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Healthy Recipe Idea: Low-Fat Ranch Dressing

FitSugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 07:30:00 -0800

In college I put ranch dressing on everything; I was also 20 pounds heavier. I have since curbed my ranch addiction but from time to time I still crave it so I was excited to try this recipe for Low-Fat Buttermilk Ranch. It wasn't quite the same, but it did the trick while being way less in calories - regular ranch dressing has about 145 calories per serving, but this recipe only has 30 calories per serving.

To see the recipe read more.

Low-Fat Buttermilk Ranch
from Good Housekeeping

1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup light mayonnaise
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 clove garlic, crushed with press
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Combine all ingredients and mix dressing in a small bowl with a whisk or fork. Or combine ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake to blend. If not using right away, cover and refrigerate up to 3 days.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving*)
Calories 30
Total Fat 2g
Saturated Fat --
Cholesterol 4mg
Sodium 150mg
Total Carbohydrate 2g

*Nutritional information is based on a 2-tablespoon serving.

Source

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If you try it out, let me know what you think!

Low Fat Banana Bread with Chocolate, Cherries and Walnuts

FitSugar — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 03:30:00 -0700

I had two very large, very rotten bananas sitting on my kitchen counter. When life gives you rotten bananas you make banana bread (or smoothies, but I was in a baking mood).

I wanted to try to make a low fat version and I found this non-fat version, but since I added chocolate and it also contains nuts the entire package has some fat in it. Since the recipe is vegan it contains no butter and no eggs, it is definitely low in cholesterol.

The bread is tasty, but a little dense and a little dry. I want to toast it and smear it with butter, but that defeats the purpose doesn't it. It is great for breakfast or a snack, but I wouldn't take this banana bread to a party or give it as a gift. To occasions like those I prefer to bring something a bit more decadent.

To check out the recipe, just read more

Low Fat Banana Bread with Dried Cherries, Chocolate, and Walnuts
adapted from Fat Free Vegan

3 over-ripe bananas
2 tbsp. lemon juice
4 ounces unsweetened apple sauce
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
2 cups whole wheat flour
3/4 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup tart dried cherries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 325 F. Spray loaf pan with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mash the bananas and add the lemon juice, apple sauce, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
In a separate bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, and stir just until the mixture is well-combined.
Spread the mixture evenly in the pan and bake until a toothpick or knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 40 - 50 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.

Note from Fat Free Vegan: Fat-free quickbreads like this really benefit from being allowed to cool completely, which is why they often taste better the next day. The crust, which is chewier than breads with oil, will gather moisture and softness over time. Ignore the tempting aroma; pleasure delayed will be pleasure multiplied.

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Chocolate Dessert Without the Guilt

YumSugar — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 14:30:16 -0800

To round out my celebration of National Chocolate Day (really, who does make these things up?), I've decided to share with you a great, light chocolate treat. I found this in a book I picked up at a garage sale called 365 Delicious Low-Fat Recipes. Now, I'm usually not one to count my calories (I've decided if it tastes good I'll eat it, now if I could only learn moderation...), but this recipe is so simple and tasty, that you won't even realize it's low-fat. To learn how to make yummy Chocolate Ice, read more.

Chocolate Ice
From 365 Delicious Low-Fat Recipes

2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 cups water

Put 9-inch square metal pan into freezer to chill.
In medium saucepan combine sugar, cocoa powder and cinnamon.
Gradually add water, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth.
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until syrup comes to a boil (about 5 minutes).
Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 3 minutes.
Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes).
Remove pan from freezer (it should be chilled by now) and pour mixture into it.
Freeze until ice crystals form around edges (about 30 minutes).
Stir crystals into center of mixture. Return pan to freezer and stir every 30 minutes until mixture is firm (2-4 hours).
Break up chocolate ice with a wooden spoon.
Scrape with a fork (if possible) and scoop into chilled parfait glasses or wine goblets. Note: If scraping is not possible, place in food processor and pulse several times until smooth.

Per Serving:
Calories: 95 - Total Fat: Less than 1g - Saturated Fat: 0g

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Dessert Without The Guilt: Low Fat Banana Mousse

partysugar — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 16:01:31 -0700

I know I'm guilty of posting far too many delicious, drool worthy desserts that are full of fat, butter, cream, chocolate, and everything else bad for us. To make up for all of the fattening recipes, and to please my dear friend FitSugar, I recommend that we make a creamy dessert that is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium! The smooth mousse takes its full balanced flavor from real ripe bananas and makes a nice finish to a heavy grilled meal, a crisp filling salad, or a cheesy sandwich. Go ahead, have dessert without the guilt. Get the recipe, just read more

Banana Mousse
From Medicine Net

2 tablespoons low fat (1%) milk
4 tsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 medium banana, cut in quarters
1 cup plain low fat yogurt
8 1/4-inch banana slices

Place milk, sugar, vanilla, and banana in blender. Process 15 seconds at high speed until smooth.
Pour mixture into a small bowl; fold in yogurt.
Chill.
Spoon into 4 dessert dishes; garnish each with 2 banana slices just before serving..

Serves 4.

Calories: 94 Total fat: 1 g Saturated fat: 1 g Cholesterol: 4 mg Sodium: 47 mg

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Fast & Easy Dinner: Low-Fat Fettuccine Alfredo

partysugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:11:39 -0700

I love everything about creamy, decadent pasta sauces. However, I know they're incredibly unhealthy. That's why I enjoy making lighter versions like this low-fat fettuccine Alfredo. The recipe calls for skim milk and tons of crunchy, green broccoli. A small amount of good quality parmesan cheese adds depth and flavor. To recreate this classic pasta dish in a more healthful manner, read more.

Low-Fat Fettuccine Alfredo
From Real Simple magazine

Ingredients

12 ounces fettuccine
1 head of broccoli
1 1/2 cups cups skim milk
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon flour
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

Cook fettuccine according to the package directions; drain.
Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook broccoli (cut into florets, stalks peeled and sliced), 3 minutes; drain.
Heat skim milk and butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Slowly whisk in flour.
Simmer until slightly thickened, whisking constantly, 1 to 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan and salt.
Add the pasta and broccoli and stir over low heat until heated through. Top each serving with Parmesan shavings.

Serves 4.

NUTRITION PER SERVING: CALORIES 445(0% from fat); FAT 9g (sat 5g); PROTEIN 22mg; CHOLESTEROL 23mg; CALCIUM 312mg; SODIUM 568mg; FIBER 4g; CARBOHYDRATE 72g; IRON 3mg

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Healthy T-Day Dessert: Pumpkin-Carrot Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

FitSugar — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:30:05 -0800

Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and my love of all things pumpkin is hardly waning. From yogurt to muffins, I relish this tasty flavor of Fall. If you're looking for a pumpkin pie alternative, these pumpkin-carrot bars are delish. The bit of cream cheese frosting adds a deceptive element of decadence.

Low in calories while remaining full of flavor, these pumpkin bars make a great dessert - perfect for potlucks (much easier to share with large groups than pies) and they're relatively guilt-free. They're high in vitamin A - and trust me you cannot even taste the shredded carrot - and a bar only contains 70 calories and less than two grams of fat. With nutritional stats like that, it's OK to go back for seconds.

Check out the recipe when you read more.

Pumpkin-Carrot Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting
Modified from SparkPeople

Ingredients

2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup Earth Balance (or other butter substitute)
2 eggs
2 large egg whites
1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin pie filling
2/3 cup finely shredded carrot

Cream cheese topping:
4 ounces light cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon skim milk

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 350° F. Spray a 15 x 10 jellyroll pan with cooking spray.
In small bowl, whisk flour, pumpkin spice, baking powder, and baking soda.
In larger bowl, use electric mixer to beat sugar, Earth Balance, and brown sugar until crumbly. Add eggs, egg whites, pumpkin pie filling, and carrots. Beat until well blended.
Add flour mixture and mix until well blended. Spread onto greased pan.
To prepare cream cheese topping: mix together cream cheese, sugar, and milk until thoroughly blended.
Drop teaspoon-fulls of topping over pumpkin batter and swirl and cut mixture into batter with a butter knife.
Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in pan completely on wire rack before cutting into squares.

Makes 48 squares.

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Looking for more healthy recipes? Then check out the Healthy Recipe Group - the name pretty much says it all.

Low-Fat Red & White Dessert For the 4th

partysugar — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 15:43:18 -0700

Sorbet is a great alternative to ice cream. It's perfect for those who are lactose intolerant, refreshingly fruity, and way lower in fat. While it's great served alone in a delicate little bowl, it's more festive as part of a super simple frozen dessert. This dessert is so simple, the only thing you need is time for it to freeze. Purchase groceries today, assemble tomorrow night, and serve on Wednesday. Serve on a white plate, garnished with blueberries, for a patriotic splash.

I know lots of you will love this recipe, so get it now, just read more

Low-Fat Raspberry Sorbet Dessert
From Kraft Foods

1 pt. (2 cups) raspberry sorbet, softened
1 cup cold fat free milk
1 pkg. (4-serving size) vanilla flavored instant pudding & pie filling (recommended: Jello's fat free, sugar free, reduced calorie version)
8 oz whipped topping, thawed (such as Cool Whip)
1 cup raspberries

Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with foil. Spoon sorbet into pan; freeze 10 min.
Pour milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mix. Beat with wire whisk 2 min. or until well blended. Gently stir in whipped topping; spread evenly over sorbet in pan.
Freeze 3 hours or overnight.
To unmold, invert pan onto plate; remove foil. Let stand 10 to 15 min. to soften slightly before cutting into 12 slices to serve.
Place one slice on each of 12 dessert plates. Top evenly with raspberries. Store leftover dessert in freezer.

Serves 12.

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Reader Recipe: Black Bean Tortilla Soup

Yum Community — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:50:10 -0800

This story was written by member SweetPeasMom and comes from the Kitchen Goddess group in the YumSugar Community. The soup looks like it would make a wonderful cold-weather dinner. It's quick, simple, and perfect for busy weeknights. Check out her recipe when you read more

Holiday Healthy Punch: Mulled Wine

FitSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:30:54 -0800

I hosted a jack-o'-lantern carving party at my house this weekend and needed to come up with a nice cocktail for my guests. During the holiday season I love warm and spicy drinks like eggnog and hot buttered rum but they're filled with tons of sugar or fat. A nice alternative is making a big batch of mulled wine. It's served warm and uses all the spices associated with the holidays, but has zero fat and contains the heart healthy benefits of red wine. It's a great cocktail for parties because it's really easy to make ahead of time.

Keep coming back to Fit throughout the holiday season because we'll be giving you all sorts of healthy recipes to enjoy this year.

To check out the recipe, read more.

Mulled Wine
original recipe

To make this recipe you will need an empty tea satchel for the spices. As an alternative, whole spices can be substituted for the ground spices. If using whole spices, tie them together in a cheesecloth or use a stainless steel tea infuser.

Ingredients

1.5 liter bottle of dry red wine
Zest from 1 lemon
Zest from 1 orange
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 tablespoon cloves
1/2 tablespoon ginger
1/2 tablespoon nutmeg
Honey, agave nectar, or apple juice to taste
Orange slices or cinnamon sticks for garnish

Directions

Pour wine into large saucepan and cook over low heat.
Add lemon and orange zest to the wine.
Place the spices into an empty tea satchel. Put the satchel into the saucepan and brew the mixture for 30 minutes.
Add sweetener of your choice to taste.
Pour the wine through a strainer and serve in heatproof glasses. Garnish each glass with a sliced orange or cinnamon stick.

Serves 10-12.

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Please share your trimmed down, revamped, and low cal recipes in the Healthy Recipe group. I am always looking for new eats to try.

Healthy Recipe: Edamole

FitSugar — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 03:00:00 -0700

If you're a fan of guacamole, but don't like that it's high in calories and fat (even though it's healthy fat), then you're going to go crazy for this alternative. It looks like guac, doesn't it, but the smooth green appearance comes from edamame, not avocado. These soybeans are high in protein, low in fat and calories, and have a sweet and fresh flavor that is perfect for Summer. Make this for your next barbecue to serve with chips, or smear it on sandwiches or hamburgers instead of mayo. I'm so glad a friend turned me on to this recipe, because now edamole is my new favorite food.

To learn how to whip up this super simple crowd pleaser and see the nutritional info read more.

Recipe for Edamole
recipe from a running buddy

Ingredients

3/4 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (I use Cholula)
1 garlic clove, halved
1 Roma tomato, diced

Directions

Combine all ingredients except for the tomato in a food processor until smooth.
Add the diced tomato and stir gently.
Cover and chill.
Serve with toasted pieces of pita, whole wheat crackers, corn chips, or veggies.

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This easy dip contains:

	Calories	Sat. Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)	Fiber (g)	Protein (g)
3/4 cup edamame	282	1.5	28.5	8.1	24.9
2 tbsp. olive oil	240	4	0	0	0
1 tbsp. lemon juice	3	0	3	.1	0
1/4 tsp. salt	0	0	581	0	0
1/4 tsp. Cholula hot sauce	0	0	21	0	0
1 clove garlic	4	0	1	.1	.2
1 Roma tomato	35	0	5	1	1
Total in dip	599	5.5	636.5	9.3	26.1
1/4 serving of dip	149.8	1.4	159.1	2.3	6.5