Aphils picks and pans of diet products

[aphil]

Hello Everyone!
I have tried every diet food out there, and wanted to periodically share my picks and pans with you! Hope you enjoy!!

Diet sodas:
Diet Pepsi- at least it's better than Tab!
Diet Coke- ditto
Pepsi One- a small improvement over the first two-a touch less aftertaste
Diet Mountain Dew-:love: I hate regular Mountain Dew because it is too syrupy, but this is awesome! Very good switch from the hum-drum diet cola!
Diet Dr. Pepper- Very good. Tastes similar to the real thing.
Diet A&W Root Beer- Pretty good, slight aftertaste. Better as a float with 1/2 cup lowfat vanilla ice cream.
Diet Barqs Root Beer-:angel: Hallelujah! Hallelujah! The savior of diet pop! Tastes like the fountain root beer at mom and pop hot dog stands!
Diet Orange Crush- very nice flavor, but not totally calorie free.
Tab-:nono: Ladies, now do I really have to say anything about this one???????
Diet Faygo-all flavors-:( the diet soda my grandma used to drink, very weak flavor, lots of saccharin aftertaste.
Diet IBC Root Beer-:) very nice, but expensive. Love the cute little old fashioned glass bottles!
Well , hope I've saved you some $ on trying something that doesn't taste good. I'll be back to let you know how I rate some other diet products very soon!
Take Care,
Aphil

[aphil]

Hello Again!
How is everyone doing? I hope you enjoyed my last post!
I am a fast food junkie at heart, and my husband and 2 year old daughter love to eat out at fast food joints. I don't like to be left out, so I 've done some research on some of the better choices that can be found at these restaurants.
Enjoy!
For the most part KFC's chicken and biscuit fare is a total diet no-no, but I have found their Honey BBQ sandwich is a great pick, and it has only 310 calories, 6 fat grams, and 2 fiber grams. It has a wonderful BBQ sauce, so give it a try. The best bet for a side dish is an individual mashed potato and gravy with 120 calories,6 fat grams, and 2 fiber grams.
At Taco Bell the clear winner is the Chicken Soft Taco with 190 calories, 7 fat grams, and 2 fiber grams. The worst items here I have found are the Taco Salad in the deep fried shell, and anything with nacho chips!
I'll post again soon!
Lots of Luck,
Aphil

[aphil]

Hi everyone,
My mother and I have been tryin a lot of the cheese and dairy products lately, and here's what we have found:
For the most part, fat free cheese is terrible. It doesn't melt well, and has a very fake taste to it. It is a definite no-no for something like pizza or tacos, where a lot is required, and it is not well hidden.
The only really god options I have found are reduced fat Kraft Mozzerella made with 2% milk, and Philadelphia reduced fat cream cheese. Since they are reduced fat, they have a better flavor, and less calories than the regular versions, but still should be eaten in moderation. I use the mozzerella in my lasagna my husband loves, and when in a dish like this, mixed with other flavors, he never noticed the change. I also snuck in Healthy Choice marinara sauce, and extra lean ground beef. It is simple substitutions that really help me continue to prepare healthier things for my family, without them protesting!
Now I don't like cream cheese plain on a bagel, but the Philadelphia reduced fat is great substituted in desserts for the regular variety. My family has a traditional Oreo dessert we have at holidays, which I will post my new version on the recipe column soon. I use it instead of regular, and you cannot tell at all. It can also lighten up cheesecake or icing without any noticable change in the finished product.
To sum it all up, some things can be great made fat-free, others need a little fat to have any taste. Cheese is definitely one of them. So these products are a good alternative to the full fat version, but still should be eaten occasionaly and not every day.
Lots of Luck to everyone-if we all keep helping each other, then we will all make it!
Love, Aphil

[aphil]

Hello again,
I am a calorie counter, and with two young children I often replace breakfast or lunch with a meal replacement-or don't eat at all! Here are some of the ones I've tried:

Slim-Fast Chocolate Royale Shake-I think this is the best of their shakes. It has a nice cocoa flavor and doesn't taste too vitaminy.

Slim-Fast Chocolate Fudge-the richest of their flavors, tasted good, but was almost too sweet, because I felt a little shaky afterwards, almost like eating pure sugar on an empty stomach.

Slim-Fast Cappuccino-This is not a mocha flavored drink, but like a sweetened latte-if you like coffee drinks this is very good.

Slim-Fast Orange-Pineapple and Orange-Strawberry-Banana-These two are the most vile drinks to ever pass my lips-ladies,BEWARE! The juicelike wannabe drink is ruined by the thick gritty texture and overpowering vitamin taste and smell. No amount of ice cubes in the blender could save this one.

Slim-Fast Vanilla Shake-this is okay, but it still has a touch of vitamin smell, it is much better in the blender with an ice cube or two.

Boost Chocolate Shake-nice flavor, but does not have the rich texture of Slim-Fast. It also has more calories (250 compared to 220) and a smaller can(8oz. compared to 11 oz.) and I was hungry 30 minutes later.

Slim-Rite Chocolate Shake-This is Kroger-s version of Slim-Fast. It was compareable as far as serving size and calories, but it was not near chocolatey enough, and it had a thin watery feel in the mouth. I would much rather pay the extra dollar to be able to enjoy the real thing.

Carnation Instant Breakfast/Sugar Free Chocolate-If you can overcome the inconvenience of mixing it with skim milk yourself, it is well worth it. THe flavor is very nice, and it has a real chocolate milk texture.It does very well in the vitamin department, without the taste or smell. Pretty close in taste to Nestle Quick.

Metabolite Shake-Ladies,beware! The flavor is not the greatest, but I only took a sip because it contains ephedra. This ingredient can also be called ephedrine, Ma Huang, or Siberian Ginseng. Check any diet supplements you are taking to see if it appears, because this is the same ingredient in the gas station"speeders" called "Mini-Thins". They can cause racing heart palpitations and in some cases stroke. They are used in a lot of fat burner type supplements and are very dangerous, especially if used regularly. This product was intended for use originally as an asthma medication used in very small amounts, but somewhere along the way someone figured out you could get a buzz off of them-go figure. Anyway, I do not reccommend this.

Well, take care, I'll post again soon.
Aphil
starting wt. 195
current wt. 190
goal wt. 140

[lhendricks]

The Hot Ham and Cheese at McD's is very good for 7.5 ww points with either sauce (not both)

I also like the Grilled Chicken at McDs, 7 without sauce. I asked for f/f dressing and put some of that on instead.

[aphil]

Hello!
IHendricks, thanks for the McDonalds info-for those on WW, if you don't know about how many points something is, I have figured there is 1 point for about every 60 calories.
I have tried a lot of fat-free sugar-free yogurts lately,and for the most part they are all pretty good. The one exception is Blue Bunny Light 85 in the Black Forest flavor. It is a very misleading name if any of you have ever had the pleasure of black forest cake. It is especially misleading when you open the top and it is a rich brown chocolate pudding color. I thought it was just going to be decadent-boy, was I wrong! It tasted just like regular black cherry, which is not a bad thing, except when you are expecting some sort of chocolate flavor. The other fruit flavors are all pretty good, and can be purchased at Wal-Mart.
I'll post again soon!
Aphil
195/189/140

[Scuttle]

I've got a lot of favorite low-cal foods, but here are some that are specifically marketted as low-fat or low-cal.


Log Cabin Lite Syrup - About half the calories of regular syrup. I actually don't like the taste of regular log cabin syrup now, and even when I'm 'being bad' about what I eat, prefer the light to the full-cal version.
Aunt Jemina Low Fat Pancakes - Mmm. I think they recently raised the calories on these, from 150 to 180. They're still good, and low in fat and high in fiber.
Fresca is another 'diet drink'. It's citrusy and clear-colored, kind of like a Diet Sprite but much better.
I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Light is my favorite of all the low-cal margarines out there.
Kraft 2% cheese slices - These things are the best thing since sliced bread! They're amazing. I've found them in American, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, and Swiss varieties. Great for sandwiches, at only 50 calories. I'm obsessing over the Pepper Jack (which I just recently found) lately.
Wonder Light bread comes in 3 or 4 different types of sliced bread, along with hot dog buns and possibly hamburger rolls. It's about 40 calories a slice, and very high in fiber, so if you're on WW it's 2 slices for a point. Hot dog buns are a point, too, I think.
Edy Light ice cream is my favorite low-cal ice cream, but it's expensive! So are the Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches, which are also very good.
Lean Cuisine frozen dinners are my favorite, when compared to Smart Ones (they just taste a little funny to me) or Healthy Choice (which are bland, but low in sodium and much better for you). I especially like the Santa Fe Beans and Rice!


I'm sure there are more, but that's my list of favorites that I can remember off the top of my head.

[aphil]

Hello again,
Welcome, Scuttle! I am trying my hardest to make dieting a lot less painless for people new to this way of life! Thank you for your picks!
I, too, love Fresca-I beleive it is made by the Coca-cola company. It is hard to find in some areas, but good if you can. It is similar to a Sprite or Seven-Up, but with a touch of grapefruit flavor along with the basic lemon/lime. I also am a fan of Wonder Light-my family eats it and doesn't know the difference, and it is higher in fiber than a lot of regular wheat breads!
I also prefer the Lean Cuisine entrees over Healthy Choice in general, but part of it is that they are low in sodium , so they seem a little blander. They have a few good ones that ARE worth trying, however- the Country Herb Chicken dinner and Colonial Chicken Pie are good, and their soups and ice cream are very good also-especially cookies and cream and turtle fudge cake.
For the most part Weight Watcher's entrees are good, but they are a little smaller in the portions. The flavor of the Smart Ones Fiesta Chicken makes up for the small serving-it is spicy and wonderful! Lean Cuisine seems to have a touch larger serving
size. My LC favorites are Swedish Meatballs, Lasagna, and
Spaghetti and Meatballs.(I am a homecooked comfort food type of gal!)
Scuttle-from what I have tasted, almost all low-fat ice creams are pretty good, but don't go near the fat free! There are some foods that must have a touch of fat to have flavor, and ice cream is one of them!
Some good, not as expensive treats are:Popsicle brand sugar free popsicles and fudge bars-very low calorie and
GOOOOOOD!:dizzy:
Also, some of my favorite, not listed as diet foods are: frozen peeled bananas-peel and wrap in foil and freeze until firm. I also like an apple, cored and cinnamon and sweetener put inside the cored part-cover and microwave until cooked-mmmmmm!!!
It is also helpful to look up your favorite fast food websites and go look at their nutrition information-although most of your usual fare may be off limits, you will be surprised at some choices that are not so bad for you to try! It makes things easier when you have to stop somewhere with the family and you already know what you can have! Visit the sites, ladies, and write down a couple things from each place and the calore/fat counts-pretty soon you'll be like me and have them pretty much memorized!
I'll post again soon!
Love,
Aphil
195/190/140

[Phoinix]

Thanks for all the good tips. I especially appreciate the cheese tips since I haven't found anything that tastes like cheese yet. Looking forward to trying your suggestions.

I live on the frozen dinners--Lean Cuisine and Healthy Choice twice a day with a nice salad. I like all of them and am constantly looking for sales. Faves include HC Roast turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy, french bread pizza, LC Cabbage Roll. Also, try the WW Smart Ones Rice Bowls. I think they're all delicious and very filling with a salad for lunch or dinner. Also, they have a rebate on the back of the box, so you can get your money back or $4.00 in coupons, which makes it free. Love the Yukon Gold Potato and Corn Chowder!

Breakfast items I enjoy are yogurt - my favorite is Yoplait Light, it's fat free. I get the vanilla bean because I like to mix in my own fresh fruit, especially pineapple.

Love the Kashi Cereals--Go Lean and Go Lean Crunch.

Any other reccomendations?

[aphil]

Hi,
Karen, thanks for writing!
Have you tried the Lean Cuisine Skillet sensations? They are good, and the vegetables are plentiful.
For a yummy breakfast I like to make a breakfast Banana Split. Halve a banana in a dish, add 1/2 cup of Lowfat ice cream, and top with a few sliced strawberries or a few pieces of pineapple. It is great and under 300 calories. It is also a great way to get some fruit in each day.
I also am a fan of Lean Cuisine and Healthy Choice products. My favorites are Lean Cuisine Spaghetti and Meatballs, Lean Cuisine Swedish Meatballs, Healthy Choice ice cream, and Healthy Choice microwave popcorn.
The only ones I have found I do not like are Healthy Choice fettucine alfredo-the chicken is kindof weird and rubbery, and Lean Cuisine mandarin chicken-orange and chicken just do not go together in my book.
Well, gotta run-post again soon!
Aphil;)

[lil miss]

Thanks aphil for starting this thread and everyone for sharing.

I love the 2% Kraft slices too, and it's easy portion control, with one slice counting as one point. I like to toast a lite English muffin (1 pnt) then put a slice of pepper jack cheese on it and a big ole slice of tomato. To me, it's a huge snack for only 2 points.

I also have gotten into frozen fish lately, since no one else in my family likes it, and I won't prepare it just for me. Tonight I tried Gorton's Italian Herb Grilled Fillets. It doesn't say lite or diet on the box, but each fillet is only 2 points. I'm not a big fish eater myself, but thought it was good with a buttery tasting topping on it. I had a salad with a tablespoon of lite dressing with it and a cup of grapes and had a really filling dinner for 4 points.

If anyone lives near a Wegmans grocery store (based in upstate New York), I love the new Wegmans Single Serve entrees. They also do not say lite or diet, but they're just as low in points as the diet ones, and have healthy ingredients. I think they taste better, too.

I actually love the McD's Ceasar Salad Shaker with the fat free viniagrette dressing. It's really surprisingly good for a fast food salad. Sometimes I'll have it with just a regular hamburger. Can't think of the points now, but it won't do you in and is filling.

Hope it helps.

[Phoinix]

Picked up some more HC and LC at the grocery this morning. I just opened a box of the Roast Turkey with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, and found a nice surprise inside--coupons and a rebate. 55 cents off HC lunch meat, franks or smoked sausage, $1.00 off HC ice cream AND a rebate form for the price of ice cream or $$$ coupons. I love bonuses like this!!

[lil miss]

Reading your Yoplait lite idea made me think of two more of my favorites: First, have you tried the orange creamsicle flavor of that? It's like dessert!

Another 2 pnt. dessert/get your milk product in at the same time idea is the fat-free jello pudding. It's really yummy.

[aphil]

Hi,
Welcome Deanna and Karen! Feel free to post new foods and ideas any time! I am always looking for new treats that won't hurt my diet!
Love, Aphil

[Rusty*Rusty]

I spent about $18 today on diet/fitness magazines for tips and encouragement and just got 10x the information for free here in this thread. Thank you, Aphil, and everybody for all the great recommendations and suggestions!

[aleka]

Have any of you tried Waist Watcher diet soda? It's made with Splenda, and they have some great flavors. In the grocery store I go to the price is 4/$1.00.

[aphil]

Glad you found this info helpful!
Another product I found that I really like in certain flavors, is the protein bar called Promax.
A Promax bar supplement has 270-290 calories, 20 grms of protein, and around 30-40 grams of carbs, and 5 grams fat.
I am not a low carb dieter, so I can avoid the yucky taste of low/no carb bars like Carb Solutions, but I want a higher protein bar than regular meal reppacements like Slim Fast, with less sugar. These are winners!
The best flavor I have tried is the Cookies and Cream flavor-it is like a dessert...the brownie flavor and chocolate mint are not quite as good, but a lot better than regular Powerbars and Met-RX bars. If you are going for protein and want it to be edible-these are the way to go. :D
Aphil

[Rusty*Rusty]

Hi again, Aphil! I was re-reading this thread so I can continue to absorb the info. When I get to the supermarket I have a better idea of the right choices and the better choices.

How about Salad Dressings?? I wasn't satisfied with vinegar and lemon juice - tho I like a pungent dressing. I had a low-fat vinaigrette at a restaurant lately that was too sweet. Not too many fat-free to choose from where I shop, Wishbone and Ken's Steakhouse.

Any particular brands taste better than others?

[aphil]

Actually, a brand I have found that I really like is called Just 2 Good! it is by one of the big salad dressing names, I just can't remember which right now-but instead of being fat free, they have 2 grams, so they taste more like a regular dressing, but without the 10 grams and ton of calories they have. Light Done Right is also a good brand tht follows that same type. I usually prefer a low fat ice cream over a totally fat free one-the 1 or 2 grams really makes a difference in the taste and texture, without the 8-12 grams in regular ice creams. There are a few fat free things I do like as well as the regular versions-Fat Free Newtons are one of them...yum.
Try those dressings if you can find them-they have them at Wal-Mart, and most large grocery stores like Kroger.
Aphil

[Rusty*Rusty]

Aphil - thanks again. I've seen them but had only worked my way thru a couple ff to see that there is something left to be desired in ff dressings. 10 calories is great but not if you ain't happy with the flavor!

I bought a couple more ff yesterday - a toasted sesame/ginger soy, and a balsamic vinegar - by Olde Cape Cod. Might be a semi-local brand. The price was fine - $2 for 8 oz.

The sesame is 45 calories - with honey and all natural. The balsamic dressing is 25 calories from some fructose/corn syrup.

Will try the Just 2 Good - I *know* I've seen them a couple places.

Haven't found any low fat cheese yet. Need to hit a larger store for that, I guess.

Did try Eggbeaters this morning. Sauted a scallion and frying pepper in an all natural buttery ff spray and dumped in a carton of Eggbeaters and YES! Nice and fluffy and only 120 calories for an 4-egg omelette! Score!

[aleka]

I usually buy the reduced fat salad dressings. I find that the Fat Free has way too much sugar in them, as I have to watch my sugar intake because of high triglycerides.

[aphil]

The low fat dressings are almost always better than the fat free. The worst I have ever tried-Nutri Systems fat free red pepper italian dressing-YUCK!!!!
I agree about the added sugar in some of the fat free flavors. I would much rather have a grm or two of fat in it, and have less sugar and more taste. The Just 2 Good and Light Done Right are winners-both of them.
Some other good finds I have found are the Weight Watchers Ice Cream sandwiches-THey are really big and round like Dairy Queen snadwiches, and only 120-130 calories-they have vanilla and chocolate varieties. They are in a plastic container an have them at Kroger and WalMart in the ice cream section. For the occasional treat, you will not be dissappointed.

[morningglory]

aphil,
did you know that ground round is as lean as turkey (85% lean?) and has LESS calories. This is a good thing to use in any dish that requires ground beef.
morningglory

[aphil]

Yes! I DO love beef, and I do eat it in small amounts-so I try to pick the leanest ground beef available, or a lean cut of steak if I eat it, like filet mignon. I order some meat from Schwanns, and they have the nutritional value of all of their meat on the website-they have all sorts of steaks, as well as boneless turkey breasts, rather than chicken, and a lot of choices. If you have a deep freezer, you might try them out. They also have good low fat ice cream and frozen yogurt, and meal kits-like the ones at the store.

[VMH1027]

I really enjoy Kroger brand LITE yogurt in the pina colada flavor. It is fat free, 100 calories (for a pretty large container of yogurt!) and has chunks of pineapple and a few tiny pieces of coconut. It is sooo good! :)

Also, try Stretch Island fruit leather....they're about 50 calories each, pure fruit (no sugar added) and so good! They come in a variety of flavors and Kroger often runs specials of 3 for $1. Great way to eat fruit if you're on the go.

I HATE fat-free salad dressings but found a really good variety of 2-grams of fat per serving lite dressing. It is called Two-lightful by T.Marzetti's and is in the veggie section of the grocery store. Try the peppercorn ranch variety.

Also, I like to make my own low-fat thousand island dressing. It's really easy....use equal parts ketchup and mayo (either lite mayo or the new 2-grams of fat variety are fine) and add a spoonful or two of sweet pickle relish. Yum!

[MikiG]

Hi all :) Just happened up on this thread and found it very useful...thanks! Thought I'd share something I found this week. Brummels and Brown spread...I've had strawberry and plain. Strawberry is yummy and plain tastes better than margarine to me. I put them both on english muffins or whole wheat bagels. The spread is made of yogurt but tastes nothing like it. I dont like any yogurt I have ever tried, but I LOVE this spread. It has around 30 calories per tablespoon and 4 grams of fat, I think. I only use about a teaspoon of it at a time so it's not too bad at all.
Just happened to see it in the refrigerated section beside the butter, etc.

Miki

[amyyy]

I have been looking for a thread like this one. Thank you for all your idea's. Here are a few of mine.

French Fries- spray pam or non-stick spray on a tray and place thin pieces of a cut up potatoe, bake until golden brown, flip over once. Yummy! Add a little salt.

Slimfast shakes are okay, I use the equate brand from wal-mart. It saves a little money and they are almost exactly the same.

Rusty- I use Wish-Bone dressing. Try the Red Wine Vinaigrette, its also great for marinades. It only has 90 cal. 5 grams fat for 2 Tbsp. It has a sweet, spiciness to it. Really Good!

FF pretzels are wonderful. I make a sweet spicey dip with a little honey, horseradish and mustard. Sounds discusting but is really good. Has a lot of flavor.

Air popped popcorn- spray non-stick spray on it after being popped and then salt is. It helps the salt to stick to the popcorn.

Keep of the idea's and tips. These are exactly what I need.

Amy Booth

280
now 275
goal size 16

[Rusty*Rusty]

Hi Amy!

My husband now PREFERS the butter-flavored spray or I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray on his popcorn. I never thought I'd see that!

:)

[amyyy]

I thought of a couple more throughout the day.

I have used applesauce instead of oil in brownies, then reduce the time by just a few minutes. I like mine fudgy. Same taste just a little different texture.

I also have saved up some 8 oz. sour cream bowls. Whenever I get a snack or a bowl of cereal or something I use these. They hold less food therefore I eas less food. Same with smaller plates.

More idea's anyone???

Amy

[Grandota]

have you tried the grilled chicken salad at Carl's Jr. only 209 calories and you can get low cal italian dressing on the side or ranch regular.

[Rusty*Rusty]

Seems like I'm always going on about Eggbeaters - but no fat and 30 calories per egg is a gift! It's just egg whites - nothing weird or artificial. They are also homogenized. Just shake and pour.

Try an Omelette for dinner or brunch! Use spray in the frying pan and add all the veggies (fried or crunchy) you want and you are still under 300 calories for an eight egg omelette. I add a slice or two of lean ham and some Cabot Light Cheddar sometimes, and have Hormel Vegetarian Chili on the top or on the side. Feels like a splurge!

[Samsa98]

This is a great thread ladies!

I love the Jello FF pudding with a tablespoon of FF Cool Whip, I can't remember the points exactly right now but I think it's 2 pts. I also love Lean Pockets. I know they're not the best thing in the world for you but when I need to feel like I've cheated without actually cheating that's what I have. They are 5 or 6 points a piece depending on the variety and with a salad make a great meal.
Another thing I do to help control how much i eat at dinner is have a Lipton cup of soup ( I like Spring vegetable) while I'm preparing dinner. It's 1 point for a cup of soup and I don't eat as much at dinner time.
For a quick, easy meal we eat Rice A Roni made without any butter (I just spray the pan with buttery spray) and cut up chicken and tons of veggies. I add the veggies and cooked chicken when I add the water. It's 4 pts for a fourth of the recipe.

I also really like turkey bacon. I used to HATE it but then they improved the flavorand I've found that it adds a nice bacony flavor to recipes.

Well I hope everyone keeps posting here. I think it really helps to get new ideas!

Samantha

[momma3times]

I love this thread! Thanks for starting it. One thing my mom taught me a few years ago is if you have a recipe that calls for mayo, like tuna or chicken salad, you can use ff sour cream or plain yogurt instead. I thought it would be gross, but it works and you can't taste it.

[meg 1+2]

Hello everyone!

I have to agree...this is a great thread! Love the ideas.

I just have a couple for now...but will be sure to come back and add my two cents :smug:

For those of you that like grapes,(my favorite are seedless red) wash grapes and place them into a zip lock bag wet, then freeze. Take 10 to 15 grapes and eat them right out of freezer, they come in handy while I am cooking dinner and...I love them, especially in the summer!!!! around 1 point

Another easy snack...chocolate graham crackers, spread two tablespoons fat free cool whip over one cracker (broken in two) make a sandwich and freeze. Make several at once and place in tupperware container. Great to have them in freezer for one of those chocolate fixes...1 point ea.

For breakfast...1/2 cup plain oatmeal, 1 cup water, microwave for 3 minutes add a sprinkle (to taste) of "Apple Pie spice" a little "Splender" and a drop of milk. Holds me for up to 4 hours. around 2 points

Let's Keep the ideas coming!

Meg

[Phoinix]

Hi again, here are a few of my latest finds:

breakfast--WW has frozen ff chocolate chocolate chip muffins. They are big and only 3 points. I eat them as dessert. Find them in the frozen food section with the breakfast items.

Uncle Ben's breakfast bowls--love the pancakes! The two varieties I have found are 6 points each and deelish! Pecan and peach pancakes and apple cinnamon pancakes. Check out some of the egg breakfast bowls as well, some of them are 6 points too.

Yogurt--try the Yoplait Whips! Yummy as a dessert, all flavors!

Someone mentioned the Gorton's fish filets. I have been enjoying the Salmon, all flavors. Two filets is 5 points and yummy. Take their adice and cook in a conventional oven. Also get the smoked salmon in the refrigerator case and crumble on top of mixed greens, add a low fat balsamic vinegrette and you have a taste sensation.

Karen

[Sis]

Definately yes on the Gortons fish fillets. I love the char grilled and the garlic and herb. Great with a salad for supper. I think they are 4 pts. ....Sis

[amyyy]

The frozen grapes are really good. My girls love them also.

I will have to try the whip cream and graham crackers that sounds really good.

My new IDEA is... for chocolate cravings I drink a cup of hot chocolate. This really helps me out.

Oh, and here is an idea that nobody's ever heard before......drink lots and lots of water. I hear the stuff is good for you! : )

Amy

[Rusty*Rusty]

If you find the Gorton's fish bricks are too expensive - look for some frozen pollock or haddock filets in the frozen food department. I've been getting pollock for about a buck and a half a pound - it's flash-frozen aboard the factory ships and pure white, no bones and easy to toss into the George Foreman-type grill or frying pan - just use a spritz of garlic butter spray and/or lemon - YUM. Get it on sale and stock up. The one I get comes in a dark green one-pound bag and cooks in about ten minutes on the little grill.

I've been making wonton soup - so low in calories! Each little wonton wrapper is 20 calories and I've been stuffing them with a little ground turkey with some soy sauce and ginger and garlic mixed into it. For the broth - a vegetarian and a chicken boullion in four cups of water with a chopped scallion and a couple snow pea pods. Six wontons + broth + veggies = ~200 calories! Lunch in ten minutes! I made a whole bunch of the wontons - very easy - and froze them. I toss them frozen into the hot broth for six minutes.

[Runs in Harmony]

Thanks to all of you for your favorite selections. And i agree that FF cheese is not good. I can eat 2% cheese. I really love this web site.:smug:

[Rusty*Rusty]

I was so psyched to find Cabot now has 75% Light cheddar. About 60 calories and only 2.5 grams of fat. Used it melted the other night over tortilla chips and it was excellent. My grocer has it in the fancy cheese section - not the dairy cooler.

[amyyy]

I use mozzerella cheese instead of cheddar on or in about anything. Is there anymore cheese that are lower in fat? I don't know much about cheeses.

[2sw33t]

Wow! I'm new on this site, but I have to say that this thread is great. I have so many things to try now, I don't think I can remember them all!

[coobird]

Just cathcing up on all the wonderful posts----I'm new here---this is really a great site!!!!!!! Talking about "bad" diet cheese, have you tried Laughing Cow Light Swiss (only one I can get)???? It is incredible!!!! It comes in a round package, and there are 8 wedges in the box----each one is 1 pt.----1 wedge is plenty for a toasted english muffin----it is out of this world!!!!!!!!! There is another one called Mini Bell, they are little round individually wrapped cheeses, check it out---SUPER!!!! Coobird

[JaneStarr]

I like to take a Columbo Lite (or Dannon Lite) yogurt, and put it in the freezer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. I then eat it (semi-frozen) with a old silver baby spoon. I is very creamy, takes a long time to eat, counts as a milk serving and is only 2 pts!

(I don't like it as much when the yogurt has been in the freezer too long; it gets a little icy.)

Jane

[losinginillinois]

Okay I always check this thread but now I actually have something to add.

Have you all tried low fat and fat free saltines? I like them both. I actually even like the fat free a little better. They are kind of exspensive though like 3 something a box. Thats why I usually buy them at work (because someone else is paying for them) and at home I did find a generic brand of low fat I got at krogers. I will also say that they are much saltier than regular crackers so if you are watching your sodium not a good idea.

Two other things that I have been eating a lot of and love. One is low fat cottage cheese. I spice it up with 2% low fat shredded cheese, green onions and black pepper. Very good! You can even use fat free cheese. Its not bad in a salad. I have never tried the fat free cottage cheese. Not gutsy enough for that yet.

The other one is buy a head of Napa Cabbage, green onions, low fat shredded cheese, tomatoes and if you want crunch some raumen noodles or almonds (not a lot but just enough). You top it with balmic vinegar and olive oil. It is great!!! YOu eat this with your fat free crackers and its a great meal.

Good luck! I hope others will post more ideas.

Beth

SW 200
CW 173
GW 125

[SuchAPrettyFace]

Gorton's grilled fish fillets have Hydrogenated Oil--I am allergic, so can no longer eat them. :( But they are awesome!!!

Skinny Cows ice cream sandwiches are the bomb!

ICBINB spray is so much a part of my life, I've got one here, and 2 @ work.

As for the fat in eggs, 5 of those 6 grams of fat in one egg are the good-for-you kind. So I have maybe 2 a week & don't worry about it.

I can't do FF salad dressing. It's got too much sugar in it, and I can taste the sugar, which turns me off. The Light Done Right isn't bad at all, nor is the Hidden Valley Ranch Light.

Kashi waffles are freaking awesome. 6 grams of fiber, 9 grams of protein, keeps me full all am.

I also like Morningstar Farms meatless breakfast patties. My stomach can't take pork, so these are a great substitute.

Kashi GO Lean Crunch cereal is also yummy.

[Idealperson]

Hi! I'm new to this thread, but I'm always interested in good food, that's low in points and fat. One of my favorite lunches is a turkey club sandwich. I use Iron Kids Bread (2 slices=1 pt.), turkey sandwich meat (deli-select-3 slices=1 pt.), 1 pc. of microwaved bacon (1pt.), Miracle Whip Lite, and lettuce, tomato, and onion. This is fast, easy, and tastes like I really ate something great! At night, I like to crush a chocolate graham cracker in a bowl and top it with cool whip free, and chocolate pudding. Has anyone tried the cake made with diet coke? That's god too!

[Dustbunny]

Cabot has 50% light Cheddar cheese that's wonderful. If you live in the south and have a Winn-Dixie grocery, look for Deep South brand Reduced Calorie Mayonnaise. It doesn't have that funky sweet taste other LF RF mayos do. It tastes just like Hellman's to me, and it's only $1.59 a quart! Only 1 point per tablespoon. Also, try Laughing Cow cheese, only 1 point per wedge of cheese.

[Idealperson]

A great summer drink:

Diet A & W Rootbeer with a scoop of frozen cool whip free-better than a real rootbeer float!

A great summer dessert:

Pour 2 bags of frozen mixed berries into a 9x13 pan. Sprinkle a dry cake mix (white) on top, then pour a can of diet 7-up over all. Do not mix, just bake at 350 for about 1 hour. When cool top with cool whip free. It's wonderful.

Snack bars that are good: Kudos, Special K, Fruit Loop cereal bars-all are 2 points!

[adrianag]

Here are some of my favorites:
- Canada Dry Diet Ginger Ale
- Schweppes Diet Giner ale with raspberry
- Diet Rite White Grape Soda
- Mission - no fat flour tortillas
- Broccoli slaw
- Kashi Go Lean Crunch (yuck on the regular Kashi, tastes like sticks)

Products to beware of (maybe we should start a new thread on this)
- Slimfast bars - most taste good but nutritionally (ounce for ounce) are higher in fat and sugars than some of the low-fat Kellogs or Special K bars. Yes, they have more protein but most of us are not protein deprived. Some are really chocolate bars masquerading as "diet" products... only in small portions.

[Idealperson]

Some other favorites:

La Tortilla Factory Whole Wheat Tortillas=1point each
Lays Baked Chips with Salsa
Lipton Diet Brisk Lemon Iced Tea
Quaker Carmel Corn Quakes (love them) 7=2 pts.
Kudos Snicker Bars1=2 points
Nectarines are great this time of year!

Add spice to your sandwiches with dill pickles and horsradish.

More ideas ... ???

[SuchAPrettyFace]

Unsweetened iced tea. I can't take the diety-taste of the diet iced teas. The unsweetened is VERY refreshing on a hot summer day when drank cold.

[Stepping Out]

Aphil: :D Thanks so much for starting this thread so we could share info on all the stuff that's out there. Anything that can make this weight loss journey easier is GREAT!

Thanks for the heads up on Gorton's fish fillets-I'll have to give them a try.:chef:

Rusty: I'm originally from MA (Plymouth County). Two good places
to find things you're looking for are Shaw's and Stop & Shop.

Two favorites of mine: Light Done Right raspberry vinagrette dressing is DELICIOUS. A 2T serving has 60 cals (35 from fat). but I usually don't use that much. Fleschmann's also has a very good olive oil based spread. I don't have the nutrition info, but it's trans fat free.

Thanks again everyone! :comp:

[Idealperson]

Lender's makes a great 2 pt. bagel, spread on some Apple/cinnamon Brumble and Brown for a hearty, healthy breakfast. It tastes kind of like an apple pastry for only 2.5 points. Can't beat that!

[GeorgiaLady]

I don't really look at this as a diet food but it is a wonderful indulgence.....Le Creme yogurt. I tried the strawberry last week and it is wonderful!! 140 cals. each and 45 of those are from fat. It beats eating a couple of cookies...

[Idealperson]

The Quaker Breakfast Squares are great tasting and very filling for 4 points. I also like Kashi Go-Lean Crunch cereal in yogurt or with milk.

I tried the Slim Fast Strawberry Cheesecake bar and thought it was okay-but not sure if it's worth 4 points. The Peanut Nougat bar is a better bet for only 2 points.

[palemoonnight]

HI, I just wanted to say that I plan on taking alot of ideas from this section for when I go to the store tomarrow!