Think Thin!

It's a beautiful Autumn Day here in Middle Georgia! I am still working on the 17 Day Diet...to the tune of a 49 pound weight loss. I have slowed down a bit, but stressful circumstances have played a role in that.

This week, after a trip to the scales, my hubby decided to join me in the weight loss quest. Yay! He is, of course, allowed quite a few more calories than I am, but his biggest problem in the past has been portion control. This week he made me his Portion Control Master! In addition to portion control, I am showing him how to make a few small changes that can make a huge difference in the total caloric intake for a day.

Fortunately, Kevin loves vegetables and salad. Unfortunately, he also loves to glop on a ton of Ceasar Dressing - 160 Calories in 2 TBSP - he probably uses six! So, in an effort to change the 480 calorie addition to a very low calorie vegetable salad, I made the following recipe to top his salad...he loved it! An exchange of only 150 calories total....served over finely chopped romaine lettuce it is a healthful and delicious alternative.

Try this today ... if you like you can spice it up with a bit of spicy creole seasoning...

Here is the recipe which serves TWO

1 small Haas Avocado (make sure it is soft and ripe, it makes the dressing creamy)
finely chopped
1 medium tomato, finely chopped
6 Tablespoons finely chopped sweet onion
6 Tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice or you may use Bottled Key Lime Juice
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 Medium head romaine lettuce, finely sliced

Chop all ingredients and mix thoroughly..allow to sit for at least 10 minutes before placing it atop the lettuce...serve immediately.

I will let you know how my sweetie is progressing on his diet as we continue down the healthy trail!

Simple Summer Appetizers

Tomato Mozzarella Tartlets

1 Minced Garlic Clove
1 TBSP Olive Oil
1 1/2 cups seeded chopped tomatoes
3/4 cup shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp. Basil
Pepper to taste

24 Phyllo Tartlets (available in frozen food section of grocery store)
6 pitted ripe olives
grated Parmesan Cheese

In small frying pan saute garlic in olive oil for one minute
Add tomatoes and cook until liquid has evaporated.
Remove from heat, stir in mozzarella Basil and Pepper

Spoon 1 teaspoonful into each tartlet and top with sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a piece of olive. Bake in 450 degree oven 5 to 8 minutes or until bubbly!

Makes two dozen.


For a Simple, Quick and Tasty Summer Appetizer

Combine one 8 ounce package of Cream Cheese (can use lot fat if you like) with one package of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix and spread on large flour tortillas. Add thinly sliced ham, turkey, or pastrami and roll up jellyroll style. Chill until firm and slice into 1/2 inch pieces. Yummy, simple and low fat! Enjoy!