Hey, Siestas! I LOVED VANCOUVER! I loved the group God gave us so much! It was the best possible way to start a new speaking year AND our 10-year anniversary celebration. If any of you were there, let me begin this post by giving you a huge hug with words (if you’re the kind that likes hugs and, if you’re not, a really enthusiastic wave from about 12 feet away) and my deepest gratitude for having the joy of serving you. I just thought you guys were the cutest things. Very engaged despite my southern accent. (What someone once had the gall to call “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” How rude.) Then again, I guess you probably had to listen really hard. I am glad, however, that we found immediate common ground with “Eh-men?” Much love to the Canadian Siesta who insisted in the last post that I really don’t just throw up on stage (as a speaking style – and sometimes almost really) but I am afraid I really do. I’m still a serious work in progress and sometimes I wonder how you all sift clear thoughts out of some of the messes I make. I really do have notes up there and try to come before you prepared. I don’t know what happens. (Please don’t feel the need to answer back to any of that stuff. It’s just mostly in fun anyway. We don’t want to take ourselves too seriously.) Nevertheless, God is so awesome and faithful and wonderful and even FUN and, as we learned together this weekend, HIS WORD DOES NOT RETURN VOID! That’s the only thing that lasts when the conference is over. The only thing with a promise attached to it. I’ve already been praying for you, especially those who brought things to the altar. Remember to take one day at a time with Jesus. Sometimes one hour at a time when you’re getting over a fierce addiction and please seek out a support group of other believers and find yourself a good Bible-teaching church if you don’t have one. We have to do this thing together. Whatever you do, stay in the Word and keep up your memory work! Because “The Word of God is ______________ and _______________ . Sharper than any _______________ -_____________ _______________, it penetrates even to dividing ________________ and ________________, __________________ and ___________________; it judges the _____________________ and ___________________ of the heart. Nothing in all creation is ______________________________________________.” You’re getting it! Yahoo-Jah!
As for the rest of you, I’m gonna throw something out there I think might have some potential fun attached to it. I just got back from the grocery store. That’s not the fun part of it but, come to think of it, there was a particular delight on the way in the door: cub scouts that were selling coupon books and were so cute I could have eaten them alive. Most of them didn’t have any front teeth. I could also tell that their mothers had fixed their hair and kinda slicked it back. The fun part I’m writing to tell you about is that I remembered to get one of my very favorite not-naughty treats while I was there and was so filled with anticipation that I grinned like those cub scouts all the way home. (Keith does most of the grocery shopping because he’s the much better cook so it’s kind of fun for me when I get to go and pick out a bunch of stuff he refuses to buy me. For instance, he wouldn’t eat a whole wheat carb if you bought him a new pair of cowboy boots to go with them – he’d say the latter would taste better anyway – and gets an expression on his face like he sat on a spur every time he sees one in the cupboard. Myself, I’m rather taken with Nabisco Garden Harvest Toasted Chips if I’ve had my quota of tortilla chips and hot sauce that week and am going to throw myself into a man-hole if I don’t have something crunchy and I don’t mean celery. That was a run-on sentence. I’m sorry. I’ve been in a time-change and I feel a little extra compulsive. Hence, this post on treats. I’m simply trying to tell you that Keith likes naughty treats that put five pounds on you while you carry them into the kitchen. So do I but one has to pace one’s middle-aged self.)
SO, today while I was at the Kroger I got me some of those low-fat ice cream sandwiches called “The Skinny Cow.” Have you guys ever had one of those? Now, that’s some good eatin’ right there, Siestas. I try to remember to get a six-pack (that’s how many come in a package and they’re big, too) every time I go but I usually end up getting all distracted on the hair product aisle and forget what I really wanted until I get home and trip over the dogs while trying to get to the kitchen. About the time I say “Dad-gummit!” I remember a few extra things I should be saying “Dad-gummit” about. I almost always forget half my shopping list…because I never make one. I’m a wreck. Anyway, for all you South Beachers, no, “The Skinny Cow” ice cream sandwich (in both vanilla and chocolate and even packs with both) is not low-carb but it IS low fat and not a ton of calories and, for crying out loud, it has 3 grams of fiber in it. What the heck do you want from me here??? I have you know it’s approved by “Best Life” and it’s mighty tasty to boot! (Much tastier than a boot. I don’t care what Keith says.)
OK. Now it’s your turn. What’s your very favorite high-taste, low-guilt treat? If you have to get it somewhere special, don’t leave your Siestas hanging. Give us the goods.
I’ll be checking to see what my Siestas like! I may be about to make my very first shopping list! Sure love you, you darling things. (P.S. I’ve already read a ton of these and they are just as fun as I thought they’d be! You’re even going to find some great recipes! Yep, I’m gonna be making another trip to the grocery store but not the same one because NOT ONE SINGLE TIME have I ever seen a Skinny Cow in mint. I feel betrayed.)
Caribou Northern Lights Lattes… today (March 4th) is the last day to get them!!!
laughing cow cheese wedges are good! there are mint cows here in Houston Beth…try Randall’s. Also, gotta have my tall, skinny mocha at Starbuck’s!! gotta go vote now. luv ya and c ya 2nite!
Looked for those skinny cow bars and our grocery store (yes, one store 🙂 doesn’t carry them. I make and bring a list to the store all the time and STILL forget half my list!! (my kids don’t even have to be with me). I love Cascadian Farms Chocolate Chip granola bars (again can’t get them here have to get to the nearest Wal Mart)
Nothing beats a Skinny Cow especially in the summer! My favorite healthy snack: almonds. I am trying to eat more whole foods. I like to think of a Skinny Cow as a whole cow therefore legal.
OOO definitely warm popped popcorn with peanut M&M’s! They kind of melt and makes it so yum! But whoever said Betty Crocker’s Warm Delights Mini Indulgences…those commercials make me hungry! I still have yet to try!
If you are from the south, (or not) You’ve gotta love the Moonpie Mini’s. They only have 2 weight watcher points. You can microwave them, and have an in-house smore! Delightful!
I wish I could get to a point where I could have a low-guilt treat. I struggle with food addictions and if I eat one of anything, I won’t be able to stop!
1 Lindt ball (I find the 60% Extra Dark Chocolate to be most satisfying chocolate-wise) for 70 calories.
5 Cheese Melts crackers (made by Carr’s) for 100 calories. This is more satisfying to me than a 100 calorie pack of little things. The crackers aren’t “hefty” but they’re large and very good.
Breyer’s All Natural ice cream. If you get the simpler flavors (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, etc.), it’s fairly low-calorie for a 1/2 cup. (About 120-130 calories)
I recently discovered Skinny Cow myself, and they are true delight!
God’s given me the wonderful assurance that I can go ahead and eat the full-fat stuff, so long as it’s in moderation…so my current fave treat is the Dark Chocolate “Fruit & Nut” chocolate bars. ;o) Hey, it’s got DARK chocolate (good for you), almonds (also good for you), and raisins (a nice sweet treat). ;o)
Thank the Lord for creating VARIETY! 😀
http://www.thinwithin.org
<>< Mizbooks
If this has already been posted sorry!, afterall, there are over 300 posts! ButI love Starbucks Mocha Ice cream bars! Low-fat and delicious!
How do skinny and COW go together? ha!
Since my husband was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes it was really an effort to find things to spoil ourselves with but my favorite evening snack is a 100 calorie “Slim-a-Bear”. The chocolate soothes my chocolate craving and the ice cream is delicious. I also like the fact that it is only 100 calories. Makes me think I am doing something good when I am snacking! He goes for the “Breyer” “Carb Smart Almond Toffey Bars” Mmmmm…now I’m hungry!
Strawberry jello and banannas with cool whip…or any fruit with cool whip.
Chocolate chips.
Graham crackers dipped in milk.
Not as healty favorites are cookies!…
A cup of nice warm hot chocolate or homemade Farmer’s Market chai.
Or a smore (roasting the marshmellow on a fork over the stove).
This isn’t a food, but I love the drink FUZE. I’m a big diet coke addict but in my attempt to cut back I’ve discovered this little wonder. It tastes wonderful, only 5 calories and no sugar. You wouldn’t know it by the taste though.
I really can’t give advice on healthy food since I just sucked the caramel out a Cadbury chocolate egg. That blasted rabbit gets me every year.
I REALLY like Quaker Breakfast Cookies (I eat them anytime except breakfast.) They come in chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin and you can heat them up in the cookie wrapper. They have 180 cal., 6 grams of fat but FIVE grams of fiber. That makes them “3 points” in Weight Watchers lingo. Give them a try. Much love from your Siesta in Lathrop, Missouri
Please, just tell me there are no CALORIES or POINTS in heaven at the Big Banquet!!!
AMEN, Siestas????
I love Keebler Brand Grasshopper Cookies (only 20 carbs for 4 cookies). It is minty chocolate manna straight from heaven!!!!! and my favorite salty snack is a nice and crispy vlasic dill pickle.
I enjoy sugar free hot chocolate with non fat whipped cream. I eat lots of grains and fiber rich foods, my husband does not. He says they probably serve better food in prison.
large Nonfat cappucino (dry). Lots of foam and the carmelly sweet taste of expresso. Calcium. rich indulgence for about 100 calories. Yum!!
single serving cottage cheese – 90 calories, protein, calcium, etc. Love them!!
I love skinny cows, too. But my new fav. is the Fiber One granola bar in oats and chocolate. It is like a healthy candy bar. Just start slow bcs. all that fiber will put you in gastric distress if you are not careful.
Breyer’s No Fat ice cream – you can even get it in mocha chip. No fat – few calories and tastes like the real thing!
I also love to take Dannon No Fat yogurt (strawberry or vanilla) slice up a banana or frozen blueberries or strawberries in it and then top with no fat whip cream. Chopped walnuts on top if you want to go a little extra!
Can you buy skinny cow in rural Alabama? I have never heard of it.
Jenny in Bama
Unfortunately I’ve not heard of Skinny Cow. Feeling deprived here in Missouri. :o) I’ll have to see if I can look it up in the city. (We live about 50 min. from St. Louis.)
Anyway, I love frozen blueberries. (We bought up a bunch this summer when they were cheap and have enjoyed them all winter.)
Something else we do is freeze banana’s that are getting to speckled for anyone here to want to eat… and it doesn’t take to many speckles either… that way they don’t go to waste. Then when we make smoothies we blend the frozen fruit with milk (or soy milk), protein powder, & Splenda. You don’t have to add ice to it because the fruit is frozen. A very yummy treat.
I also LOVE the semi-sweet chocolate morsels… but that isn’t low cal. LOL
Anna
OK…Healthy Choice has a fudge ice-cream bar with 90 cal, very little fat and FIVE grams of fiber. It’s only ONE weight watcher point. They are HUGE too.
AND…I just discovered hostess mini cupcakes. They come in packs of three little cupcakes. They are only 100 cals and only one and a half weight watcher point. Can you tell what my weight loss plan is? Hee Hee!
Love Y’all,
Kristi
I love ice cream, but right now my less guilt ice cream is Hagen-Daz low fat pineapple coconut – ymmmy.
Also, Triscuits with a piece of low fat cheese and a pickle on top.
Kinda get the sweet, salty taste all at once.
GA Bonnie
Starbucks Coffee Light Frappuchinos… oh yes!
I bet Hostess chocolate covered donettes don’t count, do they? 🙂 Shucks!! linda in ohio
My “low-guilt” is not necessarily healthy….
a couple of Dove Dark Chocolate Miniatures: These are the smoothest, creamiest dark chocolates I’ve tried. I like them better than Hershey’s, Godiva, Cadbury’s, and more! I guess if you only eat a couple, it’s not too unhealthy, right?
My favorite healthy treat is a huge bowl of fresh-cut fruit, preferably tropical…things like, mango (not the stringy kind but the other kind), pineapple, papaya, melons. I could eat mangoes for a really long time!
Karen K.
Houston
Beth,
I live in the area of LPM and wanted you to know that you can buy the Choc-Mint Skinny Cows at the Neighborhood Walmart on Hwy 6 near Starbucks and Burger King, south of Kieth Harrow. They are so yummy and worth the trip! I also love Laughing Cow garlic/herb cheese wedges with pretzels. Both treats are guilt-free unless you eat more than a portion! Blessings to you Beth! Oh and I love Tuesday night bible study, keep on doing what you do!
Hi,Beth and everyone else, Quaker Apple Cinnamon rice cakes are excellent. Also if I’m hungry for something sweet, I love any kind of good brand of jelly beans. I just seen Hawaiian Punch has some new ones…I guess I need to go check them out.LOL!
Love the Skinny Cows, but they’re a little pricey…and I’d rather spend the bucks on a pretty piece of steel-head trout or a thick-cut beef tenderloin.
This thread has been REALLY fun to read b/c I always need some new ideas for healthy/semi-healthy snacks. Here’s some of our favorites:
A fresh orange with a square of 85% dark chocolate is pretty tasty.
If you haven’t tried the 100 cal packs of Pringle’s Sticks…WOW! Thin, salty, crunchy…pricey…but worth it!
For something only a little naughty, Jello Chocolate pudding mixed with Chocolate Cool Whip, layered with a few chocolate cookie crumbs (Chocolate Teddy Grahams smashed to smithereens.) and covered with no-fat whipped cream out of a can! (How do you make whipped cream: no fat? Nevermind. I probably don’t want to know.)
We discovered why you can never find “whole-milk” yogurt at the regular grocery store (at least not here). It’s b/c it tastes good. (You can get it at most International food stores and some health food stores.) Blend a cup with some garlic, and some shredded cucumber (shred and squeeze as dry as you can manage), salt and pepper, and you’ve got a dandy dip. Add a little lemon juice/zest and you can call call it a serving of dairy, veggies, and fruit–haha.
Pico de Gallo (the real thing–someone on here posted the recipe: tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, salt and FRESH lime juice) tastes FABULOUS over pasta! If you’ll use Barilla brand, you can pat yourself on the back for “healthy.” Otherwise, slightly overcook a whole-grain variety and it won’t taste nearly so obnoxious. Seriously, we fight over this at our house.
A piece of salmon covered with a mix of tomatoes, lemon zest, lemon juice, capers, olive oil and fresh basil, is healthy and will send you over the moon. You can use the same veggie combo over pasta, and on bruschetta.
A spoonful of natural peanut-butter…even better with a square (or ten) of chocolate.
If you’re trying to manage your salt intake, get some popcorn salt. It is ground extra-fine, so you use less than you would from a regular salt-shaker, but it “covers” more food.
Any veggie lovers? Cut (1-2 lbs) of brussel sprouts in half, core like you would a cabbage, and separate the leaves. Toss that pile of leaves in a little olive oil and saute until a few of them begin to carmelize (turn brown or charred), then push them aside, drop a couple of teaspoons of bacon grease and a teaspoon of minced garlic into the center and let cook for a minute. Toss everything together, add salt and pepper and prepare to be AMAZED. The small amount of bacon fat is spread over so many veggies that its effect is negligible.
The fridge is calling….
Oh we are sisters….Skinny Cows are so yummy! My favorite indulgant but pretty low-guilt treat is a handful of beautiful, fresh strawberries dipped in a little (you gotta watch the ‘little’ part) dark, semi-sweet baker’s chocolate. Oh my word – it’s heavenly!
Oh, this is so fun! My recent yummy light delight is Vanilla yogurt w/ mango chucks(i buy them frozen and throw a few in…) it is REALLY nice!
Avocado Snacks are delish! Here’s how to create one:
Wipe a very thin smear of mayo onto a saltine cracker (bear with me here…), add an avocado chunk, then top with a dash of garlic salt. I love avocados but had to be forced to try this since I hate mayo and it sounds so questionable all put together. However, this is a treat that will carry you through the day, maybe even several days. mmmm-MMMMMM!
Ever heard of the website http://www.hungrygirl.com? Someone may have posted it already, but if you sign up for their emails they don’t slam you with junk mail or anything. You do get one a day with the most awesome ideas, they have all the latest news on low-cal, low-fat foods and they even give you wonderful replacement recipes for some high-fat, high-cal foods & snacks! Check it out – you’re sure to like it!
The “Skinny on Skinny Cows” They have a website with a “Flavor Finder” You check which treat you’re trying to find at the store, put in your zipcode and it’ll list the stores nearest you with that flavor!
http://www.skinnycow.com/flavor_finder.php
Skinny Cows…it’s what’s for dessert…
I LOVE dark chocolate.
Frozen fruit bars are pretty good.
I am going to try the Skinny Cow bars soon.
Also, my husband hates anything that has low-fat or low-carb in the name.
I like the snack that you make with fat free coolwhip and low fat graham crackers. You put the coolwhip in between two crackers and freeze it. It is pretty good.
Homemade salsa has no fat unless you add olive oil and then that is even good for you and you can eat it with hummas and whole wheat pita bread. Good stuff. Vicki
I love strawberries dipped in dark chocolate. YUM! This is a great South Beach treat. And they really are good for you too. Sugar Free jello cups with cool whip are wonderful. I also love Weight Watchers Giant Fudge Bars. They are only 1 point and they are yummy! My husband will even eat these.
Oh.My.Goodness. Skinny Cows are my absolute favorite too! Wouldn’t mint be the best?! I feel like we have so much in common! 🙂
Lisa
For all of you carb craving people like me, go get the light pringles. They are super low cal and seriously good!
Also, the “Smart Ones” cookie/ice cream dessert! It it WONDERFUL and is very very low cal.
quaker quakes in cheddar cheese!! yummy
Okay, so after 422 comments, I don’t know how many people will actually see this, but I just had to come back here to testify that Beth couldn’t have been more correct. My hubby and I enjoyed our very first Skinny Cows last night and we’re hooked. He even said he might just have to eat these for breakfast–I mean only 140 caloried AND 3 grams of fiber! Can’t beat it! Thanks for not only teaching us life-changing truth from the Word, but also sharing those nice tidbits that just make life that much better. Blessings!
I am sure that by now there are like 500 posts but my favorite low fat snacks are either 100 calorie kettle corn microwave popcorn and now Quaker granola bites very good and only 90 calories. Happy shopping everyone. Beth can’t wait to see you in Minneapolis.
Angie in SD
I love Skinny Cows too! As a lifetime member of Weight Watchers I’m always looking for healthy alternatives! I get an email news letter from http://www.hungry-girl.com everyday and she has the best ideas and suggestions. I’m hooked on GNU fiber bars now. 12 grams of fiber per bar and they’re great!
I love one of the old weight watchers recipes…take 2 low-fat chocolate graham crackers, put lite Cool Whip in between and freeze. They are awesome- and it don’t break the bank!
I LOVE Jalappeno roll ups!!!! Giant pepperoni sliced sandwich thin. Fresh jalappeno sliced in half length ways. (deseed it) fill with CREAM CHEESE and roll in the pepperoni. Best when the Cr. Cheese is face down first against the pep. Heat in Microwave 2.5-3 minutes! WAHOO!!
(hint uses alot of papertowles)
Sherry in GA
I’d never tried ‘The Skinny Cow’ ice cream treats until after I read your glowing review about them. I just tried my first one a few days ago & girl, I agree with you that them there are some good eatin’! I bought mine at Sam’s & they came in a box of 20 (10 chocolate, 10 vanilla) so I’m set for a while. Thanks for recommending them! ……..Here’s one of my favorite salty/crunchy snacks: Quaker rice cakes in ranch flavor—YUM!!