this low calorie Casual Gourmet Chicken Sausage is incredibly delicious! They come in a variety of flavor combinations, but the Roasted Red Pepper and Spinach Chicken Sausage is just 3 Points +. And thy are very nicely sized! Try them in a low calorie hot dog bun, mixed into your favorite pasta recipe, grilled with some veggies, or just eat it cold and dipped in mustard! There are tons of ways you can prepare this chicken sausage, and I love that it’s already pre-cooked, so if I’m in a pinch and need to make something quickly, I can just re-heat them and have them on my plate in minutes. Keep reading to learn more!

Casual Gourmet Chicken Sausage

Available in 2 lb and 3 lb packages, these pork free Roasted Red Pepper and Spinach chicken sausages are all natural and have no nitrates or MSG, which is a big deal in my book. They have that delicious taste of a higher fat sausage, but these are a much healthier version! I bought mine at Costco, but they are available in a few other stores too, so make sure to check your local retailers. Here’s what Casual Gourmet says about it’s natural chicken sausages:

All-Natural Chicken
N0 Artificial Ingredients
No Trans Fats
No MSG – No Nitrites*
High Protein/Low Carb
Pork Free
Gluten-Free
Fully Cooked—Just Heat & Serve

Serving size is 1 sausage
Each serving = 3 Points +

PER SERVING: 120 calories; 5g fat; 1g carbohydrates; 15g protein; 1g fiber

Basic Tuna Salad Recipe – 3 Points +

LaaLoosh — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:53:00 +0000

The perfect quick and healthy lunch idea, this Basic Tuna Salad Recipe is so easy to make and is so tasty! Made with non-fat Greek yogurt instead of mayo, this version is a LOT lighter than a traditional tuna salad recipe. The fresh lemon, dill, and tang of the yogurt helps to give it a very similar flavor to the mayo version, and the celery and onion add crunch and flavor. The best part is that you get a whole 1 cup serving for just 3 Points +! Serve it over a bed of lettuce for a fresh lunch salad, use it as a dip for some low fat crackers or pita chips, or just serve up the traditional way on two slices of low calorie bread. You really can’t go wrong with this Tuna Salad Recipe.

Basic Tuna Salad Recipe

Quick to make, yet delicious and filling, this low calorie tuna salad recipe is a staple in my Weight Watchers Recipes.

Ingredients

2 cans chunk light tuna in water
1/2 cup plain, non-fat Greek yogurt
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, trimmed and finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a medium sized bowl.

Quick Notes

If you prefer your tuna salad to be creamier, go ahead and add some extra yogurt! It’s so low calorie that you can use an additional 1/2 cup (into the entire recipe) and it won’t increase the Points+ value!

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time:

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate, High protein

Number of servings (yield): 4

Culinary tradition: USA (Traditional)

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is 1 cup
Each serving = 3 Points +

PER SERVING: 102 calories; 1g fat; 20g protein; 5g carbohydrates; 1g fiber

Dulce de Leche Cheerios – 3 Points +

LaaLoosh — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:41:24 +0000

Dessert for breakfast? Yes, please!! With the new Dulce de Leche flavored brand of Cheerios coming out this month it’s an absolute possibility. And I already have some great ideas on how I can plug them into some Weight Watchers Dessert Recipes! The nutritional stats are pretty decent – each 3/4 cup serving is just 3 Points +. Granted, it’s not Dulce de Leche ice cream, but hey, for just 3 Points, it’s a pretty decent substitute. I can already see myself just eating handfuls of them when my late night sweet tooth kicks in. Sweet and crunchy is a great combination. I’ll definitely be grabbing a box or two of these Dulce de Leche Cheerios as soon as they hit my grocer’s shelves!

Dulche de Leche Cheerios

Here’s what General Mills has to say about their new caramel flavored Cheerios…

“Dulce de Leche (pronounced “DOOL say day LAY chay”) is a Spanish term for a thick caramel sauce popular in Latin America that inspired this new Cheerios flavor.”
They boast:

100 calories per serving
19g of whole grain per serving which is 39% of the daily recommended amount of whole grain*
Saturated fat free
Naturally cholesterol free
Good source of calcium
Good source of vitamin D

Serving size is 3/4 cup
Each serving = 3 Points +

PER SERVING: 100 calories; 1.5g fat; 22g carbohydrates; 2g protein; 2g fiber

Bell Pepper and Goat Cheese Frittata Recipe – 3 Points +

LaaLoosh — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:27:25 +0000

Breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day. Start your morning off right with this deliciously healthy Bell Pepper and Goat Cheese Frittata Recipe. Each serving is just 3 Points + making it an ideal low calorie breakfast recipe to help get you off on the right foot. Pair it with some 0 Points + fruit and/or a slice of high fiber, whole grain bread, and you’ve got yourself one tasty way to start a morning! Though frittata sounds like such a fancy word, it’s really just a baked omelet. Which is made even more fabulous by the fact that you don’t have to deal with flipping it (I am AWFUL at flipping omelets). Each frittata recipe serving is very nicely sized and all the protein makes it super satisfying. This quick and healthy breakfast idea is a must try!

Bell Pepper and Goat Cheese Frittata Recipe

Indulge in a gourmet breakfast with this healthy, low calorie Bell Pepper and Goat Cheese Frittata Recipe. Each serving is just 3 Points + making it a delicious way to start your day and leaving a lot of Points in your bank!

Ingredients

2 cups liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters)
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
1 bunch scallions, trimmed and sliced
2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly black pepper

Instructions

Position rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler.
In a medium sized bowl whisk together the egg substitute, garlic, basil, salt and pepper.
Spray a large, ovenproof, nonstick skillet with nonfat cooking spray and set over medium heat.
Add in bell pepper and green onions and cook, stirring constantly, until the green onions are just wilted, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and cook, lifting the edges of the frittata to allow the uncooked egg to flow underneath, until the bottom is light golden, 2 to 3 minutes.
Dot the top of the frittata with cheese, transfer the pan to the oven and broil until puffy and lightly golden on top, 2 to 3 minutes.
Let rest for about 3 minutes before serving.

Preparation time: 5 minute(s)

Cooking time: 15 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate, High protein

Number of servings (yield): 4

Culinary tradition: Italian

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is ¼ of frittata
Each serving = 3 Points +

PER SERVING: 124 calories; 5g fat; 3g carbohydrates; 16g protein; 2 g fiber

Oven Roasted Cauliflower with Gruyere Cheese Sauce Recipe – 3 Points +

LaaLoosh — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:57:25 +0000

Happy New Year, everyone!! I hope you all had a wonderful, safe, and delicious holiday season. But, the party is over – it’s 2012 now, and there are no more excuses to avoid getting back on track with healthy eating. Sorry for the delay in recent recipe posting, but I was slammed with holiday gatherings and then spent a few days in Vegas chowing down at some fabulous restaurants and getting inspired to make some devilishly delicious new dishes this year! Though I ate way more than I should have in Vegas (um, hello buffets), I am ready to get back on the bandwagon, get back to my Weight Watchers meetings, and start shedding some serious pounds. And to start this new year, I’m sharing a new and easy low calorie side dish recipe for Oven Roasted Cauliflower with a creamy Gruyere cheese sauce. I’m from the school of thought that anything tastes good with cheese on it. So if you need a tasty way to get those veggie servings in, this dish will do it. You get a nice 1 1/4 cup serving for just 3 Points +, so it’s very satisfying too. Enjoy!

Oven Roasted Cauliflower with Gruyere Cheese Sauce Recipe

A quick and easy side dish recipe, this Oven Roasted Cauliflower with Gruyere Cheese Sauce is heavenly. Just 3 Points + for a nicely sized serving makes this a wonderful Weight Watchers Recipe idea for the New Year.

Ingredients

1 large head of cauliflower, chopped into florets
4 tsp all-purpose flour
1 cup fat free buttermilk
2 tbsp white wine
1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
1 tbsp shallots, minced
1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
Spray a large casserole dish with non-fat cooking spray.
Add cauliflower florets to dish and lightly coat them with non-fat cooking spray. Then season with half the salt and pepper.
Put into oven and roast for 25 min or until cauliflower is golden brown.
Meanwhile, whisk flour with 2 tbsp buttermilk until smooth.
Heat the wine and remaining buttermilk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming.
Add the flour mixture; cook, whisking, until the sauce bubbles and thickens, 2 to 3 minutes.
Remove from heat; stir in Gruyere, chives, shallots, garlic, salt and pepper.
Spoon over the cauliflower and serve.

Quick Notes

Can’t find fat free buttermilk at the store? Here’s a quick and easy way how to make fat free buttermilk by yourself! Mix 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice +1 cup fat-free milk and let stand for 10 minutes.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time: 25 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate

Number of servings (yield): 4

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is 1 ¼ cups
Each serving = 3 Points +

PER SERVING: 124 calories; 4 g fat; 12 g carbohydrates; 11 g protein; 5 g fiber

Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole Recipe – 3 Points +

LaaLoosh — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:41:18 +0000

Who knew that a dish packed with green beans would become such a traditional Thanksgiving Day recipe? Admittedly, I’m not a big fan of green beans. But there is something about a good Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole that makes my mouth water! So now, Green Bean Casserole is a staple in my family – it’s on our table ever year, just like most families I know. And if Green Bean Casserole is on your Thanksgiving table every year, chances are, like most people, you probably just use that recipe on the back of the can of French’s fried onions. It’s a simple recipe, but man it’s good! Though, those fried onions can really rack up the Points Plus in this dish. That’s why I made my own healthier version without the fried onions, and made my own pan fried ones instead! HUGE calorie and fat grams difference. With a few other changes to this traditional recipe, the end result gives you a generous 1 cup serving for just 3 Points +.

Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole Recipe

With this skinnier, healthier Green Bean Casserole Recipe, there’s no need to leave this delicious dish off your Thanksgiving table this year! And with just 3 Points + per serving, you may find yourself preparing it more than just for Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

1 16 oz bag frozen, French cut green beans, defrosted
1 large onion, thinly sliced
8 ounces mushrooms, chopped
1/3 cup fat free plain Greek yogurt
1/3 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup reduced fat butter milk
2 tsp reduced sodium soy sauce
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 cup Fiber One cereal
1/4 cup liquid egg whites
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish with non-fat, butter flavored cooking spray.
In a food processor, combine Fiber One cereal, salt and garlic powder until cereal has reached a very fine breadcrumb-like consistency. Place into large, Ziploc bag.
In a small bowl toss onion slices with egg substitute to coat onions. Then place onion slices into Ziploc bag with the cereal mixture and shake well to coat.
Spray a large nonstick skillet with the butter flavored cooking spray and set over medium-high heat. Add the onion slices and cook, turning once or twice, until golden and crispy, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool and divide into two equally sized portions.
Combine one portion of the onions, the green beans and mushrooms in the casserole dish.
In a small bowl, mix buttermilk, soy sauce and yogurt and pepper, then pour over green beans, onions and mushrooms.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables; stir to coat
Spread the remaining onion topping over the casserole.
Bake the casserole until bubbling, about 15-20 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Preparation time: 20 minute(s)

Cooking time: 30 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate

Number of servings (yield): 4

Culinary tradition: USA (Traditional)

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is 1 cup
Each serving = 3 Points +

PER SERVING: 125 calories; 2 g fat ; 20 g carbohydrates; 9 g protein; 5 g fiber

Roasted Pumpkin and Apple Soup Recipe – 3 Points +

LaaLoosh — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:35:06 +0000

photo credit: delicious dish recipes

Happy Halloween!! After a night of trick or treating, and trying your best to avoid the barrage of candy, come home and treat yourself to the amazingly delicious, and low calorie, Roasted Pumpkin and Apple Soup Recipe. Creamy and thick, and seasoned with amazing Fall spices, this pumpkin soup is not only tasty, it’s super healthy too. With lots of fiber, and a good dose of protein, each 1 cup serving has just 3 Points +. Pair it with a fabulous fall salad, and you’ve got yourself one awesome Halloween Night dinner that tastes incredible and is Weight Watchers friendly. Granted, this recipe does take some work, but the roasted flavor of the apples and pumpkin in what gives this dish it’s unique taste. Most other versions call for using canned pumpkin, which can certainly be done, but I so love the flavor of the fresh, cooked pumpkin. Enjoy!! And stay away from that candy bowl!!

Roasted Pumpkin and Apple Soup Recipe

Indulge in this creamy and decadent Roasted Pumpkin and Apple Soup Recipe with absolutely zero guilt. Each serving has just 3 Points + and has amazing Fall flavors that will make you forget it’s low calorie.

Ingredients

4 lbs fresh pumpkin peeled, seeded and cut into bit sized chunks (see Tip)
4 large granny smith apples, unpeeled, cut into quarters
1 cup onion, chopped
6 cups fat free chicken broth
1 cup fat free plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

Instructions

In a large bowl, toss pumpkin, apples, onions, olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Spread evenly onto a large rimmed baking sheet.
Roast, mixing once, for 30 minutes.
Add in sage, mix again, and continue roasting until very tender and starting to brown, 15 to 20 minutes more.
Transfer about one-third of the pumpkin and apples to a blender along with 2 cups broth. Puree until smooth. Transfer to a Dutch oven and repeat for two more batches.
Add in yogurt, ginger, nutmeg and remaining salt and heat through over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for about 5-7 minutes.

Quick Notes

Tip: Make it easier to cut a pumpkin, acorn squash or other winter squash: pierce in several places with a fork; microwave on High for 45 to 60 seconds. Use a large sharp knife to cut in half.

Preparation time: 20 minute(s)

Cooking time: 1 hour(s)

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate

Number of servings (yield): 12

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 12 servings
Serving size is 1 cup
Each serving = 3 Points +

PER SERVING: 134 calories; 2 g fat; 22 g carbohydrates; 6 g protein; 6 g fiber

Chocolate Crunch Snack Mix Recipe – 3 Points +

LaaLoosh — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:04:54 +0000

Want a healthier, but tasty sweet treat snack recipe to indulge in instead of digging into all that high calorie Halloween candy? Well this Chocolate Crunch Snack Mix is sure to fit the bill. Sweet and salty, it’s a deliciously satisfying snack that has just 3 Points + per serving, so it will satisfy your sweet tooth without using up a lot of your daily Points Plus allowance. Make it as a healthy Halloween treat for kids! It makes a fantastic Fall snack recipe to serve at parties too.

Chocolate Crunch Snack Mix Recipe

Chewy and crunchy, sweet and salty, this Chocolate Crunch Snack Mix has it all! And for just 3 Points + per serving, it’s a great low calorie snack to indulge in when that sweet tooth strikes.

Ingredients

1 cup Wheat Chex cereal
1 cup pretzel sticks broken in half
1/4 cup dried cranberries
3 tbsp bittersweet chocolate chips, melted

Instructions

Combine Chex, pretzels and cranberries in a medium sized bowl.
Drizzle with melted chocolate; stir to combine.
Spread the mixture on a wax paper-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until the chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time: 30 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat

Number of servings (yield): 4

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is ¾ cup
Each serving = 3 Points +

PER SERVING: 200 calories; 2 g fat; 27 g carbohydrates; 4 g protein; 4 g fiber

Amy’s Organic Chunky Tomato Bisque – 3 Points Plus

LaaLoosh — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:36:16 +0000

Need a quick, ready made soup for lunch that’s healthy, low calorie and delicious? Check out Amy’s Organic Chunky Tomato Bisque! It’s the best tomato soup I’ve ever had, and it’s just 3 Points Plus per serving. It’s made with just 8 natural, all organic ingredients, and it makes the perfect guilt free side dish to any tasty Weight Watchers Sandwich Recipe.

Amy’s Organic Chunky Tomato Bisque

Easy and convenient, this tomato bisque is definitely a great bargain. You can really taste the freshness of the ingredients, and it’s really hard to believe this soup comes from a can. So if you want a quick meal idea to have on hand when you don’t have time to cook one from scratch, stock your pantry with a few cans of Amy’s Organic Chunky Tomato Bisque!

Entire package has 2 servings
Serving size is 1 cup
Each serving is 3 Points Plus

PER SERVING: 130 calories; 3.5 g fat; 21 g carbohydrates; 3 g protein; 3 g fiber

Stonyfield Oikos Organic Nonfat Greek Frozen Yogurt – 3 Points Plus

LaaLoosh — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:57:53 +0000

If you are a fan of frozen yogurt, you’re going to flip for the new Stonyfield Oikos Organic Nonfat Greek Frozen Yogurt. Not only is it super creamy, and much better tasting than most frozen yogurts I’ve tried, the nutritional stats are awesome! Each 1/2 cup has just 3 Points Plus. I also love that it has a lot more protein than most other frozen yogurts, and it’s organic. Not too tart tasting, it’s a perfect healthier alternative to ice cream and comes in 4 fabulous flavors!

Stonyfield Oikos Organic Nonfat Greek Frozen Yogurt

Greek yogurt has an incredibly rich and creamy texture, about twice the protein of regular yogurt, less lactose, and fewer carbs. So it’s no wonder Greek is flying off the shelves. Stonyfield Oikos Organic Nonfat Greek Frozen Yogurt come in 4 amazingly good flavors: Blueberry, Honey (my personal favorite), Vanilla and Chocolate. Currently, you can only get it at Whole Foods, but hopefully it will be in all major grocery stores soon!

Entire container has 4 servings
Serving size is 1/2 cup
Each serving = 3 Points Plus

PER SERVING: 100 – 110 calories; 0g fat; 19 – 22g carbs; 6 g protein; 0 – 1g fiber