Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo

Nothing screams "comfort food" like a piping hot plate of fettuccine Alfredo, right?! It's no secret that pasta with cream sauce is my absolute fave - in fact, it was a "danger dish" that played a huge role in my reaching 251 pounds. Now that I've embraced a much healthier lifestyle, and deliciously healthy cooking habits, I've found a way to make that "danger dish" a guilt-free treat - you're welcome! :)

Here's What You'll Need
(8 oz. Serving)

• 2/3 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
• 6 oz. Low Sodium Chicken Broth
• 1/3 Cup Part Skim Ricotta Cheese
• 2 TBS. Parmesan Cheese
• 1 TBS Neufchatel (Light cream cheese may be used as a substitution)
• 2 Tsp. Olive Oil
• 1/4 Cup Chopped Green Onions
• 2 Garlic Cloves, Minced
• All Your Favorite Seasonings! (I love garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, basil, oregano, etc.)

Let's Get Started!
Whipping up this sauce has never been easier - seriously! While you've got your pasta boiling, combine all ingredients in a medium sized sauce pan. Cook over medium heat, until desired temperature is reached. As you cook, stir occasionally. In a matter of minutes, you'll have a deliciously sinless, and oh-so-creamy, pasta dish on your stove top. The best part? Nobody will taste the difference! Give it a try, and see for yourself - Happy Cooking!

If you like this recipe, than you'll love all of my favorite recipes! Of course, all of my healthy cooking inspiration comes from Pinterest, and winds up on my Nutrish & Delish board; so be sure to follow me!

Healthy Snacking: 101

Everyday, I get several emails from readers asking me about the specific types of snacks I ate while I was losing weight. I always reply with the same types of answers, but since this is such a hot topic for my fans, I figured I'd take it one step further, by providing you with a crash course in snacking. Welcome to Healthy Snacking: 101!

Get Real About Snacking
Like I always tell people, I didn't get to be 100 pounds overweight because I hate food... I got that way because food rocks! I love to eat, and I'm not shy about it. I've seen those sites that tell you to spend your days snacking on things like homemade oatmeal balls or lemon water, and I just don't find that to be realistic. Every snack featured on my list is simple to get your hands on, totally delicious, and designed to curb your cravings!

The Top 25

1. Blueberries with a Dollop of Fat Free/Sugar Free Cool Whip
2. Dark Chocolate
3. Almonds
4. Special K Cereal Bars
5. Low Fat String Cheese
6. A Bowl of Cereal – Sorry, but Sugary Cereals Don’t Count! Think Crispix or Corn Flakes!
7. Hard boiled eggs
8. Sliced Tomatoes with Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper
9. Cranberry Juice
10. Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges with Cucumbers
11. Pretzel Sticks with Peanut Butter
12. Heavenly & Healthy Everything Dip
13. Sugar Free Jell-O
14. Watermelon
15. Animal Crackers
16. Yogurt Coated Pretzels
17. Yogurt Parfaits
18. Low Fat Graham Crackers
19. Fig Newtons
20. Whole Wheat Toast with Sugar Free Jam
21. Sugar Free Popsicles
22. Blue Bunny Sweet Freedom Double Strawberry Ice Cream
23. Fresh Fruit Sorbet
24. Low Sodium Beef Jerky
25. Sugar Free Lifesavers

By combining these snacks with a healthy workout routine and balanced meals, you'll be able to take your health to a whole new level! Happy Snacking! :)
 

Oh-So-Slim Potato Casserole

Just because you're watching your figure doesn't mean you have to give up your favorite comfort foods. If you're longing for a dish that tastes like something mom used to make, you'll love my Oh-So-Slim Potato Casserole. Like all of my recipes, this one is so very, very simple, and so incredibly tasty. So, go ahead, try it for breakfast, as a side dish, or wow everyone you know at your next pot luck!

Here's What You'll Need

• 1 32 oz. Bag of frozen hash browns
• 1/2 can of Low sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup Skim milk
• 1 1/2 - 2 Cups Plain Greek Yogurt (depending on your desired texture)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Garlic Salt
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1/2 tsp Seasoning Salt
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• 2 Scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup Reduced Fat Shredded Cheddar Cheese 
• 1 1/2 Cups of Corn Flakes
• Spray Butter



Doesn't look "slim" at all, does it? Well, it is!

Baking Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

In a large bowl, combine everything other than the corn flakes and spray butter, until mixed thoroughly.  Coat a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray, and spoon potato mixture into the baking pan; be sure to evenly distribute. 

Once everything is added to the pan, top with Corn Flakes and spray a thin coat of spray butter across the top of the dish (this prevents the cereal from burning). Then, all you have to do is place it in the oven for about 35 minutes, or until  bubbly. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before you dig in :-)

Healthy Summer Recipes

Hey everyone! Well, summer is here and you know what that means: patio dinners, picnics in the park and, of course, some tasty adult beverages. Now, before you start thinking that you can’t do ANY of this because you don’t want to blow your healthy eating plan, think again. I’m here to share my favorite healthy (and freaking amazing) summer dishes with you! So, sit back, enjoy, and start soaking in all of this summery goodness!

Grilled Steak & Chicken Kabobs – Oh my, I don’t quite have the words for these tasty treats, but let’s just say you can eat a few of them and not feel one ounce of guilt! This recipe is pretty easy, simply marinate/season your meat in your favorite flavor, slap it on a skewer with some yummy vegetables, cook until it’s done, and then voila! It’s done! But, for those of you who are like me and require a recipe to follow, check out this link:

Scallop Tacos – I don’t know about you, but I absolutely adore seafood and everything about it. So, what better way to enjoy it than by putting it in tacos, right?! Check out this recipe for scallop tacos; you won’t be disappointed!

Whole Grain Pasta Primavera – Just because I’ve lost 100 pounds doesn’t mean that I’ve lost my pasta cravings. Seriously, I eat pasta at every chance I get, and pride myself on my ability to make it healthy! At least two nights a week you can find me in the kitchen whipping up a healthy pasta creation that weighs in around 210 calories, but tastes every bit of 1700 calories. This whole grain pasta primavera recipe does exactly that! Pair this delicious dish with a side of fruit salad and a guilt-free cocktail, and you’ve got yourself the perfect little summer dinner!

Mini Sweet-Zza’s – Just because you’re eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to send your sweet tooth packing; embrace your sweet tooth! You’d be amazed at how easy it is to make your favorite calorie packed dessert into a healthy treat. These mini sweet-zza’s are no different; they take the idea of pizza and use it as inspiration for this healthy little snack. Serve these adorable little desserts at your next barbeque, and you’re sure to become everyone’s favorite host. 

Zucchini Parmesan Crisps – Hate eating your vegetables? Not anymore! These zucchini parmesan crisps make eating your vegetables so freaking good, you’ll swear you’re eating French fries. I never used to like zucchini until I discovered a way to make it taste like it’s been deep fried in oil and cheese. But, who can blame me?!

These are just a few of my favorite healthy summer recipes; if you want to find out more of my must have dishes, follow me on Pintrest, or check out my Nutrish & Delish board, here!

Happy Summer, Everyone!

Skillet Lasagna

Hey guys! Tonight for dinner, I made Daniel and I a delicious, healthy dinner in less than 30 minutes. It's called skillet lasagna, and it's just as tasty as it sounds. Here's the link to the recipe, but I modified it a bit to accommodate our personal tastes and preferences.

Modifications
The recipe calls for two cans of tomatoes, but knowing that Daniel isn't a huge fan of tomatoes, I decided to use one can and add a little more pasta sauce to make up the difference. Also, the recipe doesn't call for garlic salt, but I added a pinch, because, in my opinion, that stuff gives a powerful kick to everything!

The recipe also calls for mushrooms. Now, in my house, mushrooms are not allowed! I have always been totally repulsed by mushrooms, and cottage cheese for that matter. I can't stand the though of eating fungus, so I left those out completely.

Healthy & Delicious
At only 275 calories per serving, this meal was perfect! It filled me up, and tasted great! Plus, it's a one skillet recipe, which means cleanup is a snap. I found this recipe, and all of my favorite healthy recipes on Pintrest, of course! You can check out all of my boards and pins, by clicking here. What are your favorite healthy recipes?

Skillet Lasagna!