Ok guys I had a light go off in the ol head so to speak and thought HEY we can help each other alot by just giving and recieving ideas on healthy favorite foods....some of us are looking to spice up our meal plans and some of us are just looking for new ideas or recipes to keep going and not to get bored with the same ol same ol so I thought if we all contribute a few ideas it may just be what we need to give each other a healthy boost on our menus

So here are a few of my favorites..............
Today I tried the New Ragu Express pasta.... 2.5 grams of fat and only 190 calories (very easy and SO good )
Also love Chef Boyardee fat free Ravioli 180 cal a serving ............... For fruit ideas on the go I buy the Del Monte Fruit to go cups, just make sure it isnt in heavy syrup only 70 cal a piece...... also LOVE their Fruit Naturals cups, they are in their own juices and they have the greatest peaches and only 50 calories a cup
I need help in the veggie area though, any ideas guys????
Also love instant oatmeals most flavors and almost any brand, and most cereals are low fat too, But the higher the fiber the better...come on give up some of those secrets!
Well this should start the ball to rolling..... Please post your favorites and we will all learn from each other

Hello Christie or should I call you Christian at home? "sorry I'm new here"

I like your idea a lot, with the individual servings! I know people may say it's more expensive to buy food in individual sizes, but it really helps people like me.
I'm a big nibbler, junkie or what ever you call someone that doesn't know when enough is enough.

The only thing I can share on veggies is eat lots of stir frys. I don't really like veggies much, but I can handle them better cooked like this.

I call it stir frys, but it more like soup. I stir fry everything, my chicken breast, and veggies. Then I stir in a can of low-fat or fat free chicken broth, let it simmer until the veggies are soft then I put it over rice. It's really very good, and I get a lot of vegetables eaten this way.

I have something else to share with everybody.

Calcium: I read today in Women's Day, that if you take 1,200 to 1,600 mg. of calcium a day it not only helps you lose weight faster it also helps cut the risk of future weight gains by 80%.
"Calcium breaks down stored fat for energy and blocks the formation of new fat." This came from lead researcher Michael B. Zemel, Ph.D., of the University of Tennessee.
Another big plus for me and lots of other women. Calcium 's helps lower pms pain.

Everyone have a great day!

Laura/Songwriter

P.S. Congrats on being a KOPS!

Laura, did it say what you have to take calcium (in vitamin form) WITH?



Or can you just take the vitamins by themselves.

A few more good foods...

Hormel microwave soup bowl 90% fat free only 90 cal for veggie and really good
low fat wheatables

Hello Christie, Hello Motivation,

Motivation to answer your question:
You can take the calcium in pill form or chewable. My boyfriend went to get the calcium pills for me, but he picked up these chewable ones instead. He said, " the pills were huge, like horse pills."

Caltrate 600 plus chewables, they have vitamin D & minerals added. "I guess that's just in there for some extra boost." They have 10 calories each , and your to take one 2 times a day with a meal. They taste really good though, kinda like flavored Tums.

Hope ya'll are doing good on getting healthy, I'm proud to say I'm doing GREAT!
I had something weird happen to me though. We went out to eat, and I had grilled Salmon for the first time. I always thought I wouldn't like it.. .well I love it! The problem I'm having though is my tongue is swollen and sore, plus my hands swelled up too. It's not bad, like I have to go to the hospital or anything just a little discomfort. Have either of you ever heard such a thing?

It has to be from the fish, because I only had salad with my own dressing I brought from home. "can you believe in this day in age they still don't offer fat free or lite dressing at most restaurants."
Anyway it's starting to feel better I ate the fish Wednesday night.

My tip for this message would be:
TIP: Bring your own diet butter and diet dressing when eatting out.

Have a great day ladies,
Laura/Songwriter

Hey Laura,
I bet the swelling is from the fish...Is it better today???
I bet it was an allergic reaction...I have never ate salmon myself but my grandma just loves it!!

Here are a few low fat foods I found to eat at Mcdonalds...

For when we are on the go.....
Breakfast food choices
English muffin 140 cal 2 grams fat
lowfat apple bran muffin 300 cal 3 grams fat
fruit and yogurt parfait 280 (without granola) 4 grams fat
6 oz oj 80 cal 0 fat

lunch choices
Chicken Mcgrill w/o mayo 340 cal 7 grams fat
Grilled chicken salad 100 cal 2.5 grams fat
fat free vinaigrette 35 cal 0 fat
reduced fat vanilla ice cream cone 150 cal 4 grams fat

Hope these help.... I know alot of times I have to eat on the run and it sure helps to know what to eat