LaaLoosh

Grilled Chicken Wrap Recipe with Tzatziki Sauce – 5 Points +

LaaLoosh — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:04:56 +0000

This is one of my favorite low calorie wrap recipes to use with leftover grilled chicken. It’s so fast and easy to make, and the end result is delicious and incredibly filling. My Grilled Chicken Wrap with Tzatziki Sauce has just 5 Points + for the entire wrap, making a wonderful Weight Watchers lunch idea. Tzatziki sauce is a staple that I keep in my fridge all the time. In case you aren’t familiar with tzatziki sauce, it’s a creamy, tangy Greek cucumber sauce that’s made with strained yogurt (usually from sheep or goat milk) and mixed with cucumbers, garlic, salt, usually olive oil, pepper, sometimes lemon juice, and dill or mint or parsley. It is YUMMY. I use it often on top of meats and roasted veggies, or as a dip for pita chips. I use Trader Joe’s brand, but there are a variety of brands and options. You can usually find it in the specialty dips or dairy section of your local grocery food store or health food. If you are looking for a quick lunch recipe and are tired of sandwiches and salads, give this griled chicken wrap a try….it’s healthy, light and fresh, yet amazingly satisfying!

Grilled Chicken Wrap Recipe with Tzatziki Sauce

A light and fresh lunch recipe that can made quickly and easily, this Grilled Chicken Wrap with Tzatziki sauce is delicious. It’s a wonderful way to utilize leftover grilled chicken in a tasty new way.

Ingredients

1 Flat Out Flatbread Light Original (or other low calorie wrap)
2oz skinless grilled chicken breast
3/4 cup fresh greens (I used baby Romaine)
2 slices red onion
2 tbsp tzatziki sauce

Instructions

Spread tzatziki sauce on flatbread.
On one side, add the chicken, then top with onion and greens.
Roll up, and then cut in half and enjoy!

Preparation time: 5 minute(s)

Cooking time:

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

Number of servings (yield): 1

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 1 serving.
Serving size is entire wrap.
Each serving = 5 Points +

PER SERVING: 187 calories; 6g fat; 19g carbohydrates; 23g protein; 9g fiber

Healthy Ranch Dressing Recipe – 2 Points +

LaaLoosh — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:42:41 +0000

If you are like me, and believe that the the mere “2 tbsp” suggested serving size of ranch dressing is typically what to use on two baby carrots, then today’s Healthy Ranch Dressing Recipe is for you. With just a few ingredients, you can make your own ranch dressing for a TON less calories and fat than the pre-made kind you buy. I simply used Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. The uses for Greek yogurt, are really endless. I seriously need to buy that stuff in bulk! By doing that, I cut out a ton of fat while still keeping great flavor and texture, and added a LOT of protein. I also used an organic ranch dresing mix to keep this recipe a lot healthier and eliminate preservatives. For just 2 Points +, you get a 1/3 cup serving of ranch dressing…now that’s what I’m talking ’bout. Pour it over a salad, use it as a dip for veggies or pretzels, slather it over a baked potato….I’m getting really hungry now just thinking about all the ways to use it! Ranch lovers – you now have a go to healthy dressing recipe that can let you indulge while still keeping you on track to reach your Weight Watchers goals. Enjoy!

Healthy Ranch Dressing Recipe

A super easy and healthy ranch dressing mix that lets you really indulge. Just 2 Points + for a nice 1/3 cup of dressing makes this low calorie ranch salad dressing recipe a real treat.

Ingredients

1 cup plain, nonfat Greek yogurt
1 packet dry ranch dressing mix
1/2 cup reduced fat milk

Instructions

Whisk all ingredients together and let chill for at least 2 hours before servings

Preparation time: 2 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 about 1/3 cup
Each serving = 2 Points +

PER SERVING: 87 calories; 1g fat; 7g carbohydrates; 11g protein; 0g fiber

Roasted Balsamic Glazed Carrots Recipe – 1 Points +

LaaLoosh — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:29:33 +0000

This week, I’ve been all about the minimal ingredients recipe, as I’ve yet to get to the grocery store. And one of my favorite go to quick and healthy side dish recipes to use in situations like these, is this Roasted Balsamic Glazed carrots Recipe. It’s so simple, yet so tasty, and it’s such a yummy way to get my toddler to eat more veggies! When you add up the nutritional stats for these roasted carrots, it comes out to 2 Points +, but if carrots are technically 0 Points +, then the nutritional stats of the remaining ingredients are only 1 Points + per serving. So that’s how I chose to count it. Though, I will double check with my Weight Watchers leader at my next meeting and see which is the correct way to count it. Nonetheless, it’s a delicious and incredibly easy carrot recipe that helps give you more vegetable recipe ideas. These roasted carrots are a great accompaniment to a great variety of entrees, and go on our dinner table quite a bit. Enjoy!

Roasted Balsamic Glazed Carrots Recipe

A delicious and easy healthy side dish recipe that barely requires any prep work, these Roasted Balsamic Glazed Carrots are wonderful. The fantastic contrast of the balsamic vinegar and the sweet carrots and honey make a fabulous low calorie side to any meal.

Ingredients

1 lb bag baby carrots
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp honey
Salt and pepper
Olive oil mist

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Evenly spread out carrots onto baking sheet and lightly mist with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Roast for about 20 minutes. While carrots are cooking, whisk together the honey and vinegar in a medium sized bowl.
Add carrots into the honey vinegar mix and toss well to coat.
Place carrots back onto baking sheet and put back into oven for another 5 minutes.
Serve immediately.

Preparation time: 2 minute(s)

Cooking time: 25 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegan

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat

Number of servings (yield): 4

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is about 1/2 cup
Each serving = 1 Points +

PER SERVING: 70 calories; 0g fat; 15g carbohydrates; 1g protein; 2g fiber

Baked Banana Chips Recipe – 0 Points +

LaaLoosh — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:48:24 +0000

On a recent trip to New York City, I indulged myself on a variety of fabulous, though fattening foods. I do this occasionally so that I can find amazing gourmet dishes and then make them over into healthier versions that are lower in Points +, so they’ll be more Weight Watchers friendly. At one restaurant, I had a banana crème brulee for dessert. Now, I’m not really a huge banana lover, but something about this dish really made me start craving bananas something fierce. I decided that some simple banana chips might be a good solution to the craving. But typical banana chips are fried and pretty caloric, thus high in Weight Watchers Points. So, I decided to try baking them, and I was very pleased at how YUMMY they were – and they were so much better than the fried banana chips! Granted, the texture was more chewy than crunchy, but slow baking the banana chips allowed them to caramelize which made them taste like they were glazed with caramel. SO good. Though I like to eat them straight up as a snack, they’d also make a great topping for oatmeal, ice cream or on toast with peanut butter. They do take some time to bake, so if you like them I’d suggest making a big batch and freezing some so that you’ll have some on hand in a jiffy if your sweet tooth strikes.

Baked Banana Chips Recipe

A healthy and delicious snack recipe, these Baked Banana Chips have a delicious caramel-like flavor that and is a great low Points sweet tooth satisfier.

Ingredients

1 large, firm banana, thinly sliced
1 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice (NOT the kind from a carton)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Place bananas into a small bowl and squeeze orange juice over top, very gently tossing the banana slices enough to evenly coat with the orange juice.
Lay banana slices flat on baking sheet, and bake for about an hour, flipping over slices about half way through.

Quick Notes

Note that the texture will be a bit chewy, and not quite crunchy like fried banana chips.

Preparation time: 5 minute(s)

Cooking time: 1 hour(s)

Diet type: Vegan

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat

Number of servings (yield): 1

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 1 serving
Serving size is 1 banana
Each serving = 0 Points +

PER SERVING: 110 calories; 0g fat; 28g carbohydrates; 1g protein; 3g fiber

Quinoa, Beet and Arugula Salad Recipe – 5 Points +

LaaLoosh — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:51:44 +0000

Always on the lookout for new ways to incorporate quinoa into my Weight Watchers Recipes, I was thrilled to experiment with some beets that I received in my Farm Fresh to You package this week, and use up the leftover goat cheese I had on hand. The love child of all these delicious ingredients was this fantastic Quinoa, Beet and Arugula Salad Recipe, which was not only healthy and tasty, it was incredibly filling too. Each 1 cup serving is 5 Points +, making it an excellent idea for a unique Weight Watchers Salad Recipe idea. The combination of the sweet beets, nutty quinoa, peppery arugula and tart goat cheese was a real palate pleaser. I served this quinoa salad with some grilled chicken and Blueberry Mint Lemonade for a light and fresh, yet satisfying and healthy dinner.

Quinoa, Beet and Arugula Salad Recipe

This delicious Quinoa, Beet and Arugula Salad Recipe not only tastes fantastic, it’s just 5 Points + per serving. It makes a wonderful idea for a unique side dish recipe that is Weight Watchers friendly.

Ingredients

3 cups arugula, chopped
1 cup quinoa, uncooked
3-4 beets, peeled and sliced
2 green onions, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar
2 tsp sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
3 oz goat cheese, crumbled

Instructions

Place a steamer insert into a saucepan, and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Cover pan and bring the water to a boil. Add beets, cover pan, and steam until just tender, 7 to 10 minutes. Set aside.
Prepare quinoa according to package instructions.
While the quinoa is cooking, whisk olive oil, vinegar, sugar, garlic, salt, and black pepper together in a large bowl.
Remove quinoa from heat, then immediately add half of the vinegar dressing while fluffing the quinoa with a fork; reserve remaining dressing. Cover and refrigerate quinoa until cool, at least 1 hour.
Stir green onions, arugula, goat cheese, beets, and remaining dressing into cooled quinoa mixture. Toss lightly before serving.

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)

Cooking time: 15 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

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

Number of servings (yield): 6

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 6 servings
Serving size is about 1 cup
Each serving = 5 Points +

PER SERVING: 198 calories; 7g fat; 25g carbohydrates; 7g protein; 4g fiber

Baked Cheese Balls Recipe – 5 Points +

LaaLoosh — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:19:42 +0000

If you are a fan of fried mozzarella sticks (is anyone not?) then you are going to love to today’s recipe…a fantastic, easy, and oh so yummy Baked Cheese Balls Recipe! I recently came across the original version of these Baked Cheese Balls at Never Trust a Skinny Cook, and then made a few changes to make them lower in Weight Watchers Points. They were SO good! And the fact that they were little balls rather than sticks, made me feel like I was getting a lot, which I love. I made these while my kids were napping, and then sat down on the couch for 15 minutes of glorious, uninterrupted, cheesy bliss, while I indulged. Just 5 Points + for the whole recipe makes these Baked Cheese Balls a fantastic Weight Watchers snack idea for the fried food lover. These are also a great idea for a tasty, yet healthy Super Bowl Recipe, so make sure to keep this recipe on file for game day. Enjoy!

Baked Cheese Balls Recipe

A healthier alternative to fried mozzarella sticks, these Baked Cheese Balls are the perfect fried food fix. They are not only and incredibly easy snack recipe, they are delicious, cheesy, and just 5 Points + for the whole dish.

Ingredients

2 sticks of light mozzarella string cheese
1/2 cup Fiber One cereal (or other high fiber cereal)
1/4 cup liquid egg whites
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp salt
Optional marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spray lightly with non-fat cooking spray or with an olive oil mister.
Cut up cheese sticks into bite sized pieces.
In a blender or food processer, combine cereal, garlic powder, salt, parsley and oregano until they have a reached a breadcrumb like consistency. Empty into a small bowl or a Ziploc bag.
Dip cheese bites into egg whites, shake off excess, and then coat with Fiber One breadcrumb mixture.
Place coated cheese balls onto baking sheet and very gently mist with olive oil or non-fat cooking spray.
Bake for about 5-7 min, or until cheese begins to soften, but doesn’t melt into a puddle.
Let stand one minute and then enjoy!
*To avoid your cheese balls from melting into a puddle, watch closely when cooking and remove from oven just when balls are softened, and just starting to ooze. Also, Never Trust a Skinny Cook recommended freezing the cheese balls before baking and/or using fat free string cheese.

Quick Notes

*To avoid your cheese balls from melting into a puddle, watch closely when cooking and remove from oven just when balls are softened, and just starting to ooze. Also, Never Trust a Skinny Cook recommended freezing the cheese balls before baking and/or using fat free string cheese.

Preparation time: 5 minute(s)

Cooking time: 7 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat

Number of servings (yield): 1

Culinary tradition: USA (Traditional)

Entire recipe makes 1 serving
Serving size is approximately 10 cheese balls
Each serving = 5 Points +

PER SERVING: 160 calories; 6g fat; 27g carbohydrates; 14g protein; 14g fiber

Sweet and Spicy Meatballs Crock Pot Recipe – 7 Points +

LaaLoosh — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:34:24 +0000

This is my take on the popular Sweet and Tangy Meatballs Crock Pot Recipe. I first had this dish as an appetizer at a friend’s New Year’s Eve Party, and I fell in! So delicious, and just 3 ingredients and a slow cooker make it SO easy. But when I added up the nutritional statistics, it ended up being pretty high in Weight Watchers Points. So, I played around with the ingredients and created a Sweet and Spicy Meatballs Recipe that is to die for. Though, be aware, it is SPICY! So, if you aren’t a fan of spicy, steer clear of this dish. But if you are like me and salivate at the mere thought of hot and spicy foods, then this one is for you. Just 7 Points + for 4 large meatballs with sauce. Try serving over some brown rice (for additional Weight Watchers Points) or over some zero calorie Miracle Noodle Orzo (for no additional Weight Watchers Points). Or you can use smaller, cocktail size meatballs and serve them with toothpicks as a Weight Watchers Superbowl Recipe ! Deelish!

Sweet and Spicy Meatballs Crock Pot Recipe

A delicious and easy slow cooker recipe for Sweet and Spicy Meatballs, this dish is a real crowd pleaser. Takes just minutes to prepare and is loaded with amazing flavor.

Ingredients

2 packages of Trader Joe’s frozen turkey meatballs
1 cup Chili Garlic Sauce
1 12.75oz jar Smucker’s Sugar Free Concord Grape Jam

Instructions

Combine jelly and chili sauce in a crock pot and stir until smooth.
Add meatballs and set temperature to low.
Cook for 2-4 hours on low.

Preparation time: 3 minute(s)

Cooking time: 1 hour(s)

Diet tags: Reduced fat, High protein

Number of servings (yield): 6

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes
Serving size is 4 meatballs
Each serving = 7 Points +

PER SERVING: 235 calories; 8g fat; 28g carbohydrates; 24g protein; 4g fiber

Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole Recipe – 7 Points +

LaaLoosh — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:58:20 +0000

A true classic comfort food recipe, this easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole delivers the flavors you desire, but with a lot less fat and calories. Each serving of this lighter version of traditional beef stroganoff has just 7 Points +. It’s a fast and easy recipe that is not only economical, but sure to be a family favorite. Even though my toddler isn’t a fan of mushrooms or onions, this ground beef stroganoff dish always goes over well, and he gobbles it up. And I love that it’s a casserole recipe that tastes like it’s very fattening! I always feel very satisfied after eating it, which is key to staving off those late evening munchies. It’s definitely a staple weeknight night meal idea in my household. Pair it with a fresh salad or zero Points soup for a complete meal that’s easy on your Weight Watchers Points.

Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole Recipe

This incredibly easy casserole recipe for ground Beef Stroganoff is the perfect comfort food that is filling, yet still Weight Watchers friendly at just 7 Points + per serving.

Ingredients

1 lb extra lean ground beef (96/4)
4 cups cooked egg noodles
8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
1 large onion , chopped
3 minced garlic cloves
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can of Campbell’s 98% Fat Free Cream of Mushroom Soup
1/2 cup fat free sour cream
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Spray a large nonstick skillet with non-fat cooking spray and set over medium high heat.
Add in ground beef and brown with salt and pepper until done, breaking up.
Add mushrooms, onion and garlic.
Cook and stir until onion is tender, about 2 minutes.
Add wine, reduce heat to med-low and simmer 3 minutes.
Stir in soup, sour cream and mustard until combined.
Pour noodles into large dish, pour meat mixture over, and toss to coat, then pour all into 13×9-inch baking dish or pan that has been sprayed with non-fat cooking spray.
Cover and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
Divide into 6 equally sized portions and serve.

Preparation time: 5 minute(s)

Cooking time: 30 minute(s)

Diet tags: Reduced fat

Number of servings (yield): 6

Culinary tradition: USA (Southern)

Entire recipe makes 6 servings
Serving size is 1/6th of entire recipe (about 1 ¼ cups)
Each serving = 7 Points +

PER SERVING: 312 calories; 6.5g fat; 33g carbohydrates; 25g protein; 3g fiber

Roasted Eggplant and Goat Cheese Salad Recipe – 4 Points +

LaaLoosh — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:21:38 +0000

A good friend of mine recently told me about this delicious looking Roasted Eggplant and Goat Cheese Salad Recipe that she found on Pinterest, and once I saw it, I knew I HAD to try it!! I revamped the version that was posted on thekitchn in order to make it a better option for a Weight Watchers Salad Recipe. It was unbelievably good!! The flavors and textures all combined so well together to create the best Roasted Eggplant recipe I’ve ever had. My version of this eggplant salad recipe has 10g of heart healthy fats per serving, but the dish still ends up only being 4 Points + per serving. Woo hoo!! This roasted eggplant salad would make a fantastic, low calorie summer salad recipe to serve at a picnic or potluck. But if you feel like it’s just too good to share, make it for yourself as a healthy vegetarian lunch recipe. It is truly a fabulous dish — enjoy!

Roasted Eggplant and Goat Cheese Salad Recipe

This is a truly incredibly flavorful Eggplant Salad Recipe loaded with healthy fats and fantastic flavors. It’s hard to believe that each serving is just 4 Points +.

Ingredients

2 large eggplants
2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled and divided
1 cup flat parsley leaves, roughly chopped
1/4 cup smoked almonds, roughly chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp cider vinegar
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cumin
5 large garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp soy sauce
Sea salt

Instructions

Heat the oven to 400°F. Cut the eggplant into 1-inch cubes and put in a large bowl. Sprinkle lightly with salt and set aside while making the marinade.
Whisk together the olive oil, vinegars, smoked paprika, and cumin. Dab away any extra water that has beaded up on the eggplant and toss with the marinade. Stir in the garlic.
Spread the eggplant on a large baking sheet, lined with parchment and slide onto a rack placed in the center of the oven.
Roast at 400°F for 40 minutes, or until very tender and slightly browned. (Stir every 15 minutes and check after 30 minutes to make sure it isn’t burning.) Remove from the oven and cool slightly.
Whisk together the lemon juice and soy sauce.
Return the eggplant to the bowl and toss with the lemon juice mixture. Stir in the parsley leaves, smoked almonds, and most of the goat cheese, reserving a little.
Spread the finished salad in a serving bowl and sprinkle the reserved goat cheese crumbles on top.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time: 40 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate

Number of servings (yield): 4

Culinary tradition: Middle Eastern

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

PER SERVING: 179 calories; 10g fat; 18g carbohydrates; 7g protein; 11g fiber

Chipotle Stewed Chicken and Potatoes Recipe – 7 Points +

LaaLoosh — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:03:07 +0000

When you feel the need for a hearty, meat and potatoes meal, this delicious Chipotle Stewed Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is a great choice. It’s so easy to make, yet is incredibly satisfying and doesn’t taste at all like a Weight Watchers Chicken Recipe. Each large serving size is just 7 Points +, and could easily be paired with some roasted zucchini, or a light salad for a complete and very filling meal. My husband gobbled this up, which says a lot, as he is definitely a meat and potatoes kinda guy. I love that this chicken recipe can be made quickly and with basic ingredients that I almost always have on hand. So it works in a pinch when I have little time to get a healthy meal on the table for a weeknight dinner. The smoky chipotle seasoning goes very nicely with the acidic tomatoes and the chicken breasts remain juicy and tender. Truly a tasty, yet simple dish that will fill you up but still keep you on track with your Weight Watchers Points.

Chipotle Stewed Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

Summary: Hearty and delicious, it’s hard to believe that this is a healthy chicken recipe. The flavors work very well together, and the chicken breasts are moist and delicious. The perfect, quick weeknight dinner recipe.

Ingredients

1lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 4 fillets
4 medium sized potatoes, sliced into sixths (I used Russett)
1 large yellow onion
1 28oz can diced tomatoes
2 cups fat free chicken broth
2 tbsp chipotle seasoning blend
1 tbsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Spray a large Dutch oven with nonfat cooking spray and set over medium high heat.
Season chicken with salt and pepper and then rub chipotle seasoning all over both sides of chicken.
Place chicken in Dutch oven and cook until each side is browned (about 3-4 minutes each side).
Remove chicken from pan and set aside. Add in the onions and sauté until onions become tender, about 3-5 minutes.
Add in broth and then return chicken to pan. Add in tomatoes and garlic powder.
Let simmer until chicken is just cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
Turn heat to low and add in potatoes. Cook on low, gently stirring occasionally, until potatoes are soft and tender, about 20-30 minutes.

Preparation time: 5 minute(s)

Cooking time: 45 minute(s)

Diet tags: Reduced fat, High protein

Number of servings (yield): 4

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is 1 breast and about 1 cup of potatoes and sauce
Each serving = 7 Points +

PER SERVING: 273 calories; 3g fat; 35g carbohydrates; 29g protein; 4g fiber