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Weight Maintenance Journal, February 21

Using Low Calorie Recipes for Weight Loss Planning

While we're nearing the end of February into those windy days of March, take a moment to think about the Christmas holidays. They were only a few weeks ago - such a short time ago. And winter is quickly fading.

Once spring arrives, our internal clock suddenly reminds us that warmer weather is near. We naturally put on weight amid the colder months which was great before the age of technology. But in modern times when everything from the temperature of our homes to the clothing that we have available to wear - we have what we need to keep warm. Extra fat isn't needed.

And while our ancestors from long ago used to hunt and work outdoors in the bitter cold just to survive to live another spring, most of us in modern times don't have jobs which require use of a plethora of calories.

During the cold months, it's difficult to even exercise outdoors in many areas of the country. So while our bodies are naturally encouraging a layer of fat to keep us warmer combined with our inability to brave the cold for activity, weight gain can be a constant battle.

However, there is some good news. While activity is vital, our daily diet chiefly controls what we weigh - and what better way to keep a handle on weight gain than with low calorie recipes. Here are a few to get you started.

And while we're at it, let us be reminded that just as the past holidays quickly arrived and faded into time - summer is just around the corner. Short sleeve shirts, shorts, bathing suits - it's skimpy clothing weather for most, so what better time to get your body in better shape for those warm months ahead. With spring arriving, the door to activity will open wider. And with a trimmer body, you'll be less apt to sweat once that summer sun settles in.

And now for those low calorie recipe suggestions. Diet Bites contains a plethora of diet recipes, so for this article we're going to build a few low calorie menus around comforting winter meals using prepared foods. Most will be as close as your humble kitchen pantry.

Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese Sandwich

How long has it been since you've dunked a grilled cheese sandwich into a rich bowl of tomato soup? Well, that's too long!

While the tomato soup is skinny on caloric values, the grilled cheese contains a few. Using reduced fat cheese and light margarine will help trim the calories significantly. In addition, use the lower calorie bread too. When two slices of sixty calorie bread are used with a 50 calorie slice of cheese, the sandwich when grilled on the stovetop contains about 160 calories - including the light margarine. You'll have plenty of room left over for that delicious bowl of hot tomato soup.

Chili Cheese Corn Chip Pie

When you're shopping at the market, visit the section where the chili is on display and take time to read the nutrition labels. Look for brands which contain about 220 to 250 calories per serving. Some brands and different recipes will contain more than double that amount, so it shows how important it is to read those labels.

To prepare, heat the chili until hot and bubbly. Add one slice of reduced fat cheese and one serving of corn chips. Stir everything together and enjoy.

Cooking Tip: Transfer one serving to a bowl. If you heat the bowl in the microwave your chili will stay warmer, longer and you won't be rushing to eat before your meal grows cold.

Chickpeas & Sweet Cornbread

If you don't like chickpeas then feel free to use a can of your favorite beans. As to the cornbread, the Martha White Sweet Cornbread packet is so delicious and easy that I keep a few on hand. Why make it from scratch when it's so good from the easy-to-make package is my motto. Prepare as directed on the package and pour into a tiny muffin tin which holds 12 muffins. This will allow you to enjoy TWO small muffins rather than ONE large. When it comes to weight loss, playing with mind games does assist in a great way. Our muffin trick is much like using a smaller plate at the table which will fool your eyes into thinking that you're eating more.

As to the chickpeas, open the can and drain. Spray a skillet with cooking spray - or you can use a bit of extra virgin olive oil in the pan instead if you wish. Slowly cook the chickpeas and turn them ever so often. They should take on a golden color. And they are so tasty when cooked like this - like butter in the mouth.

Because our meal is basically white, we need to add a bit of color to please the eye. A few slices of tomato should suffice - and place them on a green bed of baby spinach. Now add a tiny bit of low calorie honey mustard sauce to the tomatoes and spinach.

Ah, that's just right - and some mighty good healthy, too.

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