Friday Faves #4

The follow recipe was taken from Gina's WW Recipes. (http://weight-watchers-points-recipes.blogspot.com/) I tried this recipe last weekend. The prep time was minimal and the ingredients really enhance and bring out the flavors of this ALREADY wonderful vegetable. I happened to be over my points last Friday night so I refrigerated and ate it following my Saturday morning workout. It tasted even BETTER! This veggie recipe will definitely be a staple for me.

For all of you cauliflower phobes, this veggie is more like a potato than anything. So if you'd like to cut down on the carbs you're inhaling, I would definitely recommend the cauliflower. I am posting Gina's recipe here for convenience. But go and check out her website...there are so many more that I want to try.

Oven Roasted Cauliflower
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 6 • Serving Size: 1 cup • Calories: 94 • Points: 2.25 pts


6 cups cauliflower florets (1 large cauliflower) cut small
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
kosher salt and fresh pepper
juice of 1/4 lemon
1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, freshly grated
Preheat oven to 450°F.

Combine cauliflower, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper well so all the florets are coated and seasoned. Place in a large shallow roasting pan and place in the center of the oven.
Roast for about 1 hour, turning florets occasionally so they are evenly cooked. Remove from oven and top with Parmigiano Reggiano and additional salt and pepper if needed.




When I first heard of Bagel-fuls a couple years ago, I was grossed out. My initial thought was Who the world wants to eat something where cream cheese is gonna gush out into your mouth?? I most certainly didn't want to. Perhaps many of you think that sounds wonderful. Not I. But I was at the local grocery store and saw that these where on sale for $1.74, so I figured why not give them a try. I tried the Cinnamon Bagel-fuls my first time and they were definitely yummy. So I went back to the store and purchased the Strawberry. It was love at first gush...lol. No, the cream cheese does not gush at all (for those who are cringe at gushing like me). But the Stawberry Bagel-fuls are amazing! They are amazing for a snack, breakfast, dessert, pretty much ANYTIME. Go get and rejoice!

Friday Faves!

This week on my shopping outing I picked up some of these almonds. Not only are almonds a substantial snack providing protein to hold you over until your next meal, these are covered in a dark chocolate! Normally, I'm don't get jazzed over dark chocolate AT ALL. I'm a milk chocolate kind of girl. But these almonds taste SO good. And these packs in particular are already divided into easy 100 calorie pouches so you can grab them and go. This morning I paired these almonds with an apple and I was super satisfied til lunch. Satisfied doesn't mean I don't want eat out of boredom...it just means I wasn't technically hungry.


My second favorite snack is something I whipped up in my own kitchen. Who would've thought that black beans and brownies would ever been combined to make a yummy snack? Not I! I found this recipe on the Weight Watchers message boards. I was intrigued so I headed to the grocery store and picked up brownie mix and black beans. You drain the liquid off the black beans and pour into blender. You add 1/4 cup water and puree. Combine the pureed beans with brownie mix in a large bowl. That's it. No eggs, no oil...just brownie mix and black beans. Got it? You mix well and put in baking pan. I placed in muffin pan for easy grab and go in the morning. But these muffins are without a doubt what my co-worker exclaimed "Amazing." They are super moist and fudgy...Weight Watchers or not, I will never make brownies the other way again. Not to mention the beans add protein and fiber! Double plus! Believe me, you can't taste the black beans at all! Also when picking up the black beans, make sure you don't get anything flavored like "Southwestern" or "Spicy Garlic" ... Just plain black beans like what is in the pic!

Friday Faves!

So. I have found that when you are changing up your eating style, exchanging junk for healthy does not have to be at the cost of flavor and fun. I think most people give up on their weight loss goals because they are eating bland foods, blah salads, and ZERO sweets. I declare: THAT IS NO GOOD! Honestly. Who can sustain a LIFESTYLE of such boringness. I can't.

I have decided to make Friday the day I post my favorites of the week. That way, you folks who follow can, too, add some pizzazz to your snack times. I will present at least two different favorites ranging from main dishes, side dishes, snacks, drinks...basically whatever I shove in my mouth that is SO YUM.

1. Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino Light
That is the yummy beverage that my co-worker BFF and I are so happily sipping in the featured picture. She texted me last Friday raving about it. I was doubtful that something so yummy and low-cal could be SO delish. She offered to pick one up for me Monday and I died in my chair upon the first sip. Be sure to stop by Starbucks and get you one! SO YUM!

2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Frozen Pie
Let me just say that this is bacially a slice of graham cracker crusted HEAVEN. My co-worker BFF made for a dinner gathering she attended and was so gracious to save me a piece. I was really HATING Weight Watchers on Monday and that pie turned my day around. I will post the recipe later on. It can be found in the Weight Watchers Comfort Foods Cookbook. SO YUM!

Anyway, y'all have a SUPER FABULOUS weekend!