10 Products You Need On Your Grocery List ASAP

****This is in addition to the healthy products you should already be buying such as fruits and veggies, lean cuts of meat, and other generally healthy and essentially skinny items!****

Disclaimer: while some of these photos are mine, I have also included other examples that best represent these products either from their brand name's source or creative commons!

 

1. Almond Milk

A few years ago, my friend introduced me to an entirely new concept to me - almond milk. I was so skeptical at first, but decided to try it. After all, I hated regular milk unless it was in cereal or in extremely small doses. Now, I can't function without it! If you haven't noticed already, almond milk is a key ingredient in numerous recipes of mine. It has little no fat, has no chance of hormones commonly found in dairy milk, and has a rich and sweet taste that is oh so delicious.

Here's a short list of just a few of many things I've made using almond milk:

• Smoothies
• Milkshakes / Protein Shakes
• Cookie/Cake/Brownie Icing
• Instant Jell-O Pudding
• Café Lattes, Frappuccinos, Iced Coffee
• Hot Chocolate
• Bread Pudding
• Cobblers, Cakes, and Muffins
• Oatmeal
• Egg-less Cookie Dough

Almond milk makes a huge difference when it comes to the fat content and calorie count of these dishes - especially when you buy a reduced sugar or unsweetened version. It's also loaded with calcium - many brands have more calcium than a serving a dairy milk.

I can definitely say that my favorite brand is Almond Breeze, and I either purchase the Reduced Sugar version (Vanilla) or an unsweetened Vanilla version (30 calories!). If you're new to almond milk, I definitely recommend keeping to the sweetened versions first! The unsweetened versions are better for cooking when you plan ton use an additional source of sugar or sweetener.

Seriously, throw this in your shopping cart ASAP. Did I mention it stays good much longer than milk does?

2. Rotisserie Chicken

Winner winner chicken EVERYTHING. Just about every grocery store sells freshly made whole rotisserie chicken and there are SO many things you can do with it! I get one of these almost every week because so many of my favorite quick meals are made with one of these guys.

Here are some of my favorite things to make using rotisserie chicken (aside from just eating it plan or dipping in my favorite hot sauce or BBQ sauce!):

• Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
• Chicken Quesadillas/Tacos
• Sheet Pan Fajita Nachos
• Skinny Buffalo Chicken Dip (click for link!) (picture ->)
• Chicken Alfredo
• Light Caesar Salad
• Loaded Barbecue Baked Potatoes
• Stuffed Peppers

If you don't regularly buy rotisserie chicken, you are seriously missing out on EASY and CHEAP dinners that are high in protein and low in fat! Walmart has incredible ones and they're  typically only $5 for a whole chicken.

3.  Light & Fit Greek Yogurt

 

I LOVE Greek Yogurt! Not only is it delicious, but certain brands make incredibly tasty flavored Greek yogurt that is high in protein and low in carbs and sugar. I've inspected almost all the brands at the store, and my favorite has been and will always be Dannon Light & Fit GREEK! I have a container of my favorite flavor - Strawberry Cheesecake - every other morning before work (with some cinnamon toast on the side). This brand beats all of the others when it comes to calorie count, fat content (most Greek yogurt is fat free by design), sugar content, amount of carbs, and being high in protein. Its the perfect combination and one container is only 80 calories! This brand also has Light & Fit Greek Smoothies, which are the perfect post-run drink and treat!

Also, from the same brand, you can by large tubs of Light & Fit GREEK Yogurt to use in smoothies or other desserts, or to eat by itself with some granola or fruit topping! The most common flavor is vanilla, but there are a few other flavors as well. Be sure to look at the Nutrition Label to be sure you're picking out the right one! These can be tricky and easy to buy the wrong thing.

Mix with almond milk, fruit, protein powder, or many many other options for an amazing smoothie, dessert, or whatever other creation you desire! Remember my Very Berry Yogurt Bark?

5. Panko Breadcrumbs

Another must-have in my kitchen! Panko breadcrumbs are the PERFECT alternative to fried crust on chicken, fish, pork-chops, and more. If you've ever used Shake'N Bake, this is essentially the same thing except you can buy it in bulk and for less money, mix in your own seasonings, and its typically much lower in sodium or other unnecessary ingredients!

The picture from above is one of my personal favorites - Parmesan Panko Crusted Tilapia. By adding some Parmesan and garlic salt to the already Italian seasoned Panko crumbs, I end up with delicious and crispy "fried" fish.

Another favorite is my Skinny "Fried" Chicken Nuggets (click here) which are basically my "copycat" Chick-fil-A nuggets (see picture to the right)! These are delicious, tender, and easy to make. And SO satisfying.

And now, we have beautiful inventions like Air Fryer that make Panko-crusted foods even crispier! Just the other day I coated tenderized chicken breasts in Panko breadcrumbs seasoned with paprika, onion powder, and garlic, threw them in the air fryer and BAM. Instant dinner and a packed lunch for my hubby for the next day.

5.  PB2 - Powdered Peanut Butter

This is by far one of the BEST discoveries I have ever made! My cabinet stays stocked with both the regular and the premium chocolate PB2 at all times and here's why: it taste's exactly like the real thing but has a FOURTH of the calories and a TENTH of the fat.

The concept is simple. Mix two tablespoons of PB2 powder with one tablespoon of water until creamy for the consistency of real peanut butter, OR....mix the powder into desserts and smoothies, make it more runny and drizzle over ice cream (like Halo Top!)...the possibilities are literally endless. Here's what I have made using PB2 (and there's SO many more ideas out there):

• Peanut Butter Toast
• Peanut Butter Pie (pictured above ^^)
• Fruit Dip
• Peanut Butter Oatmeal
• "Reese's" Smoothie (pictured right -->)
• Apples & Peanut Butter
• Peanut Butter Cookies
• Peanut Butter Waffles

6. Skim or Velveeta Cheese Singles 

Okay, who doesn't use single slices of cheese? This is essential. The mistake that people make
however is that they simply grab the same cheese they've been eating for years without checking the nutrition label. I have stood in the cheese isle for honestly way too long - long enough for people to stare at me strangely while I check each individual label as I search for the best cheese for my diet.

I use cheese singles almost every day. From breakfast sandwiches to melting them over broccoli or chicken, these little suckers are diet essentials - but only if I buy the right ones!! I swear by two particular types: Kraft Skim Cheese singles (pictured on the right on one of my BBQ Turkey Burgers), and Velveeta Singles! I really don't think I could survive a diet without these.

Here's what I use them for:

• English Muffin Sandwiches
• Bagel Sandwiches
• Cheeseburgers / Turkey Burgers
• Chicken Sandwiches
• Melted over Broccoli 
• Cheese Toast
• Melted over chicken
• Grilled Cheese
• Cheesy Eggs
• Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

7. Smart Balance Light Buttery Spread

There are SO many reasons why this product is on this list and a perfect butter substitute for almost everything. Full fat stick butter may take the cake (pun intended) when it comes to baking decadent desserts, but that doesn't mean that you should use the same fat-stick for your toast, pasta dishes, and other daily uses. And yes, I said fat-stick! That's exactly what it is and unless you're on a ketogenic diet or baking without regard for fat and sugar content.


Smart Balance Light Buttery Spread (the Flaxseed Oil version is my favorite but Olive Oil is great too!) is 50% less fat and calories than butter or stick margarine. It's full of flavor and melts beautifully on warm toast, in pasta dishes, makes delicious french toast, and even works in some baking!


A tablespoon of Smart Balance Light Buttery Spread clocks in at only 50 calories, 5 grams of fat, and only 1.5 grams of saturated fat. It's extremely natural and even dairy free! My mom calls it "Jesus Butter" for obvious reasons!

8.  Thomas Light English Muffins & Whole Wheat Bagels

Perfect segway from Number 4! And I actually JUST had a post about sandwiches you can make with these products (click here to read)! Thomas Light English muffins are incredibly delicious and only 100 calories each. They're also packed with fiber and are multi-grain. Same goes for the bagels - higher in calories but SUPER filling and great for a workout day or for lunch or dinner. There's a lot you can do with both English muffins and bagels too! Breakfast sandwiches (egg McMuffin style) are my favorite, but you can also make delicious mini pizzas, or just have them plain with cream cheese or jam!

Honestly, these sandwiches keep me SO full. I can eat one at 7AM and not be hungry until noon. My ideal combination is a slice of either Kraft Fat Free Skim Cheese or a Velveeta Single, some breakfast meat, and a homemade egg patty made with either one cage free egg or Egg Beater's (egg whites). On busy days, I go without the egg and just have the meat and cheese muffin.

Even without the egg, this entire sandwich is 200 calories (using Velveeta) and has 14 grams of protein, 8 grams of fiber, and only 2 grams of saturated fat. Its the perfect healthy breakfast and I eat this literally every other day! I alternate between these heart healthy sandwiches and the already-mentioned Strawberry Cheesecake Greek Yogurt with cinnamon toast!

See my last post, "Brunchin' and Crunchin'" for more information about these breakfast sandwiches including a recipe using Thomas Whole Wheat Bagels!

9. Halo Top Ice Cream

Okay so I have an entire product review post about Halo Top ice cream as compared to other popular brands because it is THAT amazing. It absolutely tastes like the high calorie brands but has incredible benefits and almost no calories or fat. Click here for the full review!

And in case you don't feel like reading an entire other post, check out this fab nutrition label for one of my favorite flavors, Peanut Butter Cup:

Read it and WEEP with joy! Want to that compared to Ben and Jerry's?? (spoiler alert: this may bring intense sadness if you've indulged in Ben and Jerry's on multiple occasions):

It's over FOUR TIMES more calories, almost NINE TIMES as much fat (and 14 grams of saturated fat),  over TWICE as many carbs, and FIVES TIMES more sugar!! It may be okay for a rare treat, but if you want to have a cup of ice cream a couple times a week or more, you better be hopping on the Halo Top train and fast!

10. "Grilled and Ready" Chicken

!! Busy student/mom/office worker alert !! Whether you go with Grilled Chicken Breast Fillets, Fajita Chicken Strips, or Grilled Chicken Strips, there are SO many ways to create healthy meals that are low in fat and packed with protein and flavor! These products are found in the frozen meals section and come with enough chicken for several servings. Tyson, John Soules, and general brands are all great options for these!

Thaw out or warm up the amount of chicken you want, and bam. "Grilled and Ready" just like that package says! Of course, homemade chicken without preservatives is always better, but if you're low on time or need quick meals for work, these products are perfect. Look for these products ASAP and make meals like this:

• Grilled Chicken Salad with Light Dressing
• Grilled Chicken Sandwich
• Chicken Quesadillas
• Chicken Alfredo
• Pita Fajita (pictured right -->)
• Chicken Gyros
• Chicken with Vegetables
• Chicken Wraps
• Chicken Fried Rice
• Burrito Bowl 

See that "Pita Fajita" of mine on the right? Easy as 1-2-3 for a quick in-office lunch. Using a Joseph's whole wheat pita (4 net carbs!), John Soules Fajita Chicken Strips, one Velveeta Singles slice, and a bit of Velveeta Shredded Cheddar, I have deliciously spicy quick Pita Fajita (its a bit more of a burrito, but Pita Fajita sounds cooler). If I had more time, I would've added peppers and onions like a real fajita!

 

That's It! What are your essential grocery list items?

Are there products that you absolutely can't live without? What are they? Drop a comment below, email me, or comment on Facebook or Instagram (@the.skinny.cafe) with your suggestions, comments, or questions!

The Secrets to Skinny

❤  Welcome back to Skinny Café! Some really exciting things are happening in my life right now. Not only am I engaged to my amazing fiancé and am living and working in a big city, but I am also revamping my food blog into a full blown healthy lifestyle blog! This may or not be an addition to “The Wedding Dress Diet” ❤

 

P.S. I didn't go from horribly self conscious to wearing a size 2 Lilly Pulitzer dress by just eating my "skinny" meals. Although my diet was and is a HUGE component, there are other secrets I'd love to share as well!

What does this mean?

Glad you asked. This means that instead of having purely recipes and a few product reviews here and there, I want to expand into the world of fitness and general healthy eating tips. You can eat as many “fat free” or “sugar free” foods as you want and still not see the kind of changes in yourself you really want to see. Well, there are many many reasons for that! This goes for just simply counting points or calories too. There are so many aspects of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and I want to help you do just that.

Have you ever lost a good amount of weight and then hit that dreaded "plateau" that no matter how much you cut back on calories, carbs, or fat , you just can't seem to get past? Well, did you know that there's more to leading a healthy lifestyle than fixing your diet? I know, I know - that's the last thing many of you wanted to hear. However, I'm here to tell you that its easier than people say it is with the right guidance and proper plan - and its just what you need to get over that dreaded plateau.

 

What makes this blog different than any other health, food, or fitness blog? 

 

Have you ever noticed that it seems like the standard skinny or fit woman on any show or blog seems to have all the time in the world on her hands? What about all these recipes that are basically nothing more than kale, avocados, and a surplus of other foods no one really wants to eat for every meal?  Where’s the burritos, the sandwiches, the burgers, the chicken, the casseroles? Nonexistent it seems, I can tell you that! This blog aims to find healthy and wholesome alternatives to the common ingredients that make these foods so “bad” and turn them into protein packed low fat treats that are sure to fit into your diet. In addition, it aims to cater to the working woman or college student who has little time to spend hours in the kitchen prepping healthy meals.

Don’t even get me started on cardio. How does everyone seem to find time to get out for a 45 minute run every other day if not more? Do they not have school, work, families, sleep, or anything else to worry about? Sheesh! Unfortunately, when it comes to personal fitness, making time is a necessity. However, there are most definitely alternatives to this daily steady-state cardio routine that tales up so much time and often for very minimal results. In fact, there are better options altogether that not only are more effective for burning the optimal amount of calories, but also insure that your body is working to its fullest. Ever heard of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)?  If you haven’t, be prepared for a whole segment on HIIT coming soon. This method is promoted by numerous credible sources included BodyBuilding.com, LIVESTRONG, and multiple other fitness blogs. Its commonly referred to as the best training for weight loss as well as the best stamina booster.

One more thing: It’s OKAY to be a hippie! Go for the whole grain, whole wheat, cage-free, antibiotic free, organic, and/or non-refined foods as much as possible! This isn’t a requirement by any means, but if you’re in this for more than just weight loss and for an overall healthy lifestyle as well, it’s important to consider what you’re putting in your body. Many of these things, however, actually can also aid in weight loss. Whole wheat/grain products are unrefined and are made of complex carbs, or “slow carbs” (as Tristan’s dad would say) that are used by your body rather than easily converted to sugar or fat.  These types of carbs also usually have more fiber which is essential for dietary health. In addition, avoiding chemicals found in many refined foods as well as meat that’s been harvested from hormone or antibiotic injected animals can help balance out your body’s natural chemistry – and as a bonus, you know the meat you’re eating was much less likely from an abusive farm (which is why I always go cage-free!).

 

 

So, that was a long rant.

However, I truly hope that you enjoy the soon-coming new additions to the Skinny Café! I am ALWAYS open to suggestions, new products, or tips that I can incorporate into my blog as well.  In fact, I have to give a huge shout-out to my friend and sorority sister, Sarah Williams, for always giving me new ideas. She should have a page of her own on here to be honest.  

Got a transformation story?

I want to hear it! Tell me what you did, how you did it, and anything else you’d like to add. I’d love to even start a segment where people gave their own advice about what worked best for them! Leave a comment, shoot me an email, or message me on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/theskinnycafeblog/

Skinny Chocolate Chip Waffles

Skinny Chocolate Chip Waffles - Can it be???

Yes. Yes it can.

These waffles changed my life. They may be not be an everyday thing, but they are perfect for that weekend brunch where you don't want to go overboard with calories / sugar / Smart Points, etc. One day, I couldn't stop craving waffles. Not just any waffles, but good ole buttery sugary chocolate chip waffles with maple syrup. Is there any way I can do that without committing diet suicide? I really didn't think so, but when I set my mind on something, that thing becomes my mission.  In this case, a very delicious mission.

So here's how these skinny missions go: I go to Walmart (yes, I'm a Walmart girl) with my mom's Weight Watchers app or MyFitness Pal and start scanning. I went to the pancake/waffle mixes and scanned every single brand and type until I found the lowest point / healthiest option and bought it (I ended up with Hungry Jack Buttermilk Mix). I went to the chocolate chips and did the same (I ended up with sugar free Hershey's).  The catch, however, is that the Hungry Jack waffle recipe calls for large eggs and vegetable oil. Both of those things can add quick points to a recipe, and there are definitely healthier options! So, I opted for Egg Beaters (liquid egg whites that come in a carton and can be measured to match regular eggs), and a healthy oil substitute of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. I also use a sugar free pancake syrup. All of these combine to make the lowest point / calorie chocolate chips waffles possible!

Let's Compare...

One serving of my skinny chocolate chip waffles (1/3 cup of liquid mix) is 280 Calories, 7 grams of Sugar, 3 grams of Saturated Fat, 7 grams of Protein, and 9 WeightWatchers Smart Points.

A regular Hungry Jack recipe without my skinny substitutions and regular chocolate chips and syrup (1/3 cup of liquid mix) is 385 Calories, 26 grams of Sugar, 3 grams of Saturated Fat, 6.6 grams of Protein, and 15 WeightWatchers Smart Points

Sooo you can see a pretty bug difference with some simple substitutions! Here's a recap of what I used:

What it takes:

• Hungry Jack Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix
• Hershey's Sugar Free Chocolate Chips 
• Sugar Free Pancake Syrup
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  

  What to do:

  1. After purchasing the mix, take note of the instructions on the box for appropriate measurements.
  2.  Replace vegetable oil with extra virgin olive oil and eggs with the equivalent measurement of Egg Beaters.
  3. After mixing thoroughly, add the desired amount of Sugar Free chocolate chips (the nutrition information suggests 1 Tbs) to the mix and proceed with the directions on the box.

    

   

   And voila! There you have it. Skinny Chocolate chips waffles!! Top with Sugar Free syrup and serve with turkey bacon if you're so inclined!