Good Eatin' at the Steakhouse

A few nights ago my family decided to hit the local steakhouse for some grub. For the health conscious, the word "steakhouse" may seem a little intimidating, stirring up images of down home fried potatoes, buttermilk rolls, and whopping servings of beef.

Grilled chicken, grilled fish, and fresh veggies are all excellent choices. Just watch for heavy sauces and butter. A 6oz choice sirloin will only cost you about 310 calories, so if you're craving the beef, go for it! Enjoy yourself, just watch your portion sizes.

If that doesn't satisfy you, mix it up! Who says you have to order a pre-created meal? I created my own meal for under 350 calories (and the price came out to be a little cheaper too).

Check out the side dishes. Several great options include grilled vegetables, baked potatoes, steamed rice, and shrimp skewers. I opted for shrimp skewers and a plain baked sweet potato (no butter, no sugar...but trust me, it was so delicious it can hold its own without the fixin's).

Sunny morning on the TODAY Show

I love breakfast! Joy Bauer's spin on the pop tart looks really tasty!

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Light and Tasty Summer Smoothies

When the weather heats up, I find myself craving something cold, icy, and sweet. My favorite treat to make during these summer months are these delicious fruit frappes. I love them as a midday snack, I love them for breakfast...I love them just about any time.

They are just so tasty, it would be awful for me not to share them with the world! :)

So here's what you need...

Banana Peanut Butter Bonanza
1 cup skim or soy milk (or try my favorite, almond milk!)
1 handful ice (for desired consistency, more ice = thicker smoothie)
1 banana
1 tbsp peanut butter

Strawberry Banana Sensation
1 cup skim, soy, or almond milk
1 handful ice
1 banana
several strawberries

Chocolate Covered Cherry Cooldown
1 cup skim, soy, or almond milk
1 handful ice
5-10 pitted red cherries
1 tbsp chocolate protein powder


Mix all ingredients in a blender, pour a tall glass, and savor the yummy refreshment.

Smart Sips at Coffee Shops

I love just about everything about coffee shops. I love the aroma that floats through the air, and mixes with the smooth jazz music as I step inside. I love the creamy taste of a finely mixed beverage in my hand (hot or iced). Most of all, I love the way that coffee shops bring people together, and spark meaningful conversation along with laughter.

One day I discovered that some 12 oz drinks contain over 350 calories, and thought, "There has to be an alternative!"

Have no fear, my fellow caffiene connoisseurs. Our pleas have been heard with plently of alternatives that won't sacrifice taste.

Little Miss Munch's Starbucks Faves
Caramel Macchiato- order with nonfat or soy milk, and ask for sugar free vanilla syrup to be substituted for the regular vanilla syrup. Personally, I like my macchiatos steamy, but this drink is also delicious iced!

Iced Skinny Vanilla Latte-the word "skinny" may seem unappatizing, but believe me, this drink is a creamy vanilla delight on a warm afternoon. The best part is, a 12oz serving is only 60 calories.

Sugar Free Cinnamon Dolce Latte- I love this option when the weather cools down; the spices remind me of autumn.

Iced Green Tea- On a hot summer day, nothing is more refreshing. Ask for Splenda instead of syrup for a 0 calorie treat. Drink up!

Mocha Light Frappucino- Cool, blended mocha. Yum!

There are other ways to make the drink of your choice a little healthier. Ditch the whip, opt for skim or soy milk, and ask for sugar free syrups.

Okay, all this talk about coffee makes me want to jog to the nearest coffee shop for my caffeine fix.

Happy coffee shopping!