Weight Watchers Get Healthy Freestyle Journey – Week 3

Olive Garden Dressing Recipe Makeover

As I finish up my third full week of the Weight Watcher’s program it’s time once again to reflect on my week. My family was awesome and supportive all week. My Mom has joined my sister and me on our journey. Even, Dad has started to make a few changes and is beginning to think about what he eats. I am seeing that this journey is helping our whole family become healthier. What a blessing!

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Juicy tomatoes, salty olives, spicy pepperoncini peppers, crisp red onion, crunchy croutons and salty parmesan cheese tossed with romaine lettuce and topped with that delicious Olive Garden Italian Dressing.
Who loves Olive Garden Salad? I sure do!

Olive Garden’s Salad Dressing

You don’t need to leave home to enjoy the taste of Olive Garden’s famous salad dressing. This is my old adaption of the copycat recipe that was developed by Food Network Kitchens.

INGREDIENTS 
1⁄4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tablespoons White Wine or Cider Vinegar
3 tablespoons Miracle Whip
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons grated parmesan or romano cheese
1⁄4 teaspoon garlic salt or 1 garlic clove, minced
1⁄2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1⁄2 teaspoon dried parsley
1 – 2 tablespoon water

Optional: Add a small amount of pepperoncini juice to the dressing.

DIRECTIONS
Combine all the dressing ingredients and 1 to 2 tablespoons water in a blender or food processor; puree until smooth. Serves 4.

In a large salad serving bowl, toss together a traditional lettuce mix, red onion slices, black olives, pepperoncini, tomatoes, and croutons.

Lighter Version of Olive Garden’s Salad Dressing

This delicious copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing recipe uses Greek yogurt and honey instead of mayonnaise and sugar. It is very close in taste to Olive Garden’s recipe but healthier. This light version is only 1 SmartPoint per 2 tablespoon serving!

INGREDIENTS 
1/2 cup Plain Unsweetened Greek Yogurt
1/3 cup White Wine or Cider Vinegar
1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive or Avocado Oil
3 tablespoons Raw Unfiltered Honey
1/2 cup Fat-Free Parmesan or Romano Cheese finely grated
1 large Clove Garlic Minced
1 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning
1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice

DIRECTIONS
Combine all the dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor; puree until smooth. Makes one pint (32 tablespoons).

In a large salad serving bowl, toss together a traditional lettuce mix, red onion slices, black olives, pepperoncini, tomatoes, and croutons.

How my freestyle weight loss week went:

My first big hurdle this week came when we were out all day and had to eat away from home. We had missed lunch as my dentist appointment took over three hours. In the past, this would have meant a fast high-fat, high-caloric meal. Instead of our usual trip through the drive-thru, we stopped at Subway and got subs for an early dinner.

Another week of strategizing and exploring new recipes. Salads have become a staple side dish and main entree for us. To change them up, I’ve been playing with homemade salad dressings. One of my favorite makeovers is below. The week ended with 58 points left in my bank unused. It is getting easier each week to adapt to my new way of thinking and decision making. I have found with all the free foods on the Freestyle program that some days I had more than four daily points left at the end of the day.

Once again, it was the moment of truth. This was my first weigh in during my monthly visitor. Usually, I gain at least five pounds during this time. How would it my affect my weight this time? I found my way to the scale for my weekly weigh-in. Nervously, I stepped on the scale and was relieved to see that I had lost half a pound this week! Not a huge number but one that I am pleased with. Until next week… Remember to stay positive and keep looking forward.

Where are you?

Where are you on your journey? What recipe would you like to see made over? Do you have a great recipe that you would be willing to share? I would love if you would.

Share your thoughts below or on my Facebook fan page.

I am not a medical professional. The contents of this website are for educational purposes and are not intended to offer personal medical advice. You should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

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Weight Watchers Get Healthy Freestyle Journey – Week 2

Weight Watchers Get Healthy Freestyle Journey – Week 2

2 SmartPoints Chili Recipe

As I finish up my second full week of the Weight Watcher’s program it’s time once again to reflect on my week. My family was awesome and supportive all week. Although, Marcus wasn’t too impressed when I handed him what he called a “Super Model” breakfast. Truth be told, I wanted a bagel but only half of one so I gave him my other half and two cut up strawberries on a plate. In my defense, they were big strawberries. I also went and put a whole bagel in the toaster for him.

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My Game Day Chili Recipe

Look no further for the ultimate, easy chili recipe. At just 2 SmartPoints per serving this delicious chili is not only perfect for game day but also busy weeknights and weekends.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound fresh (99% lean) ground turkey
• 1 (46- ounce) can tomato juice
• 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney or pinto beans, drained
• 1 medium-large onion, chopped
• 1 large container mushrooms, sliced or (6 – 8 ounce) can or jar sliced mushrooms, drained and squeezed to remove excess water
• 1/8 – 1/4 cup chili powder (use less for milder chili)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (use less for milder chili)
• 2 teaspoons oil (reduce or omit if you are using 95% lean or lower ground meat)

DIRECTIONS

1. Add oil to a large skillet, brown the ground meat, fresh mushrooms, and onions
2. Drain off the fat
3. Put the mixture and the remaining ingredients in a 6-quart pot
4. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring every 15 minutes. You can also cook in a slow cooker on low for 3 to 4 hours. Makes 6 servings.

Variation:

Add chopped green peppers to the skillet or a can of diced tomatoes to the pot.
I like to top mine with a bit of green onion and fat-free shredded cheese.

How my freestyle weight loss week went:

My first big hurdle this week came on weigh in day as it was also Super Bowl Sunday. My big game snacks consisted of celery sticks and hummus, a parfait made from unsweetened greek yogurt sweetened with a few drops of NuStevia Alcohol-Free Vanilla and strawberries, and a bowl of game day chili (recipe below) at dinnertime.

The week started with our neighbor bringing over a batch of cookies. I  must confess that I used most of my SmartPoints that I had banked to eat a few of. Then, I left the rest of the calorie bombs for Marcus to enjoy. Midweek found me faced with reviewing four flavors of apple cider at 5 points per KCUP! The temptation keep coming as Saturday it was chocolate covered cherry coffee.  No calories in the coffee but the candies that we planned to use in the photographs of the coffee sure did. Did you know that chocolate covered cherries have 4 SmartPoints EACH?! The rest of my week was spent continuing to adapt to my new way of thinking and decision making. Another week of strategizing and exploring new recipes.

Once again, it was the moment of truth. How much damage had I done? I found my way to the scale for my weekly weigh-in. Nervously, I stepped on the scale and was relieved to see that I had lost 2 pounds this week! Until next week… Remember to stay positive and keep looking forward.

Where are you?

Where are you on your journey? Do you like your Chili spicy or mild? Do you enjoy cornbread, crackers, or something else with yours? What is your favorite add-in for chili? I would love if you would let me know.

Share your thoughts below or on my Facebook fan page.

I am not a medical professional. The contents of this website are for educational purposes and are not intended to offer personal medical advice. You should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

My Weight Watchers Freestyle Journey Has Begun! + FREE Online SmartPoints Calculator

DID YOU MISS LAST WEEK’S POST?

Weight Watchers Get Healthy Freestyle Journey – Week 1