Midwestern girl / comfort food addict

Pooks1n1Schmoops
Pooks1n1Schmoops Posts: 199 Member
edited December 2024 in Recipes
My biggest problem is with carbs (as I've mentioned in some previous posts). I grew up in farm country and we had fried chicken and mashed potatoes with gravy made in the same pan as the chicken was fried. You know, it has those little crispy batter bits in it from the chicken. Spaghetti, our version of "spanish rice" which is really just stuffed green peppers inside out, grilled cheese sandwiches, tacos, mac n cheese. I can make some "lighter" versions of some of these, but I'd like to add something new to my repertoire. My boys (15 and 19) grew up on the same things because that's what I learned to cook. Their weight isn't a huge concern yet because they're still really active, but I want to make some changes while I can. Any ideas about American/Midwest foods that aren't terrible for you?

Replies

  • mstifb
    mstifb Posts: 230
    I have some of the same problems. I love my mac n cheese (or cheese and mac) and steak and potatoes type meals too. I hope you get some good suggestions because I really need some too! :flowerforyou:
  • Pooks1n1Schmoops
    Pooks1n1Schmoops Posts: 199 Member
    So far we got nothin! Lol
  • TheUglyFriend
    TheUglyFriend Posts: 338
    I think in moderation everything is considered "bad for you". Its not a bad thing to eat what makes you happy. You can even lose weight just lowering your portion size and eating slower and having lots of water during dinner time. This is what I have done so far losing weight but it may not work for everyone. Its not what you eat, Its how much you eat.
  • Pooks1n1Schmoops
    Pooks1n1Schmoops Posts: 199 Member
    That's what I've been doing too and the weight is coming off pretty quickly. I'm just scared I'll lose muscle and not fat!
    I think in moderation everything is considered "bad for you". Its not a bad thing to eat what makes you happy. You can even lose weight just lowering your portion size and eating slower and having lots of water during dinner time. This is what I have done so far losing weight but it may not work for everyone. Its not what you eat, Its how much you eat.
  • TheUglyFriend
    TheUglyFriend Posts: 338
    That's what I've been doing too and the weight is coming off pretty quickly. I'm just scared I'll lose muscle and not fat!
    I think in moderation everything is considered "bad for you". Its not a bad thing to eat what makes you happy. You can even lose weight just lowering your portion size and eating slower and having lots of water during dinner time. This is what I have done so far losing weight but it may not work for everyone. Its not what you eat, Its how much you eat.

    While losing weight its always essential to work out so that you ensure you dont lose muscle. I found that for starters Pilates is great for women who are beginners with the work outs. Its very relaxing as well. Try it out if you havent already.
  • buckeyegirl14
    buckeyegirl14 Posts: 3 Member
    I too love the most tasty foods but I have found great recipes from just getting on the internet. I'm diabetic so I must watch sugars. One of my favorite locations is www.eatbetteramerica.com/healthy-living. They have 'healthified' some of our old favorites. You still must be careful with your portions, but at least you start from a a better overall place.
    Check them out, I think you will be pleased!
    Be blessed!
    Buckeyegirl

    Orginal Recipe for Mom's Zucchini Bread
    Prep Time: 20 Min Cook Time: 1 Hr Ready In: 1 Hr 40 Min Servings: 24 Original Recipe Yield: 2 loaves
    3 cups all-purpose flour
    1 teaspoon salt
    1 teaspoon baking soda
    1 teaspoon baking powder
    3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    3 eggs
    1 cup vegetable oil
    2 1/4 cups white sugar
    3 teaspoons vanilla extract
    2 cups grated zucchini
    1 cup chopped walnuts

    Grease and flour two 8 x 4 inch pans. Preheat oven to 3250 F.
    Sift flour, salt, baking powder, soda, and cinnamon together in a bowl.
    Beat eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar together in a large bowl. Add sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture, and beat well. Stir in zucchini and nuts until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pans.
    Bake for 40 to 60 minutes, or until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on rack for 20 minutes. Remove bread from pan, and completely cool.

    Nutritional Information: Amount Per Serving Calories: 255 | Total Fat: 13.1g | Cholesterol: 26mg
    ________________________________________

    Healthier Mom's Zucchini Bread (my variation)

    Prep Time: 20 Min Cook Time: 1 Hr Ready In: 2 Hrs 20 Min Servings: 24

    1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    1 1/2 cups white whole-wheat flour
    1 teaspoon salt
    1 teaspoon baking soda
    1 teaspoon baking powder
    3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    3 eggs
    1/2 cup skim milk
    1/2 cup applesauce
    1 1/2 cups Splenda
    3 teaspoons vanilla extract
    3 cups grated zucchini
    1 cup chopped walnuts

    Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour four small loaf pans.
    Sift all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon into a bowl.
    Beat eggs, milk, vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract together in a large bowl. Add sifted ingredients and beat well. Stir in zucchini and walnuts until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pans.
    Bake in preheated oven until toothpick inserted in center of bread comes out clean, 40 to 60 minutes. Cool in pans on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Remove bread from pan and cool completely.

    Nutritional Information: Amount Per Serving Calories: 110
  • irishcream4u2
    irishcream4u2 Posts: 11 Member
    I am from the midwest as well. I eventually discovered that the more produce (veggies/fruits) that I added to my daily intake, the less that I craved carbs in the way of breads/pasta/crackers/potatoes/crackers, etc. Who would have thought that adding fruits/veggies to my meals/snacks would have such a dramatic impact on my overall cravings.

    Today I am baking an "Eggplant Parmesan" casserole. It is my new vegetable of the week, as I have never cooked with it before.
    I roasted slices of the eggplant at 300* in my toaster over after a very light drizzle of olive oil, until it was tender and only very light golden in color. I sauteed some chopped green peppers in a bit of olive oil, then added a large diced tomato and let them simmer a few minutes. I added 2 cups of canned spaghetti sauce (whatever is your fave) and 1 can of sweet baby peas. I let this simmer together about 15 minutes, just to reduce the liquid a bit. (If you don't like peas, add green beans.)

    Next, I layered the sauce, eggplant, and small amounts of shredded cheddar/jack cheese & Parmesan cheese in a small casserole dish, repeating until all ingredients were used. Now it is baking and smells delicious. Since most of it is veggies and only about 1/2 cup of grated cheese, it will be very light on fat/calories/serving. I will get about 6 servings from this dish....which means the leftovers will be even better.

    Give it a try and let me know what you think. ENJOY!! :-)
This discussion has been closed.

Categories