Super Bowl Sunday

Super Bowl Sunday is a big day in our home. In the past, we have prepared enough food for an army, even though it was just the two of us. We were wondering what to do today, since I have had my surgery and he has changed his diet due to diabetes.

The first thing we decided was that the chili we always make was still going to happen. The only change we made in it was we purchased a lower sodium seasoning packet (we always add extra minced garlic) and got very lean ground beef. Chili can be very nutritious and protein dense, so we saw no reason to eliminate it from the menu. We are topping it with reduced fat shredded cheddar and fat free sour cream.

For dipping we decided to stick with salsa and baked tortilla chips. We made the chips ourselves from the multi-grain tortillas that we use for wraps. Just give a quick spray of butter flavor Pam to each side of the tortilla and then cut it into wedges. Season in what ever way you like. We sprinkled a tiny amount of garlic salt on them and baked in the oven at 400F for 5-7 minutes. It only took 5 minutes for this batch. They are amazing and are going to become a staple in my diet. I think they will be a great replacement for packaged crackers.

We are both very pleased that we are having some very flavorful foods that we can really enjoy, but not have to worry about busting our diets. I encourage everyone to find a way to make the foods you love work in your food plan so that you don't have to feel deprived. Instead you feel empowered. GO SAINTS!!!

Yummy!

I have been trying to add back foods to my diet very slowly. I only try one new food at a time, so that there will be no confusion as to which food it is that bothers me, if I have trouble. So far, I have been able to add some tasty stuff, like fat free refried beans, salsa, and even a quarter of a slice of toasted multigrain bread (untoasted can be a problem for me). I have the most difficulty with meat that hasn't been ground. Ground beef, ground pork and ground chicken are fine, but ground turkey seems to be too dry no matter how it is prepared.

Today I tried a whole wheat tortilla, or to be more specific, a quarter of a whole wheat tortilla. I slathered it with tuna mixed with low fat mayo, mustard, minced onion, dried dill and pepper, then topped it with zesty dill slices, fold and enjoy. It was yummy and no tummy troubles! I think I will be substituting the tortillas for toasted bread from now on. Later today I am going to cut a tortilla into chip sizes and bake it so I can have chips and salsa with melted reduced fat cheese. My favorite reduced fat cheeses are from Sargento!

My portion sizes are still quite small. The total volume of food that I consume at a meal is approximately 1/3 of a cup and occasionally I can't finish it all. I eat 4 times per day: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening snack. My meals are protein dense and each of these meals are usually between 150 to 200 calories.