One of the great things about Slimtone is how supportive everyone is and the way that members share their ideas, hints and tips with each other – in class and on Facebook. We’ve had some amazing weight losses since we started back to face-to-face classes – I’ll be sharing some of those success stories with you shortly – and members are always telling me that some of the ideas that they’ve picked up have really made a difference and are now part of their regular routines. Here are some of our members’ ideas to help you on your way……remember, if you come to class you get these golden nuggets every single week!
Let’s start with rice.
- Freezing cooked rice into individual portions of 168g/6oz is really convenient. Once it’s defrosted you can make it soft and fluffy by stirring in a tablespoon of water before re-heating. Ideal for serving with curry or chilli, you can make a tasty meal by adding a portion of rice and a couple of slices of cooked chicken to Slimtone soup. Individual portions of rice also make a tasty packed meal or quick lunch – simply add chopped ham or tuna, cooked frozen peas, sweetcorn, chopped carrots, spring onions and peppers.
- If you don’t want to freeze your own, the ready frozen individual portions are ideal and a quick and convenient way to prepare rice. The vegetable varieties are very tasty. Uncle Ben’s Boil in the Bag range is cooked in just 10 minutes and the 62.5g bag is only 215 calories which is the portion recommended in our recipes. I always add half a stock cube to the water when cooking rice or pasta – it really does improve the flavour.
Now what about that family favourite – mashed potato….
- Make your mashed potato extra tasty by adding a spoonful of coarse grain mustard or grated celeriac. Adding a Laughing Cow Light Cheese triangle or your favourite flavour extra light cream cheese adds a decadent creamy flavour. Swede mash and colcannon are both Slimtone favourites and are particularly tasty with a sausage dinner. Have a look on page 41 of your Lifestyle Plan for the recipes.
- Here’s an idea for another quick meal. Season 170g/6oz mashed potatoes with 28g/1oz grated medium fat cheese and some chopped parsley. Mist a non-stick pan with low calorie cooking spray and “fry” the potato until golden brown. This is around 200 calories. Serve it with two grilled bacon medallions and a poached egg (with a dash of brown sauce too) for a really satisfying meal at only 340 calories.
Members are always sharing ideas for getting their “5-a-day” – let’s look at vegetables.
- Roasted Vegetables: parboil a selection of vegetables such as carrots, onions, sweet potato, butternut squash – and even beetroot! Place the veggies on a baking tray, sprinkle with your favourite herbs and mist with low calorie cooking spray. Roast in a warm oven until tender but crispy on the outside. Serve with any of the meals in your Lifestyle Plan.
- Vegetable Frittata: Spray a non-stick pan with low calorie cooking spray and gently “fry” your selection of vegetables. Add two beaten eggs and gently simmer. Pop under a hot grill until golden brown and serve with three bacon medallions. (Approximately 300 calories).
- Bubble and Squeak: Mix potatoes, cabbage and peas (and any other leftover cooked vegetables). Spoon into portions in a non-stick pan to form patties. Gently cook on both sides and serve with fish fingers and tomato sauce – mmmmm, one of my favourites!
- Leftover Vegetables: It’s a great idea to always cook extra carrots – they are convenient for adding to any of the mince recipes. Also, for a quick “5-a-day”, cook carrots and swede together, mash and leave for a few minutes over the heat to dry out. Now freeze into convenient portions to use when you are pushed for time.
- Pitta Pizza: Spread wholemeal pitta bread with tomato puree and top with tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms and any leftover cooked carrots, diced chicken, wafer thin ham etc. Season with mixed herbs and pop into a hot oven for 5 – 10 minutes. Serve with sweet chilli sauce.
There you have it, a few of our members’ quick and tasty ideas for rice, potatoes and vegetables. Why don’t you share your ideas for something quick and tasty – I’d love to hear from you.
See you soon,
Marie x
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