When you are looking to lose a few, is your first step a trip through the salad bar? Your instincts are good, but what you top your lettuce with might be impeding your progress. High fat dressings, cheese, bacon, fried croutons, mayonnaise-based potato or pasta salads add additional fat and calories.
For a smarter, healthier salad, use the following tips:
*Reach for the darker lettuce and cabbage. Darker leaves contain a higher amount of vitamins and minerals.
*Get as much color in that bowl as possible – carrots, broccoli, peas, tomatoes.
*Add protein with beans instead of bacon or cheese.
*Steer clear of creamy mayonnaise-based …read more

I mentioned the other day how much I love an Egg McMuffin. Here’s a recipe for my easy homemade redo. It’s lower in fat because I use a reduced fat American Cheese slice, thinner, smaller pieces of Canadian Bacon (package serving size is 5 slices, I use 2 slices), and cooking spray. I use a whole grain wheat muffin for more fiber and believe it or not, the kids don’t miss the other muffin at all.
I served the breakfast sandwiches with another easy redo recipe – Caramel Coffee. I used regular coffee, didn’t even pull my espresso machine out, and …read more

After an afternoon at the creek, I’m way too relaxed (meaning lazy) to prepare a big dinner. Instead, I’m going to throw together a family favorite (from when I was a kid) that will be ready in a flash.
Tamale Pie. You open a few cans, layer the ingredients, cover with crushed Fritos and bake. Simple. Serve with a dollop of optional sour cream and you are set.

Tamale Pie
2 cans of tamales, remove from can and remove wrappers
1 can of chili, with or without beans
1 small can of sliced olives
1 cup grated cheese, use cheddar or monterrey jack
1 1/2 cups Fritos …read more