FLASHBACK october 2011

"call any vegetable...call it by name...call one today when you get off the train..."
the bk says he wants to lose weight. he signs up for weight watchers and we do this together. the challenge? he has 50 points per day and i only have 29! *for readers unfamiliar with weight watchers's points plus system: weight watcher's took the guessing game of determining how many calories, fat, and carbs are in a food and how much of those things someone should have per day...they gave each food a points value...based on your weight and activity level, you are given a daily points allowance plus a weekly 35 point bonus (bonus points can be divided up throughout the week or banked for the weekend)* the bk can eat a normal dinner and still have room for a snack...or a beer or two...after supper. me? i am reaching my points limit and dipping into my bonus points for my treat. "well...you're eating the same amount as me at dinner...of course your going over!" but...but...i'm starving!!! i need to find meal choices that are satisfying for the bk, but leave room for my ice cream treat (click here to learn my trick to eating ice cream on a diet). the answer? preparing veggies (most at 0 points) that are both delicious and low in points. 2 of my absolute faves?

ROASTED ASPARAGUS (2 pts per serving)

1 1/2 pounds asparagus
2 tbs extra~virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
sea salt to taste
fresh ground pepper to taste
3 tbs shredded parmesan cheese

preheat oven to 425 degrees. lay asparagus on foil lined cookie sheet. mix together garlic and olive oil. brush on asparagus, coating evenly. sprinkle with sea salt and pepper to taste. sprinkle with shredded parmesan. roast in oven for 15 minutes. serves 4.

ROASTED BRUSSEL SPROUTS (1 pt per serving)

1 1/2 pounds brussel sprouts
2 tbs extra~virgin olive oil
1 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper

preheat oven to 425 degrees. lay brussel sprouts on foil lined baking pan. brush with olive oil. sprinkle with seasonings. roast in oven  30 minutes. serves 6.

roasting your veggies in a small amount of olive oil is a great way to add flavor without piling on extra fat and calories (which mean more points!!). and, bonus!!, any left overs make a great snack. i always make more brussel sprouts than we need...and snack on them while watching tv or reading my book. so delicious i end up skipping the ice cream! 

want to try weight watchers yourself? click here to sign up.