Cookin' Lean Like Paula Deen

Paula Deen's Lean: Eggs In A Nest

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 23:25:00 +0000

Scrambled eggs are a favorite go-to in our house for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Eggs are a great source of protein, easy to cook, affordable and just incredible. Guess that's why it is called the incredible edible egg!

Anyway...when I saw Paula's adorable recipe for Eggs in a Nest, I just had to try it out! I knew Kimber would love it. Plus, how cute would these be for an Easter brunch?!?!

Below is a basic recipe for the lean version of Paula's recipe. However, there is a lot of room to really have some fun with these and still keep 'em nutritious. Think about what you would normally put in your eggs. Maybe some sauteed peppers and onions? Maybe a little bit of diced lean ham or crumbled turkey sausage? Salmon? The options are there. Just remember to keep it lean.

EGGS IN A NEST
Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

1-1/2 cup Egg Beaters
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup 2% shredded Cheddar Cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Parsley, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

For the nest...
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. On a prepared baking sheet (spray with non-fat cooking spray), divide Parmesan cheese into four circles.

Bake for 3 minutes, until cheese is bubbly.

Remove from oven and allow to cool for a minute. When able to handle, carefully take the melted cheese circles and place inside a cupcake mold.

Allow to harden for at least 5 minutes. Remove from muffin cups and place on serving platter.

For the eggs...
In a pan over medium-high heat, scramble the Egg Beaters. Season with salt and pepper. Add Cheddar cheese and other desired ingredients into the eggs. Continue to scramble until cheese in melted.

Remove the eggs from the heat and allow to cool slightly. Spoon the eggs evenly into the "nests" and top with parsley. Serve!

RESULTS

We LOVED these guys! Not only did subbing the Parm nest for the phyllo save nutritionally, it added so much flavor!! And the Egg Beaters....Rudy didn't even realize they weren't regular crack n' cook eggs! I can't wait to make these again with a little somethin' extra like turkey sausage or some veggies.

Overall, just leave out the butter and you are making huge steps in the right direction!

Let's see how we did nutritionally speaking!

NUTRITION FACTS (per nest):

BEFORE~ 627.75 calories / 57.59g fat / 11.65g carb / 31.93g protein / .28g fiber
AFTER~ 202.75 calories / 10.75g fat / 2.72g carb / 21.73g protein / 0g fiber
SAVES~ 425 calories / 46.8g fat / 8.93g carbohydrate

*PRINTER~FRIENDLY*

Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: 14 Ways to Show Your Heart Some Love on Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:26:00 +0000

It's Valentine's Day! I am not really a huge fan of the day (that's just me), but I still can't resist acknowledging the day or drawing inspiration from it all. It's everywhere!! I give in.

Since Valentine's Day seems to be catered toward couples and tends to makes some single people feel terrible, I wanted to focus on something that everyone can relate to.

We all have hearts! Let's focus on some fun and fit things to do today to show your heart a little love on this special day!

Single or coupled ... this list is for you!!

14 WAYS TO SHOW YOUR HEART SOME LOVE ON VALENTINE'S DAY

1. Have some red wine (my favorite)~ Antioxidants = good 4 U. CHEERS!

2. Eat dark chocolate (my 2nd favorite)~ Indulge in the name of heart health.

3. Make yourself a "heart healthy" meal at home~ I know where you can find a ton of those recipes!! *hint

4. Dance!

5. Think RED with food today~ Strawberries, raspberries, watermelon, cranberries, pomegranates, tomatoes and red chili peppers all have powerful antioxidants that keep the heart healthy.

6. Be Spicy! ~ Many herbs and spices (such as basil, cinnamon, rosemary and thyme) have antioxidant properties that help to suppress inflammation.

7.Take a Walk ~ Find your favorite play list and hit the road for some me time that your heart will love.

8. Sleep ~ Research supports that lack of sleep is related to an increased risk of heart disease.

9. Do What Makes You Happy ~ Happier people are more likely to be healthier. Research is finding a strong connection between emotions and heart health.

10. Get Together With The Girls~ Girl time always makes things better. That has to be good for the heart!

11. Go Fish!~ Fish that contains Omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body and lower harmful cholesteral levels. Suggestions? Salmon, albacore tuna and trout.

12. Buy Yourself Something Sexy ~ It doesn't matter if "someone special" is going to see it or not! Every woman deserves to feel hot. So go buy that adorable VS number you have been eyeing or the dress that makes you feel like a million bucks. Feelin' hot is so good for your heart!! Get to shoppin'!

13. Bake Some Cookies ~ Something about baking can be relaxing and therapeutic. Use whole wheat flour in those cookies to boost those heart healthy benefits.

14. Relax ~ Stress is not good on the heart. Curl up with a good book, pick up a magazine, turn on some quiet music and just close your eyes...whatever it takes to slow down your pace and relax.

There ya go! 14 heart healthy ways to spend this Valentine's Day! I plan on doing the first two for sure!!

HAPPY HEART DAY!!

Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: Why Detox?

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:11:00 +0000

I recently was asked to participate in a 3-day detox diet with a colleague of mine. He was looking for a little support and figured it wouldn't be so bad if someone else was doing it too. Makes sense. So, I agreed to the diet.

Sunday morning he sent me all of the instructions for the detox, which I needed to make my trip to the grocery store. I was pumped about it! The pumped feeling was short-lived. I then opened up the attachment he sent....

Not happening! Beet shakes, tea with stuff I would spend all day looking for around the stores in our town. A little too much for me. The word "extreme" comes to mind. I am all about a healthy detox. It sounds good, but before I get to the extreme mapped out in this plan, I need to start small. Baby steps. This seemed more like a plan for people that already eat just fruits and vegetables. As ya'll know...that isn't me!!

So in talking with friends about "The Detox" that never happened, the question everyone asked me was, "Why detox?" Good question. Why put yourself through such torture? There needs to be a reason for it, right? Here is what I have found that seems to sum it up well...

Detoxing can help reset your digestive track and change bad habits so that you no longer crave certain unhealthy foods. A cleanse can also help to improve your energy levels and digestion, promote weight loss, enhance mental clarity, balance your mood and promote long-term dietary changes. ~ livestrong.com

What did I get from that? Basically, detox diets allow you to start with a clean slate. It's a fresh start! As you eat healthier foods and cut out the junk, you crave the junk less. A detox diet isn't going to help you lose 10 pounds AND keep it off. What it WILL do is get your body into the "eating well" mode...in most cases. However there is an opposite effect, which is to crave a Big Mac like my colleague who hasn't had McDonald's is probably 20 years! Not good.
I never called it a detox, but know that I think about it, I will sometimes do a form of my own detox diet. No beet shakes or herbal supplements, just fruits, vegetables, water and lean proteins. When I have wandered far from the "Livin' Lean Path" (typically over certain weekends and holidays), I commit to eating extremely clean for 3-5 days. After that, my energy is up, I am feeling better and I don't feel the cravings for those foods which got me into that mess in the first place.

I like the idea behind the detox. It's good to restart every now and then. Just be careful with the plan you choose and make sure it is best for you. Watch out for the extremes and try just eating clean.

Happy Tuesday!

Cooking Light with Giada De Laurentiis: Bruschetta with Gorgonzola & Honey

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:31:00 +0000

This is an appetizer that I picked to do mainly because it allowed me to showcase a wonderful product; Summer Wildflower Honey from The Mohawk Valley Trading Company (MVTC) in Utica, NY.
A few weeks ago, Betty from MVTC contacted me and offered to send some honey to test out in my cookin'. Naturally, I said YES!!

MVTC offers the highest quality organic and unprocessed natural products we can produce. Their raw honey and maple syrup is used and endorsed by two of the world's most recognized chefs: Bobby Flay recommends their maple syrup and Tom Colicchio recommends their honey. Not only does Tom say their honey is on the his "Personal Pantry Essentials" and "Favorite Gifts", but he also keeps "a jar of the stuff on his desk at all times."

To try out the honey for myself, I chose a very simple recipe that would allow me to really taste the flavor of the honey. I tested it using inspiration from Giada's Bruschetta with Gorgonzola and Honey. I LOVE it! I also love the feeling of knowing that I am feeding my family a little something sweet that is all natural and organic. I can't wait to use this honey in more food and drink recipes as a way to sweeten naturally. Thanks, MVTC!

BRUSCHETTA with GORGONZOLA CREAM CHEESE and HONEY
Serves 5 (2 pieces each)

INGREDIENTS

10 1/2" slices (about 1/4 loaf or 5 oz.) Parisian bread
2 ounces FAT FREE or 1/3 REDUCED FAT Philadelphia Cream Cheese
2 ounces Gorgonzola Cheese
1 teaspoon honey

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Place bread slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes. (Optional~Spray the bread lightly with "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter" before toasting).

In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese and Gorgonzola. Spread cheese mixture evenly on toasted pieces.

Return to the oven and bake an additional 3 minutes.

Place pieces on a serving platter and drizzle with honey.

RESULTS

This recipe makeover is more of a lesson in moderation. My only trick to cutting calories and fat was to mix the Gorgonzola with the fat free or light cream cheese. This is something I have found works well. You still get the strong flavors of the Gorgonzola, but the cream cheese allows for a right texture and spreads the flavor without all the fat.

This is meant to be an appetizer. Should a meal begin with 6 pieces of bread covered with cheese and honey? How about we just stick with 2 or 3! That is all you need and all this recipe calls for. Two good size Parisian bread slices topped with Gorgonzola cream cheese and drizzled with honey is just the right amount of savory and sweet to get you going. Stick to a serving size and you will be happy; at the moment and later on.

The star of this recipe is the honey from MVTC. It is amazing! You really can taste the difference between this honey and other store bought brands. The natural sweetness is perfect, plus a little goes a LONG way! Only a teaspoon of honey takes this appetizer to the next level.

The facts below show how a tiny change and an exercise in moderation can be the secret to livin' lean. I have said it before and I will say it again, "Cookin' lean does not mean giving up the foods you love!" Sometimes is simply means eating a little less.

ENJOY!

NUTRITION FACTS (Per Serving using Fat Free Cream Cheese):

BEFORE:383.8 calories / 21.4g fat / 35.8g carbohydrate / 12.6g protein / 1.5g fiber
AFTER: 134.4 calories / 4.3g fat / 17.3g carbohydrate / 6.6g protein / .86g fiber

SAVES: 249.4 calories / 17.1g fat / 18.5g carbohydrate

*PRINT~FRIENDLY*

Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: Anti-Aging Cures

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:18:00 +0000

At some point in her life, every woman looks in the mirror and asks, "Am I starting to look old?" The time for this is different for women.

There are women starting to use anti-aging creams before they even decide on a major in college. We will call them "proactive". Then there are those who don't seem to notice until someone guesses there age is much older than it is, they take a look in the mirror and think, "Shoot! What happened?" This is the "reactive" type.

Then there are those gals like myself that tend to start thinkin' about it more once they move from 3-0 to 3-1...then we are in the thirties and now this stuff is serious. We think about it more and more. We are looking for answers more and more. Thinking and acting on those ideas. We call these women just "active".

There is no doubt that what we do and eat has a large impact on the way we look, as well as the way we feel. So it should be no surprise that the answers to aging well are found in these very two things. But if we can get a little more technical, the real secret behind youth, good health and vitality lies within our body's human growth hormone (HGH).

Rejuvenating our HGH can not only help the way we look, but most importantly...the way we feel! It helps us to live a life of optimal health.

Want to know how to stimulate this master hormone gland? Of course you do! So did I.

Dr. Forsythe, who actually wrote the official United States government protocol from administering HGH safely, describes how to use it to combat aging in his book, Anti-Aging Cures: Life Changing Secrets to Reverse the Effects of Aging.

I have not been all the way through this book yet, but I am likin' what I am reading. The science behind what our HGH does makes sense. Get that HGH workin' well again and reverse the signs of aging. Dr. Forsythe discusses two ways to increase HGH levels in your body; natural biostimulators (such as certain foods) and the injectable form. Injectable form is probably the easiest way, but I prefer to go the food route.

Overall, this book is very interesting and one that I plan to use on my quest for feeling and looking my age (or younger). My next challenge is to track down all of the "super foods" he suggests using to jump start my HGH. Most are common foods (broccoli, kale, flax), but others are new to me.

Maybe I will come up with a few "anti-aging" recipes to make eating for youth a little easier. I'll be back on that!

Hope you are having a terrific Tuesday!

For more on anti-aging by Dr. Forsythe, visit www.drforsythe.com and www.antiagingcures.com.

Cooking Light with Rachael Ray: Broccoli, (Cauliflower) & Cheese Smashed Potatoes

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Mashed potatoes are a great side. Who doesn't love some smashed potatoes?!?

My mom made us "Smashed Cauliflower" when the South Beach Diet was first introduced to us some time back. It wasn't bad at all. It just wasn't potatoes.

When I saw Rachael's recipe for Broccoli and Cheese Smashed Potatoes, I immediately started thinking of the South Beach Smashed Cauliflower recipe. If I took a little from Rach's recipe and little from South Beach, plus my own flare, I could create a dish that satisfies the want from mashed potatoes, yet kicks up the nutrition piece.

So that's just what I did here. My recipe for Broccoli, Cauliflower and Cheese Smashed Potatoes is simple, yummy and nutritious. I have finally found a healthy side that my husband has requested me to make at least three times a week.

You say you want broccoli, cauliflower and red potatoes as part of a healthy dinner three times a week, Rudy? You got it!

Perhaps your family will request this too. Try it out!

BROCCOLI, CAULIFLOWER and CHEESE SMASHED POTATOES
Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

4 baby red potatoes, cleaned and quartered
one 12-ounce bag Steamfresh Broccoli and Cauliflower
1/4 cup Fat Free Sour Cream
1/2 cup 1% milk
1 cup 2% Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

DIRECTIONS

Quarter the potatoes and add to a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the potatoes for 10 minutes.

While the potatoes are boiling, throw the Steamfresh bag of Broccoli and Cauliflower in the microwave and cook according to package directions (about 6 minutes on HI).

Drain the potatoes and return to the hot pot. Add the broccoli and cauliflower to the potatoes. Stir in the milk, sour cream and cheese.

Mash until the cheese melts into potatoes and veggies. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper.

Place in a serving bowl and your side is ready! Top with a pinch of cheese, parsley and/or pepper if desired.

RESULTS

This side pulls all the good stuff together in one simple dish. You get the vitamins from the veggies, plus the extra antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds from using the baby red potatoes. Let's not forget how the cheese and sour cream will have your brain thinking you are indulging in a rich side, but really you are being pretty good. Not an ounce of butter in these smashed potatoes and you will not miss it a bit!

NUTRITION FACTS (per serving):

Before: 391.25 calories / 21.6g fat / 37.54g carbohydrate / 18.25g protein / 4.25g fiber
After: 244.3 calories / 6.8g fat / 33.4g carbohydrate / 14.25g protein / 3.9g fiber

Saves: 146.9 calories / 14.8g fat / 4.14g carbohydrate

*PRINT~FRIENDLY*

ENJOY!

Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: Fuel Your Workout...with Music

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:16:00 +0000

Who needs energy drinks and bars when you have great music? It's easy to turn to sugar and caffeine when feeling less than excited about upcoming workouts, but the right tunes can have you pumped and ready to go better than anything! Haven't you been driving in your car, spacing out and tired, when suddenly your favorite song comes on and you are boppin' around in your seat, singing like crazy? I know it's not just me. Please tell me I'm not the only one. I blame my last speeding ticket on Shakira for this very reason. I was driving home from class (this was during graduate school in Leesburg) when "Hips Don't Lie" came on. The energy in the song got me going...70mph to be exact. I am now a little more careful after that one.

The point is that great music can give you the energy boost you need for a fabulous workout!

Chris from http://www.runhundred.com/ shared his recent list of top workout songs for 2012. These songs were voted in by his readers and his music database happens to be the most visited music workout blog out there. Chris also writes about music for Shape and Men's Journal. Pretty cool! Here's a little something from Chris, along with the list of "reader's choice" top workout songs.

The Top 10 Workout Songs For Winter 2012

San Francisco, CA -- Jan 5, 2012 -- Traditionally, winter is the time of year when folks find it hardest to get out and exercise. In the hopes of keeping folks motivated, readers from RunHundred.com the web's most heavily-trafficked workout music blog--were polled regarding their favorite, current workout songs. The resulting top 10 list has a little of what you'd expect---and a little you might not. Flo Rida, who's no stranger to this list, shows up in two recent tracks. Enrique Iglesias continues his transition from balladeer to club rocker. And Kelly Clarkson, after faltering with the first single off her new album, bounced back ferociously with the second.

As for surprises, they're mostly entries from folks relatively new on the dance scene. Highlights include songs from Tim Berg (who remixed his own track under his Avicii moniker), Skrillex (whose collaboration with Kaskade is the first dubstep track ever the make the Top 10), and Wolfgang Gartner (who's made the chart with a little help from the Black Eyed Peas' Will.I.Am).

Here's the ful list:

1. Tim Berg - Seek Bromance (Avicii Vocal Edit) - 127 BPM

2. Katy Perry - The One That Got Away - 135 BPM

3. Alexandra Stan - Mr. Saxobeat (Maan Studio Remix) - 126 BPM

4. Flo Rida - Good Feeling - 129 BPM

5. Wolfgang Gartner & Will.I.Am - Forever - 128 BPM

6. Hot Chelle Rae - Tonight Tonight (Goldstein Remix) - 118 BPM

7. Taio Cruz & Flo Rida - Hangover - 129 BPM

8. Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull & The WAV.s - I Like How It Feels - 129 BPM

9. Kaskade & Skrillex - Lick It - 128 BPM

10. Kelly Clarkson - What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger) - 117 BPM
To find more workout songs--and hear next month's contenders--folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era--to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

Contact:
Chris Lawhorn
Run Hundred

I did not contribute to the voting on this list, but there are a couple I could see myself running to. What are your favorite workout songs that get you going? You know one of mine is "Hips Don't Lie"! Leave a comment with your favorite "gettin' lean" workout song and we can put together a "Top Ten" of our own!

Thanks for sharing with us, Chris!

Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: Phrasing Your New Year's Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:26:00 +0000

I consider myself to be a "glass half full" kind of person. Don't get me wrong, I have my moments of negativity, but those just leave me feeling terrible. Who likes feelin' like that? Not me! So when I feel a little negativity creepin' in...I just tell myself to "knock it off" and I start lookin' at things from a happier perspective. A new look at things brings on a better attitude. A better attitude means better progress and performance. It's this need I have to put a positive spin on everything that has formed my take on New Year's Resolutions.

I like the idea of New Year's Resolutions. It's a new year. It's a great time to change what you don't like about things in your life; your job, your diet, your attitude, whatever. I get it. But what I don't like is how we sometimes tend to focus on stopping the negative instead of introducing the positive. Sometimes just looking at the present and not focusing on the past can be an incredible motivator and allow you to really make the change you want to make. Here's what I mean...

The not so positive perspective would have you thinking, " I drink way too many sodas during the day. I need to quit that. No more sodas for me." However, the new, supportive, positive self would look at the same issue and say, "I am going to drink more water. I will make an effort to drink water throughout the day." See the difference? They both achieve the same goal of not drinking soda, yet one focuses less on what you are giving up. The focus is on introducing more water to your day. The simple act of how we phrase goals or the lens we choose to view our resolutions through can have a big impact in our ability to change.

When it comes to sticking to your resolutions, YOU are the only one in control. YOU are your biggest cheerleader. Phrase those resolutions in a positive way. Think about what you ARE going to do and less of what you ARE NOT. Keep it positive!

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy 2012!

Lean Libation: Ina's Mulled Wine

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 02:08:00 +0000

From Halloween night until sometime in February, mulled wine is a favorite of wine. This warm libation is perfect for chilly fall and winter nights. Just this past Halloween, I filled a crock pot with this yummy stuff and had coffee to-go cups for my friends to help fight the cold as we took our kids from house to house. It was definitely a great "treat" that night!

Hubby laughed at how Mott's for Tots is in an adult beverage. That is kinda funny!

For inspiration, I used Ina Garten's recipe for mulled wine. I picked up a few tips for sweetening over the years from visiting various vineyards around my area. Those tips, along with a "lean perspective", created this version of mulled wine that every adult in the family is sure to enjoy. Cheers!

MULLED WINE
Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

4 cups Mott's for Tots Apple Juice
1 (750-ml) bottle red wine, Cabernet Sauvignon
3 spice bags of OLD TRADITION SPICES (All natural spices; no sugar & no preservatives)
Orange Peels; for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Combine the Mott's for Tots, wine, and spice bags in a large saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Pour into mugs, add an orange peel to each and serve.

RESULTS

I've had this adult beverage "the real" way with all the sugar and stuff. Not only does this save on calories and carbs, but it actually has a better taste to it (if you like the taste of wine). In my opinion, the sugar can be overwhelming. The light characteristic of Mott's for Tots Apple Juice provides a hint of sweet and allows the true flavors of the wine and the spices to pull through. A simple switch saves around 60 calories per glass! That is something to celebrate.

CHEERS!

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

BEFORE: 167.6 calories / .14g fat / 25.6g carbohydrate / .17g protein / .15g fiber
AFTER: 107.1 calories / 0g fat / 10.4g carbohydrate / .06g protein / 0g fiber
SAVES: 60.5 calories and 15.2g carbohydrate

*PRINT~FRIENDLY*

Cookin' Lean with Sandra Lee: Gorgonzola-Pear Toasts

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 23:52:00 +0000

It's not the typical appetizer I would serve to a basement full of men watching a football game, but the fans appreciated this new addition to the line up on Sunday.

If you have ever seen Sandra Lee, then you already know why I like her cookin' style. Everything is "semi-homemade", which saves on time and sometimes even on money. She can take just a few store bought ingredients, add a few fresh ingredients and "presto", you have a dish that is dressed to impress. It's so smart!

Here is a great recipe inspired by Sandra Lee. These Gorgonzola-Pear Toasts to throw together for house guests and family over the next week or so. So simple, Kimber and her friend Aubrey did a lot of the work for me!

GORGONZOLA-PEAR TOASTS
Makes 40 (Serves 10)

INGREDIENTS

1 Whole Grain baguette, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 8-ounce package Fat Free PHILADELPHIA cream cheese
4 ounces crumbled Reduced-Fat Gorgonzola cheese
2 15-ounce cans NO SUGAR ADDED sliced pears, drained
1/4 cup pecans, chopped
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon SPLENDA
5 sprays "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter"
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
Additional pinch ground cinnamon for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly brush 1 side of each baguette slice with olive oil. Place the slices on a baking sheet and toast 5 to 7 minutes, or just until beginning to brown. Let cool.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the cream cheese and Gorgonzola cheese, stirring until well mixed.

Kimber & her friend Aubrey takin' care of the mixing for me.

In a small skillet over low heat, warm chopped pecans with sprays of ICBINB. Sprinkle with cinnamon and Splenda. Toast for about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and save for topping.

Spread the toasts with the cheese mixture. Top with the pear slices and chopped sweetened pecans. Sprinkle with the parsley and additional cinnamon.

RESULTS

So good! So simple! I love when you can throw something together in less than 15 minutes that looks a little fancy. That's what a little Gorgonzola and some pear slices will do, I guess.

If your store doesn't have reduced-fat Gorgonzola, don't worry about it. It is a nice little savings, yet when 4 ounces is being shared among 10 servings...you can afford to use the real deal.

Fat free cream cheese and no sugar added pears round out the smart switches. The whole grain baguette is just an added bonus. Again, if you can't find one, not a big deal. The real savings are in the cream cheese & home-made sweetened pecans. Just check out the savings!

NUTRITION FACTS (Per Serving/4 Toasts):

BEFORE: 256.8 calories / 15.4g fat / 23.38g carbohydrate / 6.87g protein / 2.26g fiber
AFTER: 158.8 calories / 5.2g fat / 21.17g carbohydrate / 9.97g protein / 2.4g fiber
SAVES: 98 calories / 10.2g fat / 2.21g carbohydrate

*PRINT~FRIENDLY*

Well, it's not a "Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday" post, but I thought a great recipe for healthy entertaining was a lot more useful right now. I hope you enjoy!! Next on the list...mulled wine!

Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: My Christmas Cookin' Wish List

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:26:00 +0000

The past month has been a little crazy for me. With my last real semester of classes finishing up, my mind and time has been preoccupied with school and home. Now that the work is behind me, it's time to focus on what I love most...home and cookin'!

When I think of Christmas, most of my memories have been made in the kitchen. I think of making cookies with my Mom and sister growing up. I think of preparing Mom's "Night Before Christmas Breakfast Casserole". I think of making Bloody Mary's just before diggin' into our stockings. The kitchen is a bog part of our Christmas, as I would imagine it is a big part of yours. I am so excited about getting into the kitchen more the Christmas that I decided to tour around www.foodnetwork.com and compile a list of my favorite holiday recipes that I plan on making starting tomorrow! It is my wish to have the time to make all of these and maybe more. Here it is....

My Christmas Cookin' Wish List

How does that look for a list? It's a lot, which is why it is a "wish" list. I don't know about you, but I'm ready to start cookin' and really begin getting into this holiday season.

I'm hoping these cookie recipes turn out to be great little gifts.

I'll have one of these fabulous lookin' recipes up soon! I just don't know where to start. They all look great! Follow the links and check them out so you have an idea about what is coming.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: Healthy Holiday Gift Lists for Mom & Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:47:00 +0000

What better gift to give someone than the gift of good health? Exactly! Like many of you I'm sure, I have been scoping out numerous sites over the past couple of weeks in search of Christmas gifts. I have seen some pretty cool stuff that would make great "fit gifts" for women and children. To make tracking down a fun and fit gift easy for you this holiday season, I have decided to compile a list of my favorites. Show your family and friends some love this year and give a gift that promotes good health!

I present to you....

"Lindsay & Kimber's Twelve Days of Christmas Fit-Gift List"

For Mom...

Nike Free Run +2 Running Shoe
Fresh Fruit Delivery (The Fruit Company)
Spa Package (Pampering is part of good health, try something from Merle Norman Day Spa)
Donut Maker (Baked, not fried with this version sold @Target)
Water Bottle
Victoria's Secret Yoga Separates
Healthy Cook Book (for the party gal try...Hungry Girl Happy Hour)
iPod (for entertaining those workouts, add headphones)
Gym Membership (24/7 Convenience at Snap Fitness)
Lunch Bag (for packing nutritious lunches in cute packages try Vera Bradley)
Blender (Have your pick of healthy shake makers at Bed, Bath & Beyond)
Starbuck's Gift Card (for those Skinny Latte treat days).

For Little Ones...

Nikes (just like Mom's!)
Gymnastics or Dance Classes
Hula Hoop (A simple, fun, inexpensive classic...great exercise!)
PlaSmart Car
Outdoor Gear (Hats, gloves...encourage outside activity even if it's cold.)
Kid's Baking Set (Curious Chef 27-piece set)
Snowman Kit (from The Land of Nod)
Garden Kit (teaching kids to grow...indoors @ amazon.com)
Healthy Hot Cocoa (Perfect stocking stuffer!)
Water Bottle (Make drinking water easier on-the-go).
Kid's Bop (Throw on some tunes and dance!)
Wii Sports (Fun for the whole family!)

MERRY SHOPPING!

Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: A Reminder of Why I Love What I Do

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:19:00 +0000

While at my dentist appointment yesterday, my very sweet hygienist took my pulse and then said, "Wow, 45...you must work out all the time." I told her that I am a runner and her eyes lit up like when I told Kimber that Santa is coming soon!

See, she is a beginning runner. Never did she see herself running anywhere. She even referred to her new running habit as "accidental". It started as a daily walk prescribed by her doctor. Then she started feelin' pretty good, so she picked it up to a jog. Before she knew it...she was running.

She went on to tell me about how she has lost 58 pounds since April, but that the weight loss is just part of the motivation to keep running She loves the feeling of reaching her running goals; pushing herself a little further each time. First it was a 5K. Now she is training for a 10K. She is hooked on running and loving it! She's reading books, asking for advice, sharing her ups and downs...it's great!

Her excitement for this new part of her life was infectious. I love running too. But I had forgotten what it feels like to be new at something, to hit my first 2 miles without walking, to finish my first race, to do something I never imagined I could do. Whether it is running, parenting, your profession, whatever...it is good to get back to why you love whatever it is you are doing. When you get back to that feeling, it's revitalizing. It gives me the energy I need to set new goals and feel that way again.

The excitement of my hygienist's accomplishments brought back those feelings for me. After some time, I think we tend to forget. I'm so happy for this woman and I thank her for bringing back those feelings in me; remembering why I love what I do. She's a reminder of how when one person changes his or her life, it has the power to motivate others and bring happiness to many.

Have a fabulous Tuesday!

Cookin' Lean with The Neelys: Old School Sweet Potato Souffle

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 23:03:00 +0000

Last Tuesday I asked for requests of traditional Thanksgiving favorites that ya'll would like to see Cookin' Lean Style. I was pleased to see that the very first request was for one of our own family favorites...Sweet Potato Casserole. And not just any ol' casserole! There was a specific request for "the kind with marshmallows", just to be sure there was no confusion.
For this challenge, I took inspiration from one of my favorite, adorable Food Network cookin' couples; the Neelys. There marshmallow-covered recipe for Old School Sweet Potato Souffle was the perfect starting point for making a sweet, yet slim version of this Thanksgiving staple. Thanks Patrick and Gina!

Old School Sweet Potato Souffle
Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

5 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 teaspoon salt
4-1/2 ounces fat free half-and-half (or non-fat milk)
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons Lighter Bake by Sunsweet (found in baking aisle)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3 egg whites
3 twists of freshly ground pepper

Topping~

1/8 cup crushed pecans
1/2 cup mini marshmallows
2 teaspoons brown sugar

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with NON FAT cooking spray and set aside.

Add the potatoes to a large pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain.

Mash the potatoes in a large bowl using an electric mixer. Add fat free half-and-half (or non fat milk)brown sugar, LIGHT BAKE, vanilla, cinnamon, beaten egg whites, salt and pepper. Mix together until smooth. Pour the mixture into the casserole dish and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the casserole dish from oven and top with pecans, marshmallows and brown sugar (all ingredients listed under "Toppings"). Bake until the marshmallows are lightly toasted, about 5 to 10 more minutes. Remove the casserole from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

RESULTS

Another victory for the Cookin' Lean Kitchen! Even Rudy (the Hubby), who is a self-proclaimed sweet potato hater, liked this dish. It's not over-the-top sweet and buttery, but it still tastes great! You can actually taste to wonderful, natural sweetness of the potato. You still get some of the sweet marshmallows and brown sugar, yet don't have the heaviness that comes along with the butter. The fact that it is a souffle also helps to give it that light texture and feeling. If you are looking for a place to lighten your menu this Thanksgiving, this is definitely a dish that will allow you to do so without making you feel like you are missing out.

Just look how it pans out nutritionally! Loved using Sunsweet Lighter Bake!! It's a first using it as a healthy sub for butter and I'm now excited to try it in more recipes. I've used homemade fruit purees before, but this comes in a nice jar where I can use what I need and put the rest in the fridge for next time. So smart, Sunsweet!

NUTRITION FACTS (Per Serving):

BEFORE- 438.4 calories / 19.7g fat / 59.9g carbohydrate / 8.6g protein / 5.9g fiber
AFTER- 148.6 calories / 1.3g fat / 31.7g carbohydrate / 3.3g protein / 2.6g fiber

SAVES- 289.8 calories / 18.4g fat / 28.2g carbs

*PRINT~FRIENDLY*

Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: We Have a Guest

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:22:00 +0000

Today I am taking up an offer from a blog writer who sent me this great piece on ideas for creating gourmet meals at home. Sean is from the Blog Content Guild and he reminds us that great dining experiences don't have to cost a bundle. Have a look at Sean's suggestions for budget gourmet at home. Of course preparing your own meals can bring more than just financial health but physical health too! You are the chef, therefore have total control of what goes into your food and how it is prepared. Double-bonus!

Enjoy!

Fine Dining at Chez Moi: Creating a Grocery List for the Perfect Home-Made Meal

In these tight economic times, you may be forgoing the Saturday nights out or gourmet meals. But you long for that delicious, spongy bread at your favorite Italian restaurant, the chocolate soufflé from that French bistro downtown, and most importantly, that feeling of warm contentedness after you finish a fantastic meal among good company. News flash: you don’t have to give these things up! Entertaining at home can give you an opportunity to enjoy a gourmet meal in the comfort of your own home. In fact, it can be a lot of fun to plan the perfect meal, get all the items on your gourmet grocery list and create a night to remember through a delicious meal.

The perfect meal starts with the perfect menu. Use the menu of your favorite restaurant as a guide to plan out your own evening. Of course, you know the structure of a great meal. Generally, an aperitif starts the meal, followed by the hors d'oeuvres (appetizers), the main course, then dessert. It’s customary to have a digestif and/or coffee after dessert, which both closes out the meal and allows your company to mingle without feeling like they’re imposing on their host. Of course, this traditional structure is not set in stone, it’s your meal and you can amend it as you see fit!

If you are planning on having a larger number of people over, an aperitif or hors d'oeuvres can give staggering guests something to linger over while they wait for the rest of the party. Of course, you could be planning a romantic dinner for two, in which case wine or champagne can set the mood. To stimulate your appetite, shoot for wines that are young, crisp, and fresh and shy away from full bodied reds. These are too heavy for the start of the meal. A cocktail could also do the trick, like a gin and tonic or vodka with a mixer. Get creative with some dry white wine, orange juice, lemon juice, Perrier or a vermouth. Just remember to keep it light and refreshing.

Since you’ll most likely be prepping and/or finishing off the meal at the start of the evening, you’ll want to pick quick n’ easy hors d'oeuvres. This way, you’re not cooking a thousand things at once. Try a cheese and jelly combination on some artisan crackers or a baguette from your favorite bakery served with cheese, butter, and chorizo sausage on the side. Creme cheese’s thick, smooth texture compliments a fruity jelly, while brie tastes great with red pepper jelly or a tomato puree. Hors d'oeuvres don’t have to be ornate to be delicious! The key here is to pick fresh and gourmet ingredients. Go to the bakery for bread, sample an array of cheeses, and pay a little bit extra for nice, flat bread crackers.

After all of your guests have arrived and worked up a bit of an appetite, you’ll want to serve a garden fresh salad. The key to any salad is fresh ingredients and the perfect dressing. If you want to scrimp on the budget, try making your own dressing. A typical, basic green salad vinaigrette can be made with mustard, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. David Leibovitz provides a step-by-step recipe for the perfect French vinaigrette. You can also try making a raspberry vinaigrette, which goes great on a spinach salad with candied walnuts and red onion. Like the hors d’oeuvres, the salad should be a breeze. You can experiment with vinaigrettes ahead of time, and toss your salad moments before serving. Easy!

Deciding on a main course may give you the most trouble. With so many options, how can you possibly pick just one main course? Well, you’ll need to narrow down your options. If you’re having a lot of people over, you will want to have a main course that can cook itself as you host, serve, pour, and mingle. Such entrees include rack of lamb, chicken, or pork. If you’re cooking for two, you can do something a little more complicated, like a steak, seared to perfection over a heavy frying pan. The season could also help you choose your side dishes or main course. Since you’re making a gourmet meal, you’ll want the freshest ingredients available, including fruits and vegetables that are fresh-picked and in their seasonal prime. You can check to see what foods are in season in your region on this seasonal ingredient map. The Food Network provides an archive of seasonal recipes that could help give you some inspiration. Plan your main course around an array of colors and nutrients. A colorful dish appeals to both the taste-buds and the eyes. You can also play with textures and flavors -- crisp with tender, sweet with savory -- you want to present a dish that has a little bit of everything.

Last, but certainly not least, the dessert. You and your guests may be stuffed to the brim, but we always leave a little room for some sugar, don’t we? The great thing about dessert is that it usually can be made ahead of time, then served after dinner. A chocolate tart can be chilled, then served straight out of the fridge. Certain cakes, like carrot cakes for example, taste best at room temperature (e.g. hours after they are actually made). After devouring some sweet treats, finish with a coffee or digestif. In a formal setting, the coffee is usually taken in another room, such as the living room or terrace. When buying coffee beans, go straight to the source: your favorite cafe. Resist the urge to purchase overpriced “gourmet” coffees at your local supermarket. You may be more interested in investing in a classic digestif, like a grappa, whiskey, or fortified wine, instead of an after-dinner coffee. While digestifs are uncommon in the U.S., they’re a great way to allow your guests to wrap up conversation as their stomachs settle.

Et voila! After a fresh opening drink, simple appetizers, a hearty main course, lip-smacking dessert, and a closing coffee, you will feel as content as you ever did after that fancy-schmancy restaurant meal. Yeah, you may have to say goodbye to your favorite Italian restaurant, but I’m sure you’ll find that a homemade, gourmet meal enjoyed with good company is just as sweet.

Thank you for your article, Sean!

**Pop in tomorrow to see just how simple it is to make The Neely's Sweet Potato Souffle the Cookin' Lean way! (Yes, marshmellows included!) It just might be what your Turkey Day menu needs!

Cooking Light with Giada De Laurentiis: Glazed Italian Donuts

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 18:06:00 +0000

Doughnuts are delicious. I have tried to tell myself for years that I don't really care for donuts that much. Well, that's just a lie. Just the smell of fresh donuts in the morning is pure torture for someone trying hard to avoid such a wonderful treat. They are delicious, yet traditionally...they are not so great for us.
Donuts are one of those things that many of us wish were healthier in some way. It's kinda tough to make something "lean" out of flour, butter and sugar that is fried in oil and smothered in more sugar. My friend Pam and I took a stab at it with a little inspiration from Giada's Coffee-Glazed Italian Doughnuts and this is what we got. Try 'em out and let us know what you think!

Lemon Glazed Italian Donuts
Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

6 tablespoons "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter"
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup SPLENDA with Fiber
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup WHOLE WHEAT flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup Original Egg Beaters
1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons lemon zest (1 lemon)
Cooking spray

Glaze...

1/4 cup Fat Free half-and-half
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

DIRECTIONS

For the doughnuts: In a medium saucepan, combine the ICBINB, water, SPLENDA, and salt over medium heat. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally. Boil for 10 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat and add the flour. Using a wooded spoon, quickly stir the mixture until all the flour (whole wheat and all-purpose) is fully incorporated and forms a thick dough. Return the pan to the heat and stir continuously for 2 minutes. Scrape the mixture into a stand mixture fitted with a paddle attachment. With the machine running on medium speed, add the Egg Beaters and egg yolk, 1 at a time until fully incorporated. Beat the mixture for 4 to 5 minutes until thick and glossy. Add the lemon zest and beat until smooth. Refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes.

For the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the fat free half-&-half and powdered sugar until smooth. Whisk in lemon juice. If the glaze is too thick, stir in the water, 1/4 teaspoon at a time.

Prepare a mini-muffin pan by spraying with a non-fat cooking spray. Drop in doughnut dough into each muffin cup; filling about 2/3 of the way up. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until dough has puffed up and slightly golden.
Repeat until all of the dough has been used. When they have cooled enough to handle, dip the top halves in the glaze.

Using a hand grater, grate a tiny bit of lemon zest over serving plates. Place 3 to 4 donuts on each plate and garnish with fresh raspberries or lemon twist, if using. Serve immediately.

RESULTS

So, so, SO good! We loved them. To test out exactly how the "lean" version compared to the original, we made both. Now, Giada's version is fabulous! Naturally...she's a Food Network Star and fried donuts are delish. But minus a ton of fat and sugar, our version stood up really well next to the original! I liked how the baking method and use of lemon gave each of our doughnuts such a light and crisp taste. And these are two words not often used to describe the taste of a doughnut. They came out great and gave us proof that doughnuts can be guilt-free!

Here are how they turned out nutritionally speaking...

NUTRITION FACTS (per serving of 4 mini donuts):

4 Mini Glazed Krispy Creme Donuts: 360 calories / 25g fat / 40g carbohydrate / 0g protein / 0g fiber

4 Cookin' Lean Mini Donuts: 254 calories / 9.2g fat / 39.4g carbs / 6.2g protein / 3.5g fiber

SAVES: 106 calories & 15.8g fat
ADDS: 6.2g protein & 3.5g fiber

Normally I like to figure out the exact nutritional information using the exact original recipe, but it's really tough to figure the facts for fried dishes. For example, Giada just calls for vegetable oil for frying; enough to fill a pan 1/3 of the way full. How much is that? Not all goes into the food? See the issue here. So instead of messing with all of that, I simply found the nutritional facts for an average mini glazed donut from www.myfitnesspal.com. I used the facts from Krispy Kreme to do the comparison this time. As you can see, the baked-made at home version wins again! Next time I make these, I am going to try out this new butter substitute I found from Sunsweet called Lighter Bake. Ever try it? I'm gonna give it a whirl and let you know how it works.

Have a beautiful Saturday! So far I have one Thanksgiving dish makeover request for Sweet Potato Casserole. Any more? Get 'em in quick! Turkey Day is almost here!

*PRINT~FRIENDLY*

Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: Trim Down Turkey Time

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 20:39:00 +0000

It's almost time to start the most food-filled time of the year! From Thanksgiving to New Years Day can feel like a 5-1/2 week long buffet! Thanksgiving is just over a week away and I am already hearing references to "finding fat pants" and "falling into food comas". Yes, this is a time when it is expected to let loose a little, have fun and maybe indulge a bit. But as we know, there are ways to make our favorite dishes without completely blowing our nutritional budget.

I wanna hear from you!

What's your favorite, fat-filled, gravy-laced, breaded, fried or sugar covered Thanksgiving dish?

Would you like to see it done "Cookin' Lean Style"?

Paula Deen's Lean: Fried Bacon Mashed Potatoes

Challenge me. Tell me what you crave for Turkey Day and I will test it out before the guests arrive next Thursday.

I can't do 'em all, so the first few in will get the makeover. You know I love my Food Network Stars, so if it is one of their recipes...even better!

I'm pumped to see what your favorite Thanksgiving dishes are. I'm even more excited to try them in the Cookin' Lean Kitchen!

Start thinkin' and post those requests!

Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: Sweatin' in Style = Zweet

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:15:00 +0000

My friend Marja and I grew up across the street from one another. Like most kids, we both loved playing outside. In elementary school, it started with riding bikes, rollerblading, TV tag and riding on skateboards down the hill on our street. In high school, it was varsity volleyball. It was all about what we were doing, and not necessarily about what we were wearing. As we got older, things did change. It took me a little longer to catch on, but Marja was always ahead of the fashion curve. I do believe it was Marja who taught me in elementary school that socks should match your outfit. Seems basic now, but it was mind-blowing at the time. I needed the fashion advice back then and thank goodness she was there to help. Well, once again Marja has come to the rescue with her new line of high-end fitness apparel.

Some Zweet stylish sport wear!

I am so happy to introduce you to Zweet Sport!

Here is a little about Zweet and their vision...

Zweet Sport is a high end active wear company that is dedicated to providing fashion forward designs with incredible fit. We carefully select every element that is incorporated into our products, as we feel that quality doesn’t just come from the way a garment looks, but also how it feels. Zweet Sport’s collection is ideal for any fitness or sports activity, as all of our garments provide a wicking agent that keeps skin feeling dry. Our garments will not sag or lose shape once damp from perspiration, nor will they lose their original fit. In addition to that, Zweet Sport is committed to supporting the green initiative. We purposely do not package our products in any type of plastic, cellophane, or harsh non-biodegradable material.

Their vision...

At Zweet Sport, we demand and expect the very best out of each and every product we deliver. We are dedicated to providing high quality, fashion focused designs that promote the inner athlete in all of us.

Marja and co-owner Kimberly are two women that have created Zweet Sport from a passion for living a healthy lifestyle "oh-so fashionably". Take a look at the line and see what I mean! These two women have put so much into every part of this venture; right down to each stitch. It's amazing to see someone I know take an idea and make it a reality with hard work and perseverance.

I wanted to review this line because Marja is my childhood friend and I am sooo excited for her. I also reviewed Zweet Sport because I believe in what they are doing!

It's high-end, yet affordable. It looks amazing. It feels amazing. It is amazing!

As they put it, it's where "Fashion Meets Function".

To see more about Zweet sport and to view the collection visit http://www.zweetsport.com/ .

Find Zweet on Twitter and Facebook too!

Congratulations Marja, Kimberly, Ariana and the Zweet Sport team! You gals have something really great here!

Paula Deen's Lean: Pumpkin Bars

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:31:00 +0000

I promised this recipe last week, but as I was posting on Saturday..we lost power. Why? Because it was SNOWING! Snowing in October! That is a first for me as a Virginia resident. I love snow, but not quite sure I was ready for this. So, sorry friends.

Here you have it! Your newest, leanest, Paula Deen inspired sweet treat for this fall. Enjoy it without an ounce of guilt!!

PUMPKIN BARS
Serves 24
Original recipe courtesy Patty Ronning as adapted by Paula Deen

INGREDIENTS

1 cup Egg Beaters (Original)
1 cup natural apple sauce
1 15-ounce can pumpkin
1 cup Splenda with Fiber
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup sifted WHOLE WHEAT flour
1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda

Icing~

8 ounces FAT FREE Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
4 ounces "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter", softened
1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the Egg Beaters, sugar and Splenda, apple sauce and pumpkin until light and fluffy; using an electric mixer.

Stir together the flours, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture.

Mix on a low speed until the batter is smooth. Spread the batter into a prepared 13 X 10-inch baking pan. Prepare the lean way by using a fat free cooking spray.

Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting.

To make the icing: Combine the fat free cream cheese and "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter" in a medium bowl. Use an electric mixer for this too and mix until smooth. Add the sugar and mix at low speed until combined. Stir in the vanilla and mix again.

Spread on cooled pumpkin cake/bars.

RESULTS

They didn't come out as "bars". They were more like a cake. Still...this recipe is absolutely delicious. It's a top 5 for desserts. If you are in the mood for some fall baking, then print off this recipe and get going!

And the fun part...

Look at what you will save by making a few simple switches!

NUTRITION FACTS (per serving):

BEFORE: 291.8 calories / 17.2g fat / 32.2g carbohydrate / 3.1g protein / .8g fiber

AFTER: 121.8 calories / 2.3g fat / 23.9g carbohydrate / 2.4g protein / 3.3g fiber

SAVES: 170 calories / 14.9g fat / 8.3g carbohydrate & ADDS: 2.5g fiber

*PRINT~FRIENDLY*

Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: Time to Get Back On Track

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:02:00 +0000

Many of us have gotten into some sort of healthy routine. We find a workout we enjoy. We adapt to make eating healthy a priority. Things are going great, we are feeling great, we are lookin' great...and then life happens. Stress builds up. We allow a "treat day" to become everyday. Schedules change and we lose time for exercise. The occasional "order in" night becomes a 3X/week occurrence.

It's OK.

Don't stress.

Just reset and get back on track.

My 1 Diet Coke a day was becoming 3-4. Everything is OK in moderation, but this is a bit ridiculous. So...I am staying away from my favorite little treat for a few weeks. I want to reset my body and my brain so that Diet Coke is my treat, not my go-to beverage of choice.

It's been three days. So far, so good! If you find yourself off track, it's never too late to get back on!

Have a great Tuesday!!!

Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: My Cakes Got Sauce

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:05:00 +0000

Starting around this time of the year, fall, is when I like to do the most baking. The smell of cinnamon and nutmeg, pumpkin and apple fill the house and completely put me into a state of bliss. I love it! Yankee candle was totally onto something when they put those same fragrances into a jar. Brilliant!

Back to today's topic...cakes with sauce.

Friday night, my friends Pam, Claire and I had a girl's night in. What did we do? Bake and drink wine, of course! On the menu were Giada's donuts and Paula's Pumpkin Bars (both recipes coming this week). The mission was to take these delicious, yet sinful treats and make them lean. I have great news. We did it!

As I was figuring the nutritional facts for the Pumpkin cake last night, I made a shocking discovery. The amount of vegetable oil in the original recipe was 1,927 calories & 218g of fat!! Now, yes, this is divided up into 24 servings. However, by subbing the exact amount of natural apple sauce (1 cup), we are now looking at 50 calories and 0g of fat...divided by 24. Amazing, right? You can save soooo much and the cake still tastes fantastic! Some would say, "even better"!

The lesson here is that when baking brownies or baking a cake, make sure your cakes got sauce!

Have a fabulous Tuesday!

Don't forget to stop by later this week for some healthy donuts with lemon glaze and Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Icing!! You might decide to have a night in with your friends for a little wine and baking. Cheers to that!

Paula Deen's Lean: Taco Salad

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:01:00 +0000

Need a quick dinner for a busy weeknight? Try this one! We love anything tacos, burritos, quesadillas in our house. This is why I had to try Paula Deen's Taco Salad. With a short list of ingredients and directions consisting of only FIVE sentences...I knew it was the perfect dish our crazy schedule. This dish is extremely easy to make lean. Check it out!

TACO SALAD
Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

2 ripe tomatoes, diced
1/4 pound (4 ounces) 2 % sharp Cheddar, diced
1 large onion, diced
1 head iceberg lettuce, washed, drained and shredded
1 pound EXTRA lean ground beef (96/4), browned, crumbled and drained
1 cup KRAFT Fat Free Catalina salad dressing
2 cups Tostitos Baked Tortilla chips, crushed
1 cup salsa
Baked Tortilla chips, to serve

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, cheese, onion, lettuce, and extra lean ground beef.

Add Catalina dressing and mix well.

Just before serving, add the Baked Tostito Chips, tossing to combine with other ingredients. Top each serving with spoonful of salsa.

RESULTS

We all loved this dish because it tasted great! I loved it because it took about 20 minutes to throw together and it was very easy to make lean. The next time I make it, I am going to try mixing iceberg lettuce with some spinach. This will add a little more nutrition in the form of vitamins and fiber. There really isn't much to iceberg lettuce. Throwing in some spinach won't impact the taste, but it will add more of the good stuff our bodies need!

Check out the difference in nutrition facts just by using a fat free dressing, extra lean beef and a little less cheese. I was wowed by the decrease in fat. The carbs went up, but that is because fat free dressings compensate with a little more sugar. In this case, I think it is well worth it!

NUTRITION FACTS (Per Serving):

BEFORE: 521.38 calories/37g fat/ 27.56g carbohydrate / 21.97g protein / 3.26g fiber

AFTER: 245.38 calories/ 5.4g fat/ 31.12g carbohydrate / 18.32g protein / 3.75g fiber

SAVES: 276 calories and 31.6g fat

Enjoy & have a fabulous weekend!!

*PRINT~FRIENDLY*

Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: Eating is a Priority

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:35:00 +0000

Of course eating is a priority...at least it should be. Consuming food is one of our basic needs. It keeps us alive. So how come cleaning, running errands, party planning or doing homework seem to take priority over such an important thing? Because they just do. I will be first to admit that I am soooo guilty of getting wrapped up in what I'm doing. Fueling my body just doesn't enter into my mind. That is, until I am blind sided by faint feelings or extreme hunger! I know it shouldn't get to that, but the truth is, it does. Not all the time, but sometimes. It's not intentional. Time just gets away from me...and those times are almost always on a Saturday.

Saturdays are my days to cram as many productive and fun things as I can all in about 16 hours. You would think I'd work in a fun meal somewhere, right? I usually do, but one meal isn't enough. To keep our bodies happy, we should be eating 100-300 calories every 3 hours; making each snack or mini-meal a good balance of fat, protein and carbohydrates. When we go long periods without food, our body thinks we are starving and therefore slows that metabolism down. The next time we do eat, the body tries to hold on more to that energy; afraid it may be a long time before eating again. Basically, the body stores fat and we don't want that. But aside from all this, when we don't eat, we feel sluggish and are unable to think clearly. Just a simple 110 calorie Pria bar is all it takes to turn things around if you find yourself reaching 3-4 hours without food. It sounds so simple, but it takes effort.

It takes some planning. It involves being prepared. I am able to do this during the week, so I really need to focus on doing this over the weekends too. Especially on those days where it is go-go-go, non-stop, running around. There is no excuse for not properly meeting our basic needs. I take time to feed my daughter, so there should be time to feed me too!

We are busy people, but there is always time to eat! Many stores are selling items that make eating-on-the-go easier for health conscious people. Saturday is a good time to take advantage of this. I'm really going to make a conscious effort to work on this. I'll let ya know how it goes.

Have a fabulous Tuesday!!

Paula Deen's Lean: BLT Appetizer

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:53:00 +0000

A little over a week ago, my wonderful friend Pam hosted a Stella & Dot trunk show. As her stylist, I advised her to keep the food simple. I also didn't want her bustin' her but trying to make tons of food. I wanted her show to be all fun, no fuss. So, I suggested we try out Paula Deen's BLT Appetizer! It is easy to whip up in just a few minutes & everyone loved it! With a few simple switches, we this appetizer healthier and our guests happier!

BLT Appetizer

Photo from www.pauladeen.com.

Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup Hellmann’s Mayonnaise Dressing OR (½ light mayo & ½ cup Fat Free Plain Greek Yogurt)

• 1 cup FAT FREE sour cream

• Iceberg Lettuce, shredded

• 2 large vine-ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 8 slices lean bacon(center cut), cooked crisp and crumbled
• Sea salt bagel chips

DIRECTIONS

Combine the Light mayonnaise and FAT FREE sour cream in a small bowl with a snap-on lid. When well mixed, refrigerate until serving time. When ready to serve, place the mayonnaise mixture in a large serving bowl. Top with the lettuce, tomatoes and bacon. Serve with bagel chips.

RESULTS

I wish I had pictures of the empty bowl, because that is always good evidence of how it turned out. Better yet, there I need a picture of myself (and a couple others) trying to scrape off every last bit onto the remaining bagel chips. Yep, it's that good! Give it a try for your next spontaneous get-together or tailgate. You will be so happy you did!

NUTRITION FACTS (per serving; dip only):

BEFORE: 269 calories / 22.6 g fat / 9.9 g carbohydrate / 7.4 g protein / .5 g fiber

AFTER: 100 calories / 4.6 g fat / 10.4 g carbohydrate / 5.3 g protein / .5 g fiber

SAVES: 169 calories & 18 g fat

*PRINT~FRIENDLY*

*Original recipe for BLT Appetizer by Phyllis Curtee; adapted by Paula Deen. Found on www.foodnetwork.com.

Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: Eat to Live, Just Don't Forget to Live

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Rudolph) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:39:00 +0000

I consider myself a pretty healthy person. Between regular runs, healthy meal makeovers and a smart eating regimen, I feel like things are good. I am not a perfect eater by any means. I splurge occasionally and I have my weaknesses. But do you know why I am OK with this? Because if I didn't enjoy my Chardonnay or game day hot dog, I wouldn't be living!

I'm going to keep today's post short and sweet. J.K. Rowling (Author of Harry Potter) has a great quote which goes, "It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live, remember that."

Well, I say, "It does not do to dwell obsessively over nutrition facts and forget to live, remember that!"

I have no problem with eating well. I promote healthy eating. But there are just some things that I believe were put on this earth for us to enjoy and I plan on enjoying them as long as I can. It's simple. We need to eat to live, just don't forget to do the living part.

Have a great Tuesday!!