Thursday, January 15, 2009

6 Point Meal Ideas

6 Point Meal Ideas


Since 1997, Weight Watchers members have had the option to use "points" to help them lose weight. Rather than counting calories, members calculate how many points each food they consume is worth. Points values are calculated by taking into account calories, energy density and whether the food is protein-rich or carb-heavy. If you are new to Weight Watchers and are looking to find a meal option that uses six points, here are some ideas.


Greek-Style Pita Sandwiches


This Mediterranean-inspired meal makes a smart lunch or dinner for two. You start with a whole wheat pita, which is cut in half down the middle. Into each half of the pita, spread 2 tbsp. of your favorite chickpea hummus and 2 tbsp. of fat-free Greek-style yogurt. Next, layer approximately 3 oz. of turkey breast into each half. Then, toss together equal parts chopped tomatoes and cucumbers and sprinkle them into each pita half -- about 1/2 cup per half. Finally, top each half with 1/4 cup of low-fat feta cheese and enjoy.


Creamy Chicken and Stuffing in Foil


Because this meal cooks in the foil, it's easy on your waistline and simple to clean up. Combine 1 can of 98 percent condensed fat-free cream of mushroom soup with 1/4 cup of water in a small bowl. Next, combine 1 cup of water with 6 oz. of stuffing mix, and spread this stuffing mixture over a large piece of tinfoil. Place six skinless chicken breasts on top of the layer of stuffing mixture. Top the chicken with the soup-water mixture, 1 1/2 cups frozen peas, 1 1/2 cups fresh sliced mushrooms and four slices of shredded 98 percent fat-free deli ham. Fold over the foil and seal it to create a packet, and cook in a 400 degree oven for 30 to 40 minutes. This meal serves six.


Healthy Pork Stir Fry


This recipe is oil-free, and serves three people. Slice 6 oz. of pork very thinly, and let it rest in a marinade of 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, crushed garlic and a shot of dry sherry. While the pork is marinating in this mixture, lightly spray a saute pan with nonstick cooking spray, and chop the vegetables for the stir fry. You will need 1/2 cup each of red bell peppers, onions and yellow bell peppers. You will also need to slice two carrots and 1 1/2 cups of broccoli. Saute these veggies in the pan for 3 to 5 minutes, and then reserve in a bowl. Saute the pork and the marinade in the same pan over high heat, adding the vegetables back to the pan once the pork has browned and is nearly done. You can thicken the sauce with a few tablespoons of cornstarch, or with Asian-style hot sauce. Serve with 1/4 cup of white or brown rice.








Vegetarian Italian Pasta Skillet Dinner


In a large skillet, combine 1/13 cups of soy meat substitute, 1 cup of mushrooms, 1/2 cup of onions and 1 can of vegetable soup over high heat. Add 3/4 cup dry pasta, and cover for 10 minutes. Once the pasta is tender, stir in 2 cups of spinach until wilted, and plate, sprinkling with Parmesan. Serves two.

Tags: each half, bell peppers, high heat, into each, Meal Ideas, over high