Pour Some Sugar on Me ...

So, in an effort to help my weight loss I am going to try and cut back on a key culprit ... SUGAR!!!  I really don't have much of a sweet tooth although I do like cereal as well as Special K Breakfast Bars and Granola Bars, which I have no problem cutting out.  However,  I was surprised at some of the things that had more sugar than I had thought.  For example: 

Baby Carrots 
1 serving (8 carrots/85g)
Sugars, total: 4g
Calories, total: 30 
Calories from sugar: 16

Yoplait Light Yogurt, Strawberry
6 oz Container
Sugars, total:  14g 

Calories, total: 100 
Calories from sugar: 56

Nutrigrain Cereal Bar, Strawberry
1 Bar (37g)
Sugars, total:  13g
Calories, total: 140 
Calories from sugar: 52

 Prego Marinara Spaghetti Sauce
 1 serving (1/2 cup/120g)
 Sugars, total:  7g
 Calories, total:  100
 Calories from sugar: 28 

So, can I eliminate all sugar ... wait, let me rephrase that - will I eliminate all sugar, no. I don't believe in living a life depriving yourself of certain things. I would rather have some meat on my bones and junk in my trunk than to eat "healthy" all the time.  But ... I am willing to make some changes when it comes to my breakfasts and snacks, and even my lunches on occasion.  Dinner however, no way.  

So, some of the ideas I have to help replace some of my sweeter, more sugary snacks such as Yogurt, Special K Bars, Granola & Cereal are: 

• Fruits and Veggies (while these have sugar, they are naturally occurring sugar and not not as "bad" for you according to my research)
• Edamame w/ a dash of sea salt and lemon
• Almonds 
• Turkey + Hard Boiled Egg
• Hummus + Carrots + Red Peppers
• Greek yogurt 
• Tuna Salad + Cucumber Slices
• Pickles + Cheese + Turkey
• Cottage Cheese + Cherry Tomatoes  
• Oatmeal (Weight Control with only 1 g. of sugar) or Regular oatmeal or 'whole rolled oats'
• Spicy Popcorn: 100 calorie popcorn + 10 small pretzels mixed w/ 1/2 tsp chili powder + 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes 

I am, of course, always open for any ideas or suggestions!! 

New Recipe/Side Dish: Green Beans with Red Pepper

Green Beans with Red Peppers.

This is a dish I never though I would try due to the red peppers as I am not (was not) a red pepper fan. However, the recipe called to me for some reason and it sounded delicious so I thought I would give it a try and boy was I right! This recipe was a huge success at multiple Christmas dinners and even just as a quick, easy anynight side-dish. The slices of red pepper give the green beans such a good flavor, along with some added salt or lemon pepper salt!! I promise you will note be disappointed with this recipe.



5 ServingsPrep
Total Time: 30 min.

Ingredients

* 1-1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
* 1/3 cup water
* 6 tablespoons butter
* 3/4 cup sliced sweet red pepper
* 1 tablespoon chopped shallot
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Directions

Place beans and water in a 2-qt. microwave-safe dish.
Cover and microwave on high for 6-8 minutes or until crisp-tender.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt butter; add red pepper and shallot.
Cook, uncovered, over medium heat until red pepper is crisp-tender.

Drain beans; stir into red pepper mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer to a serving platter; sprinkle with almonds.


* Yield: 5 servings.

Recipe Alert: Chicken Chili Fettuccine Recipe

Chicken Chilli Fettuccini Recipe

This is one of my all time favorite recipes to make. I love pasta and chicken and I love using rotel in practically anything so this meal was/is perfect. Another from my favorite cooking magazine, Simple & Delicious by Taste of Home!

5 ServingsPrep/Total Time: 25 min.

Ingredients

• 2 packages (9 oz each) refrigerated fettuccine
• 1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 jar (6 oz) sliced mushrooms, drained
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cans (14-1/2 oz each) Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cans (4 oz each) chopped green chilies (** I often substitue a can of rotel for these)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup (4 oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese, optional

Directions

• Cook fettuccine according to package directions.
  
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute chicken in oil until no longer pink.
  
• Add mushrooms and onion; saute 2-3 minutes longer or until onion is tender.
• Sprinkle with flour; cook and stir for 1 minute.
  
• Stir in tomatoes and chilies.
  
• Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5-10 minutes or until thickened.
• Drain fettuccine; toss with butter.
  
• Serve with chicken mixture;
• Sprinkle with cheese if desired.
  

Yield: 5 servings.

Source: Taste of Home
Direct Link to Recipe HERE