Trader Joe's Chocolatey Cats...Cookies for people!

In case you haven't heard, I'm on a diet....AGAIN!  Yes, I am getting back on the wagon and attempting to shed some pounds.  I haven't been happy with my weight for a long time and it's about time I do something about it.

A couple of months ago, I joined the Weight Watchers Online program.  It's been slow going since I've had more than a couple of weeks where I just wasn't 100% in the game.  But, I'm going to keep on trying.

Anyway, I decided I should share products that I like to eat while I'm watching my weight.  Sure, we all know that fruits and veggies are great options when trying to lose weight, but sometimes we need items not found in the produce aisle to get us through the day.

This is one of those products!

I started buying these cookies from Trader Joe's ages ago.  Back when I was doing Weight Watchers about 10 years ago!  I had actually forgotten about these cookies until stumbling across them on a recent trip to Trader Joe's.  They were a must-have item in my pantry then just as they are now!

I bought them without checking the points first.  I was hoping that with the new changes to the Points system that they were still low in points.  I was incredibly ecstatic when I found they were still just 3 points for 15 cookies!  They aren't too pricey for a big tub of cookies, either!

They are so full of chocolatey flavor that they are very satisfying if you're like me and have a sweet tooth! Sometimes, I divide the 15 cookies into 3 servings and nibble on them through the day!  Even 5 cookies when I "need" something sweet after lunch is enough to keep me happy on those bad chocolate craving days!


Note:  I was not compensated in any way for this post.  I just love these cookies and thought you would, too!

For more Weight Watcher's Friendly items, be sure to check out the tab at the top of the page under our title.

Chicken Taco Filling

One of my favorite types of foods to eat while dieting is Mexican.  Heck, it's a favorite even when I'm not dieting!  The bold flavors let me think I'm eating something bad, but if I use lean meats and lay off or cut back on the cheese and sour cream (not difficult for me), it can really be quite healthy.  Especially if I use a low-sodium taco seasoning.

A couple weekends ago, I made what I thought was a large batch of taco meat.  For Joe and I, this would have been considered a large batch and would have left us with plenty of leftovers for later in the week.  I forgot to consider that my eldest nephew was staying for dinner.  Goodness!  Twenty year old boys sure do eat a lot!  Yes, I said "boy".  I'm having a difficult time thinking of him all grown up.  sigh.

Anyway, there was a small amount of taco meat leftover that Joe took for lunch a day or two later.  By the time the weekend rolled around, I was still very much in the mood for tacos, but all out of ground beef or turkey.  I had some boneless chicken breast and decided to make some chicken taco salads for dinner.

I really loved how this turned out and love even more how it fits perfectly with my new Simply Filling lifestyle. While I used some "indulgence" points for the taco shells, these salads would still be great without the shells if you wanted to keep this recipe completely Simply Filling.  Be sure to count points for the oil if you've already used your daily healthy oils.

Chicken Taco Filling
      serves: 6 
      PointsPlus Value: 5 per serving

Ingredients: 

• 1 Tbs. olive oil 
• 1 lb. boneless/skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces 
• 1 smaller vidalia onion, diced.  
• 6-8 mini peppers, sliced into rings (or one large red bell pepper, diced) 
• 1-2 tsp. minced garlic 
• 1 cup frozen corn 
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained 
• 1/4 cup taco seasoning (reduced sodium)
• 1/4 cup water, or more as needed (see notes) 

Directions: 

• Cook chicken in hot oil until no longer pink. 
• Add in onions and peppers and cook until tender, stirring often. 
• Stir in the garlic and corn.  Allow to cook until corn is thawed. 
• Pour in the beans, taco seasoning and water.  Stir until fully combined.  
• Allow to cook until heated through.  

Notes:  

• If you find the mixture getting a bit dry during the cooking process, instead of adding oil, add a splash or two of water as needed.  

Double Chocolate Cannoli Skinny Dip

When I was a teen, I loved going to Reading Terminal Market with my Mom.  We'd load up on fresh meats and produce, then we'd have lunch.  We'd always grab dessert before going home, too!  My favorite were the chocolate cannoli from one of the bakery counters!  YUM!

Only once since those trips to the market was I able to find another bakery that sold chocolate cannolis.  In fact, it's rare when I see regular cannoli these days.

After seeing a bunch of recipes for Cannoli Dip all over Pinterest, I knew I wanted to give it a try!  Except, I knew I wanted to make Chocolate Cannoli Dip!  While this dip isn't nearly as decadent as the delicious filling of the cannoli I'd get while out shopping with my Mom, it's still a great treat.  Using fat free ingredients makes this a delicious low PointsPlus Value treat!

Double Chocolate Cannoli Skinny Dip 
          adapted from: Skinny Chocolate Chip Cannoli Dip
          serves 10-20

Ingredients: 

• 7 1/2 oz. Fat Free ricotta cheese 
• 2/3 c. Plain Fat Free Greek Yogurt
• 4 oz. Fat Free whipped topping
• 2 Tbs. Confectioners' Sugar
• 1/2 c. mini chocolate chips (I used slightly less) 
• 6 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder 
• Additional mini chocolate chips for garnish (optional) 

Directions: 

• In a mixing bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese and yogurt.  
• Add the whipped topping and confectioners' sugar and mix by hand until well-combined.  
• Add the mini chocolate chips.  
• Once the above ingredients are combined, mix in the cocoa powder until completely incorporated.  
• Chill for at least an hour before serving. 

Notes: 

• I used slightly less than 1/2 cup. mini chocolate chips, but still counted points for the full 1/2 cup.  
• Once I was finished mixing this together, I transferred it to another bowl for storage in the fridge.  I weighed the completed recipe and came up with 20 oz.  
• PointsPlus Value for 1 oz = 1 point. 
• PointsPlus Value for 2 oz = 3 points.  

I'm linking this recipe to the following blog carnivals and linky parties: 

• Tasty Tuesday Link Party
• Making a Home Homaking Linky
• Work It Wednesday
• Homemaking Party
• Full Plate Thursday
• Think Tank Thursday

Berry Banana Split

This morning, I decided to get a little creative with my morning breakfast of fruit and yogurt.  I wanted to make it feel like it was an indulgent treat rather than a healthy option.

As I was reaching for a bowl to use for my yogurt, I spotted my corn cob dishes and decided to use it as a banana split boat!  I love when I can find an alternative for items in my kitchen.  In this case, I am making a healthy version of a banana split.  One that is both fitting for breakfast and the Weight Watchers Simply Filling Program that I am following.

All you need is a banana, berries of your choice, and some fat free yogurt!

Berry Banana Split

Ingredients:  

• Banana
• 1/4 cup grapes
• 1/4 cup blueberries 
• 1/4 cup plain fat free yogurt, plain fat free Greek yogurt, or sugar-free/fat free flavored yogurt

Directions: 

• slice banana in half lengthwise, then slice into bite-sized pieces. 
• Place sliced banana in dish. 
• Cut grapes in half and place on top of the banana with the blueberries.  
• Top with yogurt of your choice.  

Notes:  

• Top with a Simply Filling friendly cereal in place of sprinkles you would traditionally find on a dessert banana split!  
• Be sure your yogurt is a power food, otherwise be sure to track points for non-power food yogurts.  I used fat free vanilla yogurt for 1 point.  
• Use whatever berries you like!  I just happened to have grapes and blueberries on hand this morning.  

PointsPlus Value:  1 point