Hey guys! I’m so excited to be partnering with Kroger and a few of my favorite bloggers this month on their new “1 Little Victory” campaign. As you may know a few years ago I lost 30 pounds. You can read the full story here. But basically, I knew I couldn’t make a drastic change if I wanted to be able to last more than a day. I made small, doable changes that I could easily incorporate into my daily life. I cut down on calories and made healthier versions of my favorite recipes.
This month I’ll be showing you how I took my favorite recipes and made one small ingredient swap for a better-for-you version. And you can totally do this too with your favorite recipes. One small change is one little victory towards healthy eating.
This is the first of three posts this month where I’ll be sharing easy dinner ideas for the week and Instant Skinny Swaps to make them healthier. You can find all these products at your local Kroger affiliate store.
2% Cheese
Swap full-fat shredded cheese for low fat, part-skim, or 2% versions. You can try this in two of my favorite recipes below:
Cheesy Chicken, Bacon and Avocado Quesadillas
Ground Turkey
Replace ground beef with ground turkey. It has so much less fat and calories! I will admit it took me longer than most to try ground turkey. I was afraid it would not taste as good. But when incorporated into a cheesy, saucy pasta, you will never even notice. Try it in two of my favorite pasta recipes below! They will make you a believer. ;)
Greek Yogurt Cream Cheese
Try using Greek yogurt cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese. It’s creamier, has more protein, and less sugar. Win win! You can do this in one of my all time favorite enchilada recipes below.
The Giveaway
To celebrate Little Victories, Kroger is giving away 3 HUGE prizes to help you stay on track in the new year.
1 Grand Prize Winner will receive (ARV: $1,500)
- $1,000 Kroger gift card
- $500 in kitchen products including:
- $250 Kitchen Aid Mixer
- $50 Magic Bullet
- $200 in cookware (i.e., pots and pans)
2 runner-up winners will receive $500 Kroger Gift Cards (Good at any Kroger affiliate store like Fred Meyer, Smith’s, etc)
How to Enter
Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter.
If you don’t see the widget above, you can also enter here and here.
Good luck! What’s your favorite Instant Skinny Swap?
I invested in snowshoes to keep the dog walking going on the trails despite the latest round of endless snow. With snow up to my hips, it’s a heck of a workout!
I’ve already swapped greek yogurt for a lot of things when cooking… sour cream, cream cheese, as a helper to make sauces thicker & more nutritious instead of using so much roux. I’ve swapped out pasta and replaces it with its whole wheat counterparts… mac n cheese when made with whole wheat pasta is way more filling and tastes so much better… i’m working on walking, exercising, and drinking water more as part of my next “swap”
my victory was I Woke up to my alarm and didn’t miss work
I am starting to drink more water and fewer cokes.
Hi Amanda…thanks to you, Krogers and Jitchen Aid for the chance at these amazing prizes. I always like finding healthy substitutes not only for myself but for my mom whom I care for. She has diabetes and food is always a concern.
Thanks again
gina
I drink a lot of water!
Love using greek yogurt instead of cream cheese
My little victory is definitely drinking tea when I want soda and always trying to choose water. It is surprisingly helpful!
YUM!! I think I want to try ALL of them. :) Thanks for the ideas!!
I’m sure it’s been said a million times, but 2% cheese is my favorite swap. It tastes almost exactly the same and you’re still getting cheeeeese!
Starting today, using the 2% cheese and drinking more water-my goal is to drink only water. I will know measure servings and eat 3 meals a day.
My victory has been I have lost 100lbs and counting. I still want to eat healthier and be more active and it is a victory each day I follow that.
Love everyone’s ideas! I’m going to try to drink more water everyday!
I drank water instead of having a soda I was craving!
I have lost 76 pounds. Every day is a victory for me. It is the small steps that make the big changes, like drinking water, walking instead of driving.
My little victory for today was using i can’t believe it’s not butter on our toast. We are starting to eat healthier and my husband never noticed the difference.
i got my little nephew to eat meat! which is a victory because he usually hates meat
I went for a walk!
my lil victory was not having any coke….until the ducks lost :(
What a great giveaway, and I love the recipes! I don’t drink soda. I found it makes me hungrier when I do.
I am drinking my water and eating fruit this morning. Thanks for the giveaway. Good luck everyone.
Limit your fried foods, add veggies and more water
We cook at home almost every night rather than ordering out and I try to drink lots of water!
My little victory today is I completed my workout plan.
I started drinking a healthy meal replacement drink in the mornings and have stopped the mindless snacking during the day.
My Little Victory for today is drinking water instead of soda and having an orange for breakfast instead of a donut. And I don’t even feel like I’m missing out!
My victory today is that I have recovered from the flu!! Yes!!
My victory is using one teaspoon of sugar in my drink instead of two teaspoons!
Getting back in shape for dance after injuring myself. Just signed up for a gym membership and definitely looking to revamp my eating habits. Can’t wait to see what’s ahead!
I think it would have to be changing out reg cheese for the 2%. It’s such a small thing to do and gives you less calories.
I love using applesauce or greek yogurt in brownie mix instead of oil and eggs.
I try to drink more water. That is a good first step! I look forward to trying the Greek Yogurt Cream Cheese!
I ate very healthy today.
I’m trying to walk more each day and cut out bad snacks.
I stopped drinking coffee mixes full of bad for you ingredients and brew coffee at home to take with me to work.
I am happy that I didn’t have a snack last night.
I went to the gym, our weather has been frigid and getting out when it’s this cold is a victory in itself.
Going to the gym on my lunch hour! Thanks for the tips!
Drinking more water each day
I love making spaghetti squash with marinara in place of pasta!
I vow to work in more vegetables.
Hate to admit it but I am a fast food junkie, so one victory is cutting out fast food and making healthier versions of my favorites at home.
Greek Yogurt may be my favorite substitution in my kitchen! I use it instead of mayo and sour cream for everything!
Swapped Coke for Coke Zero. I know, still not really healthy, but I have lost 27 pounds.
I wanted hot cocoa, but instead chose a cup of hot water. Small victory!
My little victory for today was making it through almost the entire day without having to take pain meds. My lower back has 3 discs almost non-existent and I am in constant pain and cannot work, but I am trying to quit taking all the pain meds that I have been on.
no soda today! thanks for the giveaway!! :)
I sometimes sub applesauce!
No soda!! But I do hit the coffee too hard. Small victories.
We use fat-free half and half, fat-free cream, 2% milk and Land O Lake Light Butter with canola oil-all unnoticeable in most recipes and really save on the calories. We drink water, and not soda or juice. We also don’t keep any cookies/cake/pie in the house-our one concession to carbos is that for five years I have made my own bread (usually sourdough or rye, we have a sourdough starter named Fred Jr. that we made from the Tartine bread book, Fred Sr. died in a hurricane……..) We freeze slices of each loaf to avoid feeling like we have to eat the whole thing before it goes stale. One other tip I have is that exercise doesn’t have to be on a treadmill or in a gym. We have 7 semi tamed acres, and we tame them ourselves, no lawn crew. We do all the brush cutting, woodstacking, mowing, snow shoveling, leaf removal, compost maintenance, pruning, gravel hauling and spreading ourselves, and honestly, it just whips you into shape. Don’t hire other people to do what you could do-you save money and burn calories.
No more sodas for me! I will be on the lookout for the Greek yogurt cream cheese, thanks for the heads up :)
LOVE your suggestions! I lost about 30 pounds in the spring and now that work has picked up since September, it’s been tough to get workouts in. Hopefully, these will help! Thanks for the giveaway!
Not eating as MUCH junk… small victories!
My little victory was eating an orange instead of my comfort food, pasta.
Had a yummy smoothie for breakfast this morning! :)
I go to the gym during lunch…small victories!
I am trying to cut back on sweets, which is difficult coming down from the holiday binge!
Drinking more water! :-)
My victory is drinking more water instead of diet drinks and getting more exercise.
Applesauce in place of fats when baking. I will also sub in quinoa in place of rice or other grains, just to get some added protein in carb-y dishes. Greek yogurt is also a fab replacement for many things. Thanks so much for the chance to win.
Still getting off the baby weight, but not lot looking for anything drastic. I take the dog for more walks or try to eat more veggies each day. Love this!
I ate healthy oatmeal for breakfast.
My victory is that I exercised today.
My little victory for today is getting in a jog this morning!
Great ideas — looking forward to seeing more. And thanks for the chance to win. I love Kroger!
Oooh! Awesome tips and awesome giveaway!
I try to keep my water bottle filled up at all times of the day… I am amazed at the difference it makes in everything- my sleep, my skin, my hunger!
Great giveaway, hope I win!
I’m on a weight loss path at the moment and need to get back into a fitness routine, so my little victory is working out when I didn’t even feel like it.
No candy 2day! Christmas candy will b the death of me lol!
These are great ideas! I like making small substitutions like this.
Awesome giveaway!
No more pop! Lots more water!
Love Greek yogurt cream cheese!
My Victory is cutting out sugar.
I did not drink any sweet tea today (which is a huge accomplishment for me as I am addicted to sweet tea) and drank flavored water instead all day long!
Love Apple sauce instead of oil, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, swapping out pre made fruit yogurt for plain Greek yogurt with honey and frozen fruit, and making “Ice cream” with very ripe frozen bananas and a spoonful of nutella or pb.
Thanks! These substitutions will be put to good use. I’m trying out different recipes but I don’t want to add to our waistlines. Lol 😜
Thanks for hosting this! I like to use skim milk and reduced fat cream cheese instead of their full fat versions– it’s an easy swap and I always have them on hand!
I drank more Tea and water instead of Soda.
Finding that Greek cream cheese is my victory for today! I had no idea it existed! :)
I only eat real food and stay away from anything with words difficult to pronounce.
I chose a cup of hot tea instead of a sugary high calorie coffee drink!
We always use greek yogurt instead of sour cream and often in place of other things. Now I don’t have to feel nearly as guilty when I eat all of our favorite french onion dip!
I made it back to the gym today – it had been 2 weeks. AND I chose healthy salmon for lunch instead of mac n’cheese. Those are big wins for me!
I like to substitute greek yogurt for sour cream in recipes!
getting sodium free versions of everything I can
What a great giveaway! And most of those ideas for cutting fat and calories are new to me :) Thanks!
My favorite swap as of late is plain greet yogurt in place of sour cream. It works fantastic on fajitas & tacos!
I will have to look for the Greek yogurt cream cheese…interesting!
I use lowfat yogurt when I bake instead of sour cream.
I’ve been trying to walk more and eat less sugar :)
I cook my (lunch) meals for the week on Sundays. My favorite items to fix are roasted veggies & poached lemon chicken.
I’ve gotten into the habit of using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream in my recipes.
My little victory is to eating the fruit and veggie snacks I serve my children instead of sneaking an unhealthy snack.
My little victory was passing up a free dessert I was offered at Olive Garden! :)
The Cheesy Chicken, Bacon and Avocado Quesadillas are one of our FAVORITES.
I like to swap sugar with honey in my tea. I hope to get use to just the flavor of tea without any sweetness added. For meals I think the best thing to do is use as much non processed food as possible when cooking. Thanks for your ideas Amanda will keep them in mind. :)
I am trying to hit 5-6 servings of fruits and veggies a day. If I am thinking about hitting my goal, it keeps me from eating unhealthy snacks in the afternoon & evening.
All my spices and seasonings got packed up so I cooked without salt all day!
I love using Chicken Broth in recipes for flavoring to replace any part of a recipe that I know will save some calories.
One of my little victories is mixing sriracha chili sauce (or other hot sauce) with mayonnaise or substituting mayonnaise completely on sandwiches or wraps. So much more flavor for quite a few less calories.
getting back to routine after holidays with eating clean
I am planning on making your green enchiladas this week, so I will follow you example and swap the cheese for a less fattening one!
I am OBSESSED with the greek yogurt cream cheese. It really is creamier and tastes better! :)
My first tweet! I drink lots of water and play tennis!
Normally on baked goods you can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup and not even notice! Light mayo instead of full-fat.
I use meatless crumbles in place of meat for things like soft tacos or spaghetti with”meat” sauce when I am looking for meat free meal. I also use laughing cow cheese wedges in place of cream cheese on things like bagels.
I walk where ever I can, use my fitbit to track activity and use My Fitness Pal to track food! Thanks so much!!!
Portion control works for me.
Great giveaway! I love making small changes to make my recipes healthier!
I always swap out sour cream for plain Greek yogurt.
My little victory was skipping the Coke with lunch.
My goal is to eat more whole foods and less processed foods. Thanks for the chance…..
my little victory was getting out of the house without eating any ice cream. having a bite after lunch isnt a bad thing, but it usually turns into a 5 min binge. Victory was mine today. (at least for now) EEK
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I love using ground turkey and 2% cheese!
I have replaced whole milk with 1% in our lives.
I was so excited to find that Greek yogurt cream cheese. I use it all the time, and take it to my mom when I remember to get extra (she doesn’t have a Kroger anywhere near her).
Since today is my first day back at work since before Christmas, I’ve decided that this will be my real official start to the new year. I’m jumping back into healthy eating and will be getting back into running!
My victory is not eating all of the banana cake I just made :) And healthy swaps I try are using half and half instead of heavy cream and always opting for the low fat/low cal options. The cream cheese frosting on my cake is the greek you suggested, so I can call it healthy, right? :)
I started using smaller plates, which means smaller portions, and loading my plate in the kitchen and not bringing everything to the table.
Thanks Amanda!
Lots of water and staying hydrated really helps when you diet!
I eat pretty well. No beef, some pork, mainly chicken and fish. Big veggie lover, brown rice, brown pasta. I stay away from “prepared foods” and try to limit my sugar intake. The spinach/artichoke pizza sounds yummy!!! Happpy 2015 Everyone!!
We just got a puppy and I’ve been walking a lot more lately as a default. I already started the day with a nice walk outside with the pup! :)
Substitute un-sweet iced tea for sodas.
I drink lots of water and am getting a gym membership!
walk, walk, walk, and walk some more!!!
I’ve mostly switched to ground turkey or chicken, much to my family’s dismay. Besides it being healthier, it’s much less expensive. Win-win!
I switched to Unsweet Iced Tea instead of Sweet tea
I’ve been cutting out soda, but I need to take it a step further and cut back on sugar in general!
I did a lot of these years ago (swapped ground beef for turkey, stopped sodas, use olive oil in place of butter) but the best thing I have done do far is join a CSA- community supported agriculture. I get a weekly farm basket that is packed full of organic veggies. Some known and loved, and usually every week at least one weird thing I have never seen before haha! So this forces 1. eating more vegetables (don’t want to waste what’s already been paid for!) 2. creativity in the kitchen. Which, I love cooking, so much, but even I get into ruts, and it’s great to be back out there with the ‘what can I do with this?’ excitement.
Oh yeah (sorry for the long post) I ended up getting to a place where I told myself I can pretty much eat as I please, as long as the basket of veggies is consumed in the process. I can have a burger, just so long as those 3 lbs of zucchini disappear! And the fennel, raddichio, beets, endive, all of it. It’s a pretty good trick. :)
Parking farther away from stores and drinking only water. Little things add up!
I cut soda out of my diet!
My little victory for most days is getting out and walking during my lunch break.
I am doing smaller portions, and reducing my sugar intake.
I use MyFitnessPal to track calories.
Seltzer water, fat-free milk, more veggies, no processed foods — eat as fresh as possible.
I have never heard of the Greek yogurt cream cheese! I will have to give that a try. My little victory is going to be eating a sensible lunch that includes yummy Greek yogurt.
No more processed foods.
Pick me, Pick me!
Great ideas & a great giveaway!
God let me get out of bed this morning! I think that’s a great victory :)
Using turkey bacon rather than the regular bacon!
Eating out less!
My little victory today was waking up and being able to go for a walk before it rained all day! At least I got in my exercise for the day!
I took the stairs instead of the elevator today.
I am trying to lose weight now (new years resolution) and I am trying to drink more water so I was told that if I feel hungry try drinking a glass of water and then if I still feel hungry 15 minutes later I eat then.
I try not to eat too much salt!
i drank more water than anything else!
I made it through the day without getting frustrated with my kids or my husband lol
I didnt’ drink a soda today!!
woo hoo !:)
Thank you! xoxoxxo
I’m going to keep a food journal and start making better choices!
I didn’t go back for a second cookie!
We had decent temps today so instead of going to the movies like we had planned, we decided to walk to the park and play. We also made a small picnic with fresh fruit and low fat cream cheese, yum!
Using whole wheat flour instead of all purpose flour.
I rely need new pots n pans! I all ready swap out the cheese & turkey, I’ll have to look for the Greek cream cheese
I only had water today. No sodas! ;)
i love swapping ground turkey in recipes & will look for that cream cheese to try!
More water less every other drink!!
Little victory was not eating chocolate. Slightly sad, but a much needed day off from sweets!
I like to use coconut oil instead of butter.
My little victory was choosing healthy lunch option over an instant ramen!
Yum!
i swap applesauce for oil in baking all the time, no one notices! My little victory today was a quick workout during naptime : )
Getting everything squared away for school starting back up tomorrow.
My little victory for today was I didnt get dessert when I went out to eat.
Being aware of sugar content in food and beverages is my daily habit and it’s helping me kick the sugar habit. Thanks!
I just happen to go into one of my fave stores and all the gift sets and stuff from christmas went 75% off today! Got a few good things for super cheap! Oh and its my fiances 1 day off of the week so we are just relaxing as a lil family!
my victory today is I actually drank 8 8 oz glasses of water and walked 2 miles! V I C T O R Y!!
What a great giveaway! Thanks!
Finding this amazing giveaway!
Deciding to bake and not fry today :)
Going on two(?) years now, I don’t put sugar in my coffee anymore, and since we have a yellow lab, I try and walk her 5x a week so she and I stay svelte!
although i was tempted to catch a couple extra hours of sleep, i woke up earlier so i could continue my resolution of exercising more regularly :)
I swipe out pumpkin or applesauce for oil when making doughnuts and brownies.
Exercise & try to eat healthy!
I dusted all the ceiling fans and vacuumed all floors! Feel so much better.
Water water water! No soda or juices – loaded with sugar.
I love Krogers! This is a very nice giveaway.
Drinking more water and less soda!
Bumped up protein and dropped down the carbs. Pounds feel off. Surprised how such little change made a difference
I kept myself from buying way too much Christmas candy over the holidays. Only bought one box this year.
I didn’t know that greek yogurt cream cheese was a thing! And I just started using ground turkey. I had some hangups about it before (turkey wasn’t supposed to have that texture, in my mind), but since I tried it, I haven’t used ground beef since.
I switched out my sugary coffee creamer for stevia drops in my coffee.
I’m making an effort to shop the edges of the grocery store to avoid processed foods!
Yogurt instead of cream cheese. Did not know it came in block form.
I am drinking more water and trying to cut out processed foods.
Drinking more water…
I managed to eat oatmeal for breakfast instead of captain crunch cereal!
I have been looking for ways to lose weight before my wedding but struggle with making BIG changes. Great ideas!
Almond Milk (30 calories) rather than cows milk…
switching out cream cheese or sour cream for Greek yogurt and always bulking up recipes with extra veggies.
easy, obtainable changes! Can’t wait to start!
Applesauce! And using my Loseit app to keep me on track!
Mine was taking the extra few minutes to make a sandwich on whole wheat bread for my dinner tonight at work rather than hitting up the drive thru on my way to work like I usually do on days I hit snooze a few too many times
i just recently found that Greek cream cheese and I’m anxious to try it! Thanks Amanda!!
I’ve found it hard to switch to ground turkey, so I am buying lean ground beef and lean ground turkey and mixing them together. So, I feel like I am making one change toward healthier eating. I hope to switch to more ground turkey and less beef as I get used to it.
Also, I read or watch Netflix when I’m on the treadmill, which makes the time go by quickly. If I watch TV, I get bored with all the commercials. I’m not too thrilled with running, so lately I’ve been setting my treadmill to walk uphill to build leg muscles for hiking in the spring.
My little victory was no soda & no popcorn when I took my kids to the movie today!
I swap Greek yogurt for sour cream and it works like a charm!
I use spaghetti squash or zucchini instead of pasta for dinners.
I love zucchini noodles in place of spaghetti noodles!
Btw, Kroger is my fave store. I’m seriously in there 3-5 times a week. It’s ridiculous!
I used ground turkey today instead of ground beef in a fajita recipe! So yummy and my family even likes it!
I use applesauce instead of oil in baking. You can’t tell at all!
thanks for the offer!! I would love to win this!! Love your blog! :)
I love your recipes, these are great swaps! Thanks for the chance!
I use ground turkey all the time. Love it.
Actually just had a day doing whatever I wanted (including decorating a gingerbread tree, yes I know, a little late…)
I use greek yogurt a lot when I bake to replace oil or butter! It works really well!
My victory today was getting up for my Orangetheory class and burning almost 700 calories! I am loving fit me!!
I agree with you 100%, the ground turkey tastes great and the lowfat cheese works as well!
I’m ready to try some new things!
My favorite skinny swap is non fat greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Love the ideas for small victories in eating healthier. Hooray for swaps that taste great, like lighter cheeses.
I didn’t eat gluten today! It’s a battle, but today I won it. :)
I love to substitute greek yogurt in my cakes and other boxed baked goods for the oil….makes them so moist!
I did not know they made greek yogurt cream cheese! I will have to try it! I’ve been using applesauce in place of vegetable oil in my baking!
we try to bake most everything and add more fruits and vegetables
Drinking more water
No processed foods, lots of water and a fitbit on my wrist.
No processed food, only organic and no sugar. Will try greek cream cheese once I find it.
Oh wow! Such great ideas!
Getting my body into shape by drinking more water!!
I am going to try thr Greek yogurt cream cheese.
My victory today was not drinking soda which I crave. I have been soda free since 2010 when I was diagnosed with diabetes. This giveaway is amazing and so generous of all of you. Thank you. Reading your blog and newsletters make my day, keep up the great job you do.
cutting out snacking, a big one for me
wWe eat sweet potatoes instead of regular white potatoes and use Splenda brown sugar and cinnamon on baked. Yum
Love the greek yogurt cream cheese idea! We have been adding more fruits & veggies & smaller portion sizes.
I love my little victory for today. Instead of using heavy cream for my vanilla cake, I substitute with Green yogurt. The cake came out nice and moist and just as delicious. :) Thanks for hosting the giveaway.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
I refill my water bottle at least 5 times a day and make sure I add some fresh lemon, lime or frozen fruit to keep things interesting!
Exercise is key for me as I LOVE to eat and don’t like feeling deprived!
I like the idea of drinking Only water. Won’t be easy, but I know it will be worth it.
i usually try to use apple sauce instead of oil an almond milk instead of whole milk.
Drinking more water and controlling portion size. Those are my small victories.
Cut the soda habit a long time ago. I love water with cucumber & lemon slices. Thanks for the chance. :)
My victory and special for me is cutting out soda and drinking more water!
Small victory today was walking with my three month old. Love the suggestions!
I don’t eat any sweets.. EVER! unless it’s in a cocktail.
Mixing half my scrambled eggs with cottage cheese
I use cauliflower instead of pasta for my spaghetti!!
My victory was finding this giveaway.
I’m going to drink more water.
You proved it works! Great advice. And I am a Kroger girl!
My little victory today was making lunch for my sweet husband and I when I really wanted to go grab something fast (or worse, order in!). I’ve not been feeling well this weekend and am often too quick to look outside of our walls for meals. New year, new motivation! :-)
I ate a sensible breakfast and lunch so I won’t go crazy at a potluck tonight.
Whole wheat flour, pasta, etc. rather than the white stuff!
Like many of the other commenters, I plan to use applesauce in place of oil, butter and eggs this year!
I also use ground turkey!! And I’m going to try the Greek cream cheese!!
To drink more water – less soda. It’s hard though – they stock our fridge at work for free! Def going to try that cream cheese! I always swap heavy cream with half and half. Never notice a difference.
I drank all of my recommended water for today! I don’t like plain water, so any time I can get all of it in, I’m excited!
I use skim milk,low fat cheese, sour cream & mayo. I also use egg whites in many recipes.
Was just reading your weight loss story again the other day and was inspired to change a few little things. How fun that you are doing this series and give away with Krogers. Drinking water and not eating after 7pm are my best tips.
Love this blog for the photography, especially the travel. Unfortunately not so much for the ‘recipes.’ Great giveaway though!
My little victory for the day was getting rid of the rest of our holiday sweets! Not by eating them but putting some deep in the freezer and taking some to work.
Using a pedometer to track my steps! My personal goal is 11,000. I rarely make it, but I sure do try!
My little victory is passing up my favorite Starbucks drink and making my coffee at home so I can control what goes into my drink.
I try to drink more water and eat smaller portions.
I ate a piece of fruit with breakfast.
Awesome giveaway! Thank you so much for the opportunity to win :)
I work a 12 hour shift at a hospital and work on the 3rd floor. I take the stairs all day long to lose a few calories.
I swapped out avocado for mayo on my sandwich today
Drinking water instead of soda!
Holy yum. I can’t wait to try some of these recipes and healthy too!!!
I just ate a bunch of veggies instead of eating the potato chips that I was craving with my lunch.
I like using Kroger neufchatel cream cheese which is lower in fat than regular cream cheese in my cheese balls and desserts. I love Kroger brand frozen terraki and lemon chicken patties that you can cook in the microwave to have on salads or as a main dish. Amanda, your diet hints rock. I can’t believe how you keep off your weight after going on your trips filled with yummy food choices. I hope I can stick to it and loose my excess weight I’ve gained back this year. Happy New Year !!!! Hugs, Becky
Had sliced oranges and whole wheat raisin bread for breakfast.
We avoid fast foods and try to cook at home more so we have control over the salt, sugar, fat, etc. I will look forward to trying your recipes! (Though I LOVE many of the decadent ones you’ve posted in the past!)
Your weight loss posts is one of the most inspirational posts ive ever read! I’ve read it several times in the last few years. I’m at that point right now where I’ve had 3 kids in the last 6 years and I’m ready to lose some weight. My goal would be to lose about 30-40 pounds. I love these tips! My favorite is to use whole wheat pasta instead of regular. I also love using ground turkey and you really can’t taste a difference most of the time. Plus it’s usually cheaper!
Cutting back on sodas and drinking more water.
Drinking water instead of soda.
I use greek yogurt as a substitute when I can, especially in dips and baking.
My little victory today was finding different camera settings to use (using your tutorials!) :)
I had a protein drink this morning instead of a bowl of sugary cereal.
I used Greek yogurt in a smoothie today instead of regular – it added a little extra protein to the mix.
My victory today was getting my room cleaned and all of Christmas Decor put away!
I absolutely agree it is all about small changes that add up to big changes.
I am roasting beets for the first time. They are delicious!
Oh, I just love all of these. Never seen greek yogurt cream cheese! That looks yummy and healthy!
Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
A veggie soup that everyone liked!
I use applesauce instead of oil. I prefer the difference in my pastries as it keeps them very moist!
My victory was choosing water over Pepsi for lunch today. Something that is really hard for me while eating Mexican food!
Drinking more water and less sweet tea or coffee.
My little victory is drinking black coffee.
Counting my calories works for me. Choosing low cal, low fat whole foods are my little victories.
Small victory – sneakily adding veggies into recipes! Chickpea chocolate chip cookies & black bean brownies!!
My little Victory for the day was getting all the laundry washed and put away before noon!
I am back to my pre-holiday eating. Lots of water and salads. I already feel better! And so is my family!
I started my weight loss journey in July and have lost over 30 pounds so far mainly by doing little switches like these.
only water no soda in my home and keeping my lose it app going for 2 months so far. C
great suggestions! thank you for the reminder and the incentive! little things like having stuff already cut up and parking farther away when you go shopping really helps me.
I drank only water – no sugary drinks!
I swap non fat evaporated milk for cream or half and half in some of my recipes. It skinnys up creamed spinach and still tastes great!
I have used applesauce in place of oil in recipes and generally I look over a recipe and see where I can substitute something else that is healthier for us.
My little victory is getting a pot of lasagna sauce on the stove. The recipe usually calls for a sausage and ground beef mixture. I substituted ground turkey for ground beef since the sausage gives so much flavor and I had one last frozen package to use up as I start to rid of all the unhealthy foods in my pantry/fridge.
Amanda… Making the choice for the New Year to not “get through the day,” but to live each day to the full and be a blessing to others. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
P.S. Since I’ve started eating lots of eggs and butter, there’s no more brain fog. Fats feed the brain. :) Yay!! Ditching sugar and most grains has been my key to thinness.
I love swapping out Beef for turkey, tacos are amazing with turkey.
I had a salad with chicken on it at Chick-fil-a instead of the meal. I also chose ice water.
My little victory today was making myself a fruit smoothie for breakfast before going to yoga this morning.
Love this!! This is what I need to do, especially with the cheese!!!
Thanks for the great ideas!!
I eat only whole foods. I don’t eat Processed , fried or fast food BUT I am trying to stay away from butter may go back to smart balance
I drink water instead of soda or other drinks to save on calories and sugar
I park my car far away from stores so I can get some extra walking in my day.
My victory is cutting out diet sodas and drinking more water.
I walked to the local market and made a fresh salad for lunch
I use applesauce in place of oil or butter when baking banana bread, cakes, etc.
I used to cook with heavy cream a lot, but I’ve found that a little 1/3 fat cream cheese or shredded cheese can give the same creaminess to a recipe as a lot of heavy cream, for far less fat and calories! Now the only time I use heavy cream is in the occasional dessert!
I ate Cheerios instead of chocolate for breakfast. :-)
I am looking forward to your posts!
When I feel like snacking try to drink some water first to see if that helps curb my hunger.
I can’t wait to try the Greek yogurt cream cheese. I’ve never heard of that.
I use applesauce in place of oil in a lot of my baking.
being able to fall back to sleep after getting up at 3am, I’ve been dealing with insomnia for the last month, a nice little victory for me
I am doing a daily yoga challenge. I’m committing to myself.
That Cream Cheese/yogurt swap is a new one for me! Definitely going to try that pronto!!
I am getting more green leafy foods in my diet in the last few days drinking my water and cutting back on sugary drinks.
I walked six out of the past seven days!
I’ve never heard of Greek yogurt cream cheese. I’ll have to try it!
I love your site and your fonts and I’m excited to try out your recipes!
I started today with a fresh orange. For 2015 I will use as many fresh fruits and veggies as I can, plus I need to stay away from salty snacks!
My little victory for today was just getting up! ;) Great giveaway!
We haven’t eaten out in 4 days. For us, that’s a record, I think.
I too switched to 2% cheess. Its so good
In the last 6 months I have lost 30lbs by drinking 8 ozs of water first thing in the morning eating fresh fruit and yogurt followed by a protein shake at 10 a.m. A big lunch and light supper! Of course 2 litres of water during the day. Also started free style yoga! Never felt better full of energy and motivation!
I am definitely going to look for the Greek yogurt cream cheese to try. Also, I plan on trying to drink more water this year.
Would love to win! I love using greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
Not eating the donuts my hubby brought home this morning. :)
Can’t wait to try the Greek yogurt cream cheese. Thank you for the tip!
i had a healthy strawberry and kale smoothie for breakfast today
Greek yogurt cream cheese sounds wonderful. I’m adding more fruits and vegetables to my meals and drinking more water.
I’m trying to cut out sugar as much as possible (most recipes don’t need nearly as much as they call for!) and I use coconut oil instead of butter in many recipes.
I swap out “fake” hamburger crumbles (Morningstar Farms or Boca) for regular hamburger in tacos ,chili, enchiladas, and use the patties for hamburgers.
Already switching a lot of my recipes to turkey. Still trying to get used to the Greek yogurt : )
Love swapping Greek yogurt for sour cream or cream cheese. We also use almond or coconut milk instead of cow’s milk and eat whole grains like quinoa or barley instead of plain rice. For bread, we swap in healthy whole grain high fiber low calorie or low carb wraps. I’ve learned to always read the labels!
I wonder how the Greek Cream Cheese would fair in a cheesecake. All of these recipes look amazing! I may have to run to Fry’s (Krogers) to get some groceries to make one.
Hi Amanda!
Thanks for an awesome giveaway!
My husband and I have a total of 200 pounds to lose.
And we will do it! With help from people like you.
My husband quit coke zero ,cold turkey. He drinks water or unsweet tea.
We are starting slow as you advised, making small changes. Cutting portion
sizes….less sodium….less carbs….less sugar
Healthy fruit packed smoothies as a midday snack instead of chips or crackers. I can’t wait to find the Greek yogurt cream cheese!
My little victory today was waking up early. I enjoyed my break with my family too much, but its back to the routine on Monday! :)
Less sugar, more water! That’s my daily goal for a little victory.
Great way to start 2015 with healthier versions of favorite recipes.
Mine is drinking water or unsweetened tea instead of juice or soda. Keeping that up this year will be a little victory
working on cutting out sugar and eating more veggies!
Getting to bed at a reasonable hour so I get more sleep. Tough being a night owl.
I’ve actually started cooking with ghee/butter/coconut oil instead of processed oils. A little goes a long way, and food tastes infinitely better!
Going to go make myself eggs and sweet potato hash now :)
My little victory included waking up and letting the dog out while the hubs slept in. :) It’s still early, so I’m planning on some more little victories today.
I have swapped my afternoon sodas for water and lemon :)
I am going to try to drink more water and eat less sugar.
sticking to my grocery list and NOT giving in a buying those ” extra things” i see that i think i “need.” (mostly snacks or junk.) when i get home i never have the guilt or the regret! i also steer clear away from soda at home or at restaurants. i never miss it.
My goal is eliminating gluten (due to auto-immune hypothyroid) so I will be doing a total diet makeover this year!
New to your blog…these are some great tips!
Made myself a healthy breakfast-not cookies :P