COUNTDOWN TO VALENTINE'S DAY...HuNgRyChIx sTyLe!!

So the Lovey Dovey holiday is 5 days away and I'm going to say something I wouldn't normally say...DO enjoy yourself and DON'T beat yourself up if you have one too many sweets from your sweety :)! For the next 5 days: work out (that doesn't mean you have to kill yourself at the gym, just take the stairs and walk extra when you can) also, eat smart since you know that when Monday comes, you can afford some leeway with your diet. That being said, they wouldn't call me "hungrychix" if I didn't provide an alternative dessert recipe to the caramel dipped chocolate nutty bites that are so good to your tastebuds...not so good to your waist. 

Peanut Butter & Pretzel Truffles

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup crunchy natural peanut butter
• 1/4 cup finely chopped salted pretzels
• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips, melted (see Tip)\

• PREPARATION

• Combine peanut butter and pretzels in a small bowl. Chill in the freezer until firm, about 15 minutes. Roll the peanut butter mixture into 20 balls (about 1 teaspoon each). Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper and freeze until very firm, about 1 hour. Roll the frozen balls in melted chocolate. Refrigerate until the chocolate is set, about 30 minute. 
• Per truffle: 64 calories
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• http://www.figis.com/ has great Valentine's Day gifts too! 
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• SUGAR FREE BRIDGE MIX:

CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRIES:

PRETTY TREATS:

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The FeNoMeNoN of the fLaGeL...

FLAT BAGEL= FLAGEL

I had my very first flagel today (thank you Jase!) and it was literally the best bagel I've ever had (bold statement for some bold flavor). I know what you're thinking..."But what about all those calories? What about all those carbs a bagel has?" Well, all you skeptics out there, fear not. You can now have your flagel, and schmeer it too! You get the toasty crust without all that added dough. 

Hungrychix Flavor of Choice: Whole Wheat Everything

REGULAR BAGEL in restaurant= 350 calories

FLAGEL in restaurant = 250 calories 

Want 100 calorie flagels? click here for sale price: 100 calorie Flat Bagels!

**For all you "scoop" fans out there...just think, "where have those hands been?" before asking the employee to dig those fingers in your bagel and remove the dough.**

What if his next job was scooping your bagel?

Break The Chain of HAZARDOUS Eating!

We've all been there. RAVENOUS at lunch because we skipped breakfast. You think: "I saved up all these calories at breakfast, I can eat whatever I want now!" WRONG. Starvation mode will not get you lean and it will make you cranky! Instead, opt for these solutions that lead us to hap hazard eating.


TRIGGER: Skipping meals!
SOLUTION: 1 TBSP. Peanut Butter.
*Just one TBSP. of "any" organic peanut butter cuts the hunger instantly, and you have 90 calories under your belt.


TRIGGER: Job interview, First Date, Public Speaking...aka. Nerves!
SOLUTION: Keep your mind/hands busy. 
*Catch up with a friend. If you can't talk on the phone, write a nice email. Listen to music that reminds you of a happy time. Read something interesting on the internet. Think of something in the near future you're excited for! Basically do things that will readjust your focus to something stress-free.


TRIGGER: Parties!
SOLUTION: Don't go hungry.
*If you can have a meal before you get to the party, you will be less apt to indulge at the party. Can you take 1 bite of the cake? Dip 5 chips in salsa? If there's no end to your indulgence once these treats hit your lips, than do as Frank the Tank tried to do in Old School and just eliminate it completely("once it hits your lips!"...do you want to end up streaking too??) 

** JUST REMEMBER, THE BEST SOLUTION BEFORE DIVING IN TO THE CAKE HEAD FIRST, IS TO THINK OF HOW YOU'LL FEEL AFTER YOU'RE FINISHED. TAKE A DEEP BREATH. THEN TAKE ANOTHER, AND STEP AWAY FROM THE CUPCAKE**

Video Debut on Youtube!

An L&J production:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes...
Ingredients
3 medium red potatoes- 300 cal
1/4 cup fat free butter- 20cal
1 cup unsweetened almond milk- 40cal
1 tbsp crushed garlic
salt/pepper

serves 4
1 serving: 100 calories
(add 20 calories with a sprinkling of parmasean cheese...Chef Jason recommends this)
Heat potatoes until soft. Mash potatoes. While heated on low, add milk, butter, salt, pepper, garlic and mix.
Enjoy!

PoPcOrN: It's not just a movie snack! 15 calorie option!!

Model Vendela is shown eating popcorn, so really, how bad could it be?! 

If you're at work and pondering the snickers or the pretzels, look away from the vending machine and POP SOME POPCORN! just a cup of Orville Redenbacher's Light Butter has 15 calories!! If you're using a dull microwave, heat for 2 minutes and change. 

"Once you pop, the fun don't stop..." <--stolen slogan from Pringles, but really, doesn't it sound better for popcorn? 

NOTE TO ALL: If you're at work, at your desk, try to not stuff your face as you would in the darkness of a movie theater, you are around other people who can absolutely see you. Not cute. 

Happy 2011! THIS POST: Having a dinner party? Don't Stress!

NAMETAGS: I don't know about you, but when I go to a dinner party, I like knowing I'm sitting next to someone I enjoy. Therefore, if you're the one having the party, you should accommodate your guest's request for wanting this as well. Therefore, I suggest putting name tags on all seats, enabling people who enjoy each other will be next to each other.

GET FRAMES HERE: click here to purchase frames at amazon.com!

LOW CAL APPETIZER RECIPE:

breezy brie and jelly on a cracker

Crackers: Trader Joe's Pita Bite Crackers (120 calories for 9 crackers)

Light Brie Cheese: (70 calories for 1 oz.)

Jelly: Sarabeth's Orange Marmalade (35 calories for 1 tbsp.)

Directions:

Heat brie for 10 seconds in microwave. Spread 1 tsp light brie and 1 tsp jelly ontop cracker. Voila!

Servings: 1

TOTAL: 58 calories

The Garnish: Lemon, Lime, and Orange slices. (the trick of how to cut these in the next post...Stay Tuned)

OPEN FACE SANDWICH LOVERS DELIGHT! 165 cals!

This sandwich has one side, and it's the right one. 

The "Right" Side

 Ingredients:

1 piece Trader Joe's Whole Wheat Bread -100 calories

2 egg whites from Brown Eggs (they're just yummier!) - 30calories

1 Tbsp Trader Joe's (amazing!) 3 layer hummus - 25calories

2 slices onion + 1 roasted pepper - 10calories

Directions:

Toast bread while cooking egg whites in pan. Once bread is ready, smear the hummus on top and place the eggwhite on top when prepared. Wash excess oil off roasted pepper and pat dry. Layer onion and pepper on top. Season with a pinch of salt. 

**I know I was exact with the Trader Joes hummus and bread, but I'm precise for a reason!

THE BREAD LOOKS LIKE THIS:

THIS IS THE HUMMUS:

Lose the Guilt and Read this Article about Avoiding Weight Gain During the Holiday Season!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL ARTICLE @ THE HUFFINGTON POST

Holiday Treat! Spin on 'Pigs in a Blanket'...think 'Pig on a Diet, in a Blanket'

Search Amazon.com for magazine subscriptions

What's better than the famous appetizer of pigs in a blanket? Well, how about having half the calories in one you make yourself! A regular appetizer size has around 70calories. I have one for 33 calories that tastes exactly the same. Gasp away!

The "Little Piggy" in a Blanket

Ingredients (serving size: 4 aka entire recipe)

1 triangle of a fat Pillsbury Crescent Roll - 90 calories

1 fat free hot dog (hebrew national makes a great one!) -roughly 45 calories

TOTAL: 135 for 4, 33 calories for one!  

Directions

Preheat oven to 375.

Spread the crescent roll out so that it stretches to full capacity. Cut into 4 pieces. Cut hot dog into 4. Roll the crescent around the hot dog. Voila!

Bake for about 12 minutes on an ungreased baking pan.

You are going to be impressed with these little creations. They will become an appetizer staple for every party you host! 

For your viewing pleasure:

Bethenny Frankel (love her!) "dishes" about the holidays and eating healthy!

Hi, my name's Alexis, and I'm a cereal- aholic.

...Okay, so I'm being a tad climactic, but when it comes to my Peanut Butter Puffins, (no not these little creatures pictured above dipped in peanut butter)... there is Nothing Better. Oh No, dramatic again!...I guess I'm just in that kind of mood today. Lights, Camera, Action...time for my closeup:

(my version of a dramatic closeup)

 

 

 

 

 

OKAY, ALL KIDDING ASIDE....

**At 3 calories per Peanut Butter Puffin, these little heavenly bites are all you need to get in your peanut butter fix without the high calorie and fat content of regular peanut butter from the jar**

Snikkidy Snacks...(dont talk back!)

Crunchy? CHECK. Salty? CHECK. Tasty? CHECK. Low Cal?...(I think you catch the drift...)

These snacks(<--click to purchase on sale at AMAZON.COM) pack a TON of flavor for around 120 calories per 1/4 cup. HUNGRY CHIX FAVE? Tie between Parmesan Garlic and Nacho Cheese!
I'm going to show you the ingredients of Snikkidy's Nacho Cheese puffs vs. your average Nacho Cheese chip. The results are shocking.
Snikkidy on the Left, Doritos on the Right.

                                                                       

I HAVE HIGHLIGHTED IN RED THE INGREDIENTS THAT ARE REALLY UNHEALTHY FOUND IN DORITOS NACHO CHEESE CHIPS. LET'S DISCUSS DISODIUM PHOSPHATE...

**Symptoms may include vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, blood chemistry effects, heart disturbances and central nervous system effects. The toxicity of phosphates is because of their ability to sequester calcium.**

info found here: http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/s4754.htm 

Happy Snackin!                                                        

AFTER THE BINGE IS OVER...

 

*Tips on how to start the week right after a thankful (aka binge-FULL) weekend*

TAKE A DEEP BREATH

Your body will bounce back.

HIDE THE SCALE

Don't even go there today.

ELIMINATE THE BLOAT

For today, pass up high salt foods like frozen meals, canned soups, and cereals.

EAT REGULAR MEALS 

Try to eat 3 meals today that are pure protein.

SAMPLE "DAY-AFTER BINGE" PLAN:

     The following is an illustration of a higher protein, higher fiber,
lower sodium meal plan. My suggestion is to use it
only as a guide to help develop your individualized "day-after the
binge" diet plan. Take some time and pre-plan a one day strategy to
help you regain control.

Breakfast:

If you're still stuffed from the night before,
try a glass of low-sodium V8
or concoct your own vegetable drink.

If you are hungry
(or a couple of hours after your V8):
1 cooked egg white
piece of whole fruit
1 cup cooked plain oatmeal cooked with skim milk
16 oz of water

Mid-morning snack:

1 cup plain non-fat yogurt
or high protein shake
8 oz water

Lunch:

1 to 2 cups dark green salad
add:
a variety of fresh vegetables
cup low-sodium canned beans
3 oz low-sodium water packed tuna
small amount of nuts or seeds
2 tablespoons non-fat salad dressing
16 oz water

Afternoon snack:

1 slice whole wheat bread
1 tablespoon peanut butter
8 oz water

Dinner:

3-4 oz lean fish, meat, poultry, of tofu
1 cup cooked broccoli
cup carrots
1 or 2 cookies
16 oz water

Evening Snack:

Piece of fruit
1 cup skim milk

Nutritional Analysis For The Day:

1524 Calories 

114 grams protein
31 grams fat
196 grams carbohydrates
30 grams fiber
1600 mg sodium 

'Tis the Season: Craving that delicious Starbucks Peppermint Mocha coffee drink? 15 Calorie Recipe:

We have different seasons for a reason...seasonal drinks! This time of year peppermint, mocha, pumpkin spice, and all those warm flavors are getting attention. With this recipe, the only thing getting attention will be your hot bod! 

Ingredients

(click link next to syrups to see what they look like and to purchase since they're really hard to find!)

1 cup brewed coffee of your choice

1 Tbsp. Sugar Free Coffee Mate French Vanilla cream (15 cal)

2 Tbsp. Torani Sugar Free Peppermint Syrup, 750 ml

2 Tbsp. Torani Sugar-Free Syrup, Chocolate, 25.4-Ounce Bottles

Stevia sweetener to taste Stevia Supreme-50pkts - 1.8 oz - Packet (natural sweetener!)

(fat free reddi whip optional, 2 tbsp = 5 calories)

TOTAL: 15-20calories

Total Starbucks Peppermint Mocha: 400calories!

Preparation

After coffee is brewed and in a mug, combine all ingredients together, and add reddi whip last. Enjoy next to a warm fire on a cold day...delish!

4 LOCO HILARITY ON SNL:

Butter Butter Everywhere, and 5 calories to Spare!

THE ONLY INGREDIENT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN BAKING FOR THE THANKSGIVING FEAST:

 

Thanksigiving is right around the fattening corner, and I decided to share with everyone one helpful tip for your baking/cooking pleasure. 5 calories per 1 tbsp. butter spread. Can it get any better than that? I don't believe so.

Garlic "Mash" 'Snips

(I Can't Believe It's Not Mashed Potatoes)

Ingredients:

3 large Parsnips

2 Tbsp I can't Believe It's Not Butter (fat free): 10calories

1 garlic clove chopped

1 tbsp ginger chopped

1 tsp chives

1 tsp Olive Oil

salt/pepper to taste

TOTAL: 80 calories/1 Cup

Regular Mash Potatoes: 200 calories/1cup

 

Directions:

Boil parsnips until soft. Emulsify all ingredients together. Voila! Be thankful for easy recipes this holiday season :)

NOVEMBER'S FAVORITE ZERO CALORIE FLAVORED SPARKLY WATER!

 

BEST NEW DRINK! Sparkling Ice Water in: kiwi strawberry, pomegranate berry, orange mango, and grapefruit!

Pros: No cals and No sodium! Ingredients are natural.

Cons: Bottle is too small! You'll want more.

Order them here: Sparkling ICE Spring Water, Kiwi Strawberry, 17-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 12) 

Spaghetti Substitute: SPAGHETTI SQUASH!

This is a delicious and nutritious way to substitute a full carb option when you're craving the twirl of pasta. Just heat a spaghetti squash, slice open, scoop the seeds (fyi: seeds can be toasted and taste like pumpkin seeds!). Scoop out the center which looks stringy. Top exactly how you would your spaghetti dish. 

1 CUP = 42 calories

 vs. 

1 CUP SPAGHETTI = 200 calories

Got Pizza on the Brain?

How would you like 2 pies for under 230 calories? How about a 15 minute recipe? Try this out!

 

Ingredients:

2 mini tortillas- 100 calories (La Tortilla Factory Wraps, click here!)

1/4 cup sauce- 35 calories

1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese- 80 calories

salt, oregano, herbs of italy to taste
TOTAL: 215 CALORIES

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Place 2 tortillas on a baking sheet and spread 2 tbsp sauce on each. Spread 2 tbsp grated cheese on each. Place salt/herbs on tortillas and put in oven for 10-15 minutes