February 7, 2012

Hey gang,
Just a brief blog this morning as I am running late. :) But I know we are all looking for healthy "eat out" places to keep our bodies moving forward and Jennie (who is now in Texas) sent this to us:
Watched a great episode of Dr Oz today while home sick. It listed a bunch of chain restaurants that had healthy options.
2 stuck out to me.
Ruby Tuesday has on their Fit menu Spaghetti Squash and Mariana. It's 260 calories but it comes with cheese. I bet you can subtract a ton of calories if you ask for no cheese.
Lastly, Red Lobster has a lobster tail and asparagus dish for 150 calories and a great dish for phase 2 people.
I thought these would be helpful for people that are stuck going out for lunch, here's some place they can suggest and still stay on the plan.

Thanks Jennie for still remembering your family. :) We miss you! AND.....she had to go by NEW pants this weekend as even her smallest ones were too big. YEA!

Teree also has an "eat out" to share - she goes to Outback and asks for the kids meal - grilled chicken (Phase 2 people remind them no oil on the chicken and only seasonings without sugar) and steamed broccoli. CHEAP, small portions, and YUM!

Isn't this great! More and more restaurants are coming on board to help us.

Speaking of help.....I know Valentine's Day is one week from today. I would love to know if some of my cooks are trying your favorite red velvet cake with xylitol and almond flour???? I know the recipes I found use cake flour, which is extremely fine, and almond flour is heavier, but didn't know if anyone was being adventurous???

For those that are grieving chocolate during this upcoming treat day - here is a recipe that will save you. It's EASY and it keeps a couple of weeks in the fridge. I cut mine in one inch squares - so NOT MUCH at a time holds the calories down, but you must be disciplined enough to limit yourself to ONE a day, maybe 2 on Valentine's. But, you can take this to the office party and people will love it. The question is........will you share? :)

Have a great day and think about one of the restaurants mentioned above for your Valentine date with your special someone. :) PK

Fudge – Guilt Free

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (I use the less fat kind, but not fat free)

• 3 unsweetened chocolate squares (1ounce each) melted (in microwave) and cooled (for about 5 minutes)

• 1/2 cup xylitol

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preparation:

In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, chocolate, sweetener, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in pecans.



Pour into 8-inch square baking pan lined with foil. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Turn the fudge out onto a large platter and peel the aluminum foil from the back. Cut into 16 squares. Serve chilled and keep the remainder in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.



Yield: 16 servings



Per (1-Square) Serving: 147 Cal; 5 g Carb