Weight Loss Update
Tuesday 10th April
Total weight loss 13lb!
Week one and I have lost 4lbs, I am very pleased :)
Week two and I have lost 9lbs how on Earth? :O
Maybe not for the purists but it's good enough for me
Onion Soup
Serve 2 - 0pts each4-5 medium onions very thinly sliced
2 beef stock cubes
Salt
1 pint water
White pepper
Worcester Sauce
Spray a pan with oil from a mister and fry the onions until very brown. This may take some time and is best if you don't stir too much to allow the onions to caramalise. Add the water and stockcubes and season to taste. I like mine to simmer for a while. This recipe uses white pepper as I think it gives a different flavour to black pepper - less aromatic and with more heat.
Serve on it's own or reduce to a thicker consistency and use as an onion gravy.
A thin slice of toasted french bread floated on top then sprinkled with LF cheese and grilled transforms this into very posh nosh for a couple of points.
No point soups are a Weightwatchers lifesaver but they do all tend to be tomato based. This is a lovely almost creamy soup with no tomatoes involved.
Leek and Mushroom Soup
Serves 4 - 0pts
2 large or 3 small leeks finely sliced
6 oz mushroom chopped
2 chicken stock cubes.
Salt and Pepper to taste
Boil it together until the leeks are cooked and then liquidise. You want to taste the leeks but have the mushrooms there for texture. This gives the soup a lovely savoury taste and a velvety texture that almost feels creamy. You can add a little milk to compliment this too, I sometimes use a drop from my allowance.
If you do not like mushrooms then a potato can be added but remember the points.
We saw some low fat pizza's in Tesco that were reduced in price and decided to get the for dinner tonight. The best thing about Tesco is that their Healthy Living range have weightwatchers points on them and these were 6 points each. They were OK, not bad but they did need a little extra. I added red onion, mushrooms and a points worth of WW cheese. Served with salad it made a nice low point meal.
Is there anything more comforting that beans on toast? I mix a little worcester sauce into the beans and spread the bread with low fat cheese spread. Although I call it beans on toast I don't have them on as I don't like my toast soggy. Delicious.
One of my favourite treats is a steak sandwich. I often use venison steaks as they are so lean a decent sized one is only 2 points. They also have a more intense flavour than beef and when cooked to medium rare are delightfully juicy.
Make sure your pan is smoking hot, season the steaks and then spray with oil from the mister, do not spray the pan or you will have a kitchen full of black smoke. Sear for a couple of minutes on each side then set to rest. I like ciabatta bread as the dry texture makes a wonderful contast to the juicyness of the steak and really absorbs the flavour.
Cut the bread in half and toast in the griddle pan - it literally takes seconds and both warms and crisps the bread. Add the steak to the bread and pour over and escaped juices.
I am planning a dinner party, well some friends coming over to dinner so nothing too formal. They are not dieting but I don't want to break my diet so I am on the lookout for lowfat options that I can serve without any loss of flavour.
This is the idea I came up with for a starter
Chicken Tikka Starter
Serves 6 - 1 pt each
2 packs low fat chicken tikka mini fillets
Assorted salad
1 Lemon
1 tsp mint sauce
6 tsp very low fat WW Mayo
Put the chicken in the oven to warm through - it's already cooked. Arrange the salad onto plates (I used lettuce, tomato, cucumber and red onion). Mix the mayo and mint sauce together with a dash of lemon juice. When the chicken is warm slice and arrange on top of the salad and spoon a little of the dressing into the middle. Cut the lemon into wedges and serve on the side.
Add mango chutney and mini naan breads for those not dieting or add the points
Ham and eggs
Serves 1 - 5.5 pts
2 slices of toast
1 slice of ham warmed through and rolled
2 poached eggs
A few sliced dry fried mushrooms
This makes a nice change and the addition of the ham adds a new dimension. Serve with tea or coffee for a lovely brunch.
Venison is a really rich and tasty meat. As it is game it is very, very lean and so an ideal meat for dieters as a little goes a long way. I am very fortunate in that I live very near to one of the best venison farms in the UK. They also sell a lot of other game such as rabbit and the more exotic kangaroo, all of which are high in taste and low in fat. This is an ideal recipe for venison steaks or even beef if you cannot get venison.
Venison Steaks with Red Onion Marmalade
Serves 2 - 5pts each
3 medium red onion thinly sliced
10 g mustard seeds, (2 tsp)
2 teaspoon light brown sugar
2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 medium portion venison steaks
Salt and black pepper
2 tablespoon redcurrant jelly
To make the marmalade, heat the oil in a pan, add the onion, cover and leave to cook on a low heat for 15 mins. Add the mustard seeds and sugar and cook for a further 5 mins uncovered.. The onion should be softly caramelised. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for 2 more mins until syrupy. Set aside to cool.
Season the steaks both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a frying pan with oil from mister until sizzling, add the steaks and cook for 5-8mins, turning occasionally, until browned. Set aside.
Add 3-4 tbsp of water to the pan, scraping up any bits, add the redcurrant jelly and swirl to dissolve. Serve the steaks, drizzled with the pan juices, a spoonful of relish and a selection of vegetables.
One of my favourite roasts is gammon. I know some people boil them for days in strange and wonderful substances, cola, cider etc and then glaze them in pounds of sugar and various honeys and syrups but I don't. I buy good quality cured ham that is not too salty. I bung it in the oven and cover it in foil to steam. 40 minutes before it is due to come out of the oven I remove the foil and blast the gammon until it has a good colour. I then rest it for at least half an hour, it is so much nicer warm rather than hot (like chicken).
Simple but effective and no hidden points. It is one of my favourite dishes when entertaining, and so many people have commented that it is nice to have gammon that tastes like gammon rather than lots of other flavourings. When I spend a little extra on a nice piece of meat I want to be able to taste it.
An internet friend of mine has used the raspberries in jelly idea on here and loved it. So much so that the conversation turned into plans to elaborate the dish. The end result is this trifle that went down a storm when my Mother-in-law came for lunch. Low fat, low point and really indulgent. Thanks for the inspiration Japonica x!
Trifle
Serves 6 - 2 points each1 sachet sugar free jelly
1 punnet raspberries
1 punnet blueberries
4 trifle sponges
1 carton reduced fat custard
4 tbsp half fat spray cream
1/2 pt diet lemonade
Make the jelly according to the instructions on the packet but substitute the lemonade for part of the water. Add the fruit and sponges and chill until set. Once set add the custard and refrigerate again. Just before serving add the spray cream and decorate with extra fruit.
Anyone reading this blog will probably pick up on the fact that I like mushrooms. In fact virtuallt every meal on here contains them. They are so versatile and I always have them in the fridge. I add them to stews, soups and casseroles or stir fry them. They are also good raw in salads. One of the simplest dishes is a mushroom omelette and this one uses only 1.5 pts.
Mushroom Omelette
Serves 1 - 1.5 points per serving50g mushrooms thinly sliced
1 whole egg
2 egg whites
Salt
Pepper
Fry the mushroom in an omelette pan with oil from a mister. Once the mushrooms are soft combine the egg and egg whites in a cup and season. Add this mixture to the pan and once it starts to set puch away from the sides so that the liquid egg will run to the edges and set. Cover the pan with a plate and leave until the egg mixture starts to set but is
not firm. The lack of yolks means that the omelette will be very rubbery if overcooked.
Ease the omelette onto a plate and add more black pepper. Fold so that the still soft part is inside and serve.
My husband has a sore throat so I made him a batch of soup. It is points free and very tasty with a beautifully aromatic broth. The garlic and chilli make it a good decongestant too.
Chinese Style Mushroom Soup
Serves 2 - 0 pts per serving
1/2 lb mushrooms sliced
1 chicken stock cube
3 cloves of garlic finely chopped
1/4 tsp dried chilli flakes
1/4 teaspoon five spice powder
1 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tbsp light soy sauce
Stick it all in a pan and cook until the mushrooms are soft. You could liquidise but I prefer the chunkyness.
Frankly it's been a hell of a day and the last thing I wanted to do when I got home from work was to cook. Jacket potato seemed like the perfect answer hot, delicious, comforting and no hassle to prepare. I had mine with low fat coleslaw and pre-cooked chicken tikka fillets. My other half had beans. We also had low fat cheese triangles which we mixed into the potato for lovely rich creamyness.
The third Sunday in Lent is always Mothering Sunday in the UK. It is supposed to refer to the "mother church" but has become a celebration of motherhood in general and a chance to say thankyou to our mother's and to generally acknowledge what they do for us.
Now I am a mother I really appreciate the meaning of mother's day and it's not about cards and presents although they are nice it's about knowing that you have done a good job in raising your children in such a way that they do not take you for granted.
I must admit I was spoilt rotten today cards both shop bought and handmade, perfume, taken out for lunch and I have not lifted a finger. My 2 year old picked my prefume "Curious" by Britney Spears I assume because of the pretty colours but actually I like the smell. (To be honest I would have worn it if it smelled terrible as he picked it)
Then to top the day off it has been snowing on and off all day and I love the snow.
I was really looking forward to a cooked breakfast today and had bought the ingredients. We usually have it about 11.30 so it’s more of a brunch and it sets us up for the day. Then my darling husband remembered that he had invited his mother and sister to come to see us today and would I mind cooking. There was no way that my breakfast ingredients would stretch to 6 people (my sons have HUGE appetites despite being toddlers) so I came up with the idea of brunch pasta
Brunch Pasta
Serves 6 – 8pts each500 g uncooked pasta
8 Low Fat Pork Sausage
6 medium egg
8 Bacon Medallions
1 Red onion
2 Tins of tomatoes
400g Mushrooms
2 cloves of garlic
1 tsp dried mixed herbs
200g low fat cheese
Salt and pepper
Spray a large frying pan or wok with oil from a mister and add the garlic onion and bacon (these should all be chopped) cook until the bacon is browning and the onions are starting to soften. At the same time put the sausages under the grill and brown. You can then put the pasta on to cook in boiling water. At this point you can switch on the oven to pre-heat at 150
degrees.
Add chopped mushrooms and herbs to the bacon mixture and cook with a splash of water. The mushrooms should start to release their liquid and at this point you can add the tomatoes.
Remove the cooked sausages from the grill and slice into bite size chunks. These s
hould then be added to the rest of the sauce.
Once the pasta is cooked drain well and put into a large oven proof dish. Add the sauce and stir in to ensure that it is evenly distributed. Then with a wooden spoon make six hollows in the pasta. Fill each hollow with a little cheese to form a nest then carefully crack an egg into each "nest" and place in the oven. Once the eggs are set but the yolk still runny the dish is ready to serve.
For those that don't know Weightwatchers assigns every food a point. You then have a points allowance per day to spend as you wish. Non-starchy vegetables are free and can be eaten without counting the exceptions are potatoes (both standard and sweet) peas, sweetcorn) To calculate how many points you are allocated you need to take this quiz
This is the list of questions that when answered, will tell you how many points you're allowed.
These are the questions-
Are you:
Female = Score 3
Male = Score 9
Are you a breastfeeding mother?
No = Score 0
Yes, breastfeeding exclusively = Score 10
Yes, supplementing breastfeeding with solid foods = Score 5
How old are you?
16 - 20 = Score 5
21 - 35 = Score 4
36 - 50 = Score 3
51 - 65 = Score 2
Over 65 = Score 1
How many stones do you weigh? Ignore the lb, the number of stones is your score for this question. Someone who weights 12st 4lb will score 12
How tall are you?
Under 5ft 4ins = Score 1
5ft 4ins or above = Score 2
In your day to day life are you:
Sitting down most of the time = Score 0
Occasionally sitting, but mainly standing = Score 2
Walking most of the time = Score 4
Doing physically hard work most of the time = Score 6
You should retake this quiz if you drop down to the next stone bracket
or if you have a birthday which takes you to the next age bracket.
One of the difficulties in dieting is having to grab a quick sandwich. If you buy a ready made one they are usually stuffed with mayo and butter and have lots of hidden points. Even the local sandwich shop can be a no-no as their rolls etc tend to be large and you have no way to weigh. That sandwich that you guesstimated at 5 pts could easily be double that. Then there is the other temptations crisps, sausage rolls and buns all designed to make you buy on impulse and regret at leisure.
The solution is to plan in advance, go to Subway or another shop where can check the points before you visit. If you know that you are going for a reduced fat tuna roll and stick to it you will not go wrong it's when you look around for something to tempt you that the trouble starts.
I tend to take a packed lunch to eliminate the risk of impulse lunches. I have no access to cooking facilities or microwave etc just a kettle and a fridge so I have a cold lunch. I think it's important to vary what you have as plain old sandwiches soon become booooooooooring.
Here are a few of my favourite packed lunches
Ham and mustard on malted WW danish bread
Tuna and coleslaw wrap
1/2 WW pizza with salad (see picture)
Tuna or Prawn and pasta salad
Coronation chicken wraps
Cold chicken with rice and peppers
Ham and mushroom tortilla (like a cold omelette)with salad
Humous with pitta bread
Greek salad with pitta
Low fat chicken Caesar salad
Spicy sausage (I use the Bowyers 95%fat free Mediterranean ones) with couscous
This is a traditional Mexican snack that can easily be adapted for weightwatcher. My husband makes tuna quesadillas as a quick lunch or snack
Tuna Quesadilla
3.5 pts each
2 flour tortillas (1 pt each)
1 small can tuna in spring water
1/2 pt grated low fat cheese
1 tsp tomato puree
1/2 tsp dried mixed herbs
Dried chilli flakes to taste
Spread one of the tortillas with tomato puree and sprinkle with herbs and chilli. Flake the tuna onto this and top with cheese. Sandwich together with the other tortilla.
Heat a frying pan without oil and place the quasadilla in. Toast on one side and then turn over, the cheese should be just melting and the tortillas a golden brown colour. Cut into quarters and serve.
Chilli has to be once of the most versatile dishes and the best thing about it is that it can be prepared in advance and is even better eaten the next day. My little boys will not eat red kidney beans although they love chilli so when they are sharing with us I replace kidneys beans with baked beans. Similar points but they are smaller and softer in texture.
Beef and Vegetable Chilli
Serves 4 – 2.5 pts each
½ lb (225 g) Lean minced beef
1 red pepper finely diced
1 courgette finely diced
1 red onion finely diced
1 large clove garlic chopped
1 carton passata
Small can of beans (red kidney or baked) 2 pts worth
2 stock cubes
Squeeze tomato puree
Dash of Worcester Sauce
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground coriander
1 tsp dried mixed herbs
Dry fry the mince until sealed and drain off any excess fat. Add the chopped vegetables and the spices and cook for a few minutes. Add the passata and the rest of the ingredients and stir well. Simmer for at least an hour.
For a completely veggie alternative leave out the beef and add Quorn. This can be made with most vegetables.
I serve this with jacket potatoes and a little extra low fat cream cheese. It's great with rice too and as a pasta sauce. Or serve in tortilla wraps and bake in the oven with lowfat cheese on top for a variation on the burrito. So many alternatives.
Ever since I was little my mother would make me a cup of OXO, basically a beef stockcube dissolved in boiling water and drunk as you would a cup of tea. I love this still and when the weather is bad as it is at the moment it's a real comfort. Savoury, rich and warming and ready in the same time as a cup of tea. Just make sure you stir it well and add pepper to taste.
I forgot to add - no points! What a bonus.
This is a low point treat that always goes down well in my house. Everyone enjoys it including the boys.
Raspberry Jelly
1 pt for the lot
1 pack sugar free raspberry jelly (Jell-o)
1 punnet of fresh raspberries
Make up the jelly following the instructions and allow to cool so that it is still liquid but not hot. Add the raspberries and chill. Simple but really filling and delicious as a pudding. You could add low fat icecream to serve as a treat.
This works with most soft fruits except kiwi fruit and pineapple as they have an enzyme in them that stops the jelly from setting.
Huge fan of Weightwatchers that I am I must admit that their pizza just does not cut it. They are nice and tasty but they ain't pizza.
I love the Marks and Spencers ones and prefer to have half a regular pizza then a whole WW one. Look at the pictures and tell me I'm wrong.
Don't you hate it when you have one point left and you are starving? I must admit this usually happens when I've used my points for wine and then I get the munchies. I always have rice cakes in the house. They work out at 3 for a point and although they do not taste of anything much they do add bulk.
Mushrooms and Rice Cakes
Serves 1 - 1 Point
Mushrooms
Chilli
Garlic
Soy Sauce
3 Rice Cakes
Stir fry the mushrooms with the garlic, chilli and soy and serve on the rice cakes! Simple, quick and delicious.
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