The cold weather has made me Squishy.

When it is cold, it is no surprise that I want warm, yummy food.  But when it is really cold, I want warm yummy HEAVY food.  It has been freezing.  This does not take away from my enjoyment of winter, but I do not like when I carry extra poundage.  I don't, however, diet.  It is evil.  I do, however, change what I eat and increase my movement when things are feeling heavy.  I think all this planning ahead with the meals helps, too!  I eat better, as does the familia, and we spend less time going out to eat.

Here are some things that I have been enjoying when I need to eat leaner...

Only 108 calories, but so filling.

This idea is from my friend, Bella.  Roast a veggie in the morning for the week.  You can use it with any dish to build up quantity of food with lower calorie content.  You can use zucchini, beets, any squash, cauliflower, even potatoes.

butternut squash+olive oil+onion+brownsugar+s&p.

I have finally figured out how to love Crock Pot Chicken.  I used chicken breasts, Bone on, skin on.  I crocked with onion, spices, broth, and msg free bouillon.  CROCK FOR ONLY 6 hrs on low.  It saves it from turning out all dry tasting.  It was perfectly cooked.  (In the past, I always let it go all day...and it has that dry grainy texture.) I shredded it, removing all the bones and skin, and then spooned in some of the broth to keep it moist.

You can use this in a chicken pie, in a brown rice bowl, with pasta, in a tortilla....whatever.  This is good protein that tastes good, and was minimal effort.

150 calorie snack.  You won't be hungry afterwards.

Here are some other ideas, but unfortunately I do not have photos!  Sometimes, I am just trying to fit in the eating before the next request for a story, playdough, or painting with Ms. S.

• Imitation Crab 1/2C+ Salsa 1/4C+ 1/2 Avocado+Green onion+Lettuce
• Imitation Crab+Yogurt Dressing+Cucumber+Lettuce+Green onion
• Butternut Squash+Chicken Sausage+Brown Rice+Spinach
• Brown Rice+White Beans+Garlic+Carrot+Spinach
• Ground Turkey Spaghetti Sauce+White Beans+Roasted Veggies
• Butternut Squash Soup+Ham Chunks+Avocado Chunks
• Refried Pinto Beans+Tortilla+Taco Sauce (only 300 calories, and easy to freeze)
• Egg+Low Fat English Muffin+Ham Slice+Dijon Mustard (also easy to freeze)
• Blueberries 1/2C+ Oatmeal 1/2C+1 TBS pecans+cinnamon