Breakfast/ Product Reviews

Tons of Fun Stuff!

Morning!

I just finished a total deep clean of the house and its only 9:00! When I woke up this morning it was a MESS. Poker chips everywhere, dice, cards, cups, napkins…..you could have thought we had a big party but nope, it was just Ryan and I! I did a deep clean of the kitchen and living room and swept, mopped, vacuumed and sanitized it all. Ahhhhh much better. 🙂

Anyways, on to the day! I have A LOT of exciting stuff in this post so get ready! Also, get ready for ELR Wine 101 Day 2 with Red Wines for Newbies still to come!

First up was breakfast. I tried my new MojaMix cereal that I had customized myself!

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When given the opportunity to customize a batch for the blog, I immediately picked all of my favorites. I started with their “Grains a Plenty” base (wheat flakes, oat flakes, rye flakes, barley flakes and puffed rice) and then added apricots, cranberries, pears, peaches, whole walnuts, pumpkin seeds and raw cacao nibs for a bit of chocolate! 😉
Nutritional stats were awesome! 11 grams of protein per serving!

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I had 1/2 cup of my mix with a vanilla oikos. It was delicious!

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YUM! This reminded me so much of the breakfast I ate every single morning in France—muesli and yogurt! I loved the muesli-feel of this mix and the fact that it was just bursting with all my favorite dried fruit. MojaMix, two thumbs up from ELR!
And now another thing I shall gush about for a brief minute is Avocate Skincare. Remember when I reviewed their body lotion last week? Well last night I tried the Body Glow and Collagen Eye Repair for the first time and…….wow.

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I rubbed the heavenly scented body oil into my legs and arms after my bath last night and STILL this morning, my skin is softer than it has ever been. I have very dry skin, almost to the point of being itchy, so this is amazing to me. Plus, it smelled phenomenal. Ingredients in the body glow include organic avocado oil, vitamin A oil, vitamin E oil, Egyptian jasmine essential oil, ylang ylang essential oil and frankincense essential oil. It.smelled.amazing. Avocado oil really is a miracle!
The Intensive Eye Repair also was very nice. This was this first time I’ve ever used an eye cream but now that I’m (gulp) in my mid-twenties I am beginning to see the importance of it. I don’t want no wrinkles! I’ve always dealt with under-eye circles, and when applied at night this cream diminishes them almost completely. Hello, travel! This is perfect! I’ve never been a huge make-up girl but under eye concealer has always been the one product I can’t live without. If I didn’t have to use it anymore it would be a miracle!
This cream was very, very thick from the rich avocado butter and felt great massaged into the areas around my eyes.
Okay, on to exciting news number three!

Last week I received this awesome cookbook in the mail:

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I basically read the whole thing cover to cover and I just love it. The pages are super glossy, the photos are great and the recipes are mouth-watering. Plus, there are sample meal-plans and nutritional info for every single recipe in the book!

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I haven’t made anything yet because I’m still in the stage of flagging all the recipes I want to make (there are many) but I was generously given ANOTHER cookbook to give away to one very lucky ELR reader! How about it?!
So, to enter the giveaway all you have to do is leave a comment on this post describing your favorite healthy adaptation of a typically unhealthy recipe (Gena’s banana soft serve instead of ice cream, for example. Which I still need to try!!! Perhaps today?!). You don’t have to type the recipe out, just tell me what it is….it could be anything! One of my favorites is my mom’s version of pulled chicken which is much lower in fat than typical pulled pork from a bbq joint.
You have until 10 pm tonight to enter and I will pick a random winner at that time! Ready, set, GO!!!!

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  • Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
    July 14, 2009 at 9:36 am

    Wow! What an amazing looking breakfast. Now I’m craving yogurt and granola. YUMMMMM.

    Glad your day is off to a productive start. Hope the rest is great too!

  • Maria
    July 14, 2009 at 9:39 am

    Lovely reviews, Jenna–cereal + Avocate skincare + cookbook sound amazing!

    I love having Amazing Grass in the morning as opposed to coffee–gives me lasting energy throughout the day 🙂

  • Lyss
    July 14, 2009 at 9:39 am

    hmmm, my favorite would have to be butternut squash french fries instead of real french fries… delicious and easy 🙂

  • Rona
    July 14, 2009 at 9:42 am

    Mine would be my dad’s Tiramisu based on a Sue Kreitzman recipe. The queen of low fat but incredibly tasty cooking!

  • Jtine
    July 14, 2009 at 9:42 am

    When I started eating healthier, my mom started using lower fat cheese and ground turkey or lean beef when she made my faves: chili, lasagna, and mac & cheese (with whole wheat pasta). And my dad, who had to cut most sugar out of his diet, got me hooked on sugar free jello pudding w/ ff reddi whip on top for dessert!

  • Cait (Cait's Plate)
    July 14, 2009 at 9:43 am

    Ah! I’m so jealous of all your MojaMixes! I must get one of my own soon!! Yours looks exceptional!

    My healthy adaptation on ice cream is: to take a 6oz serving of soyogurt and stick it in the freezer overnight. The next day I take it out, top it with a few tbps of delicious trail mix or some dark chocolate chips (and maybe now some MojaMix!) and dig in! I swear it tastes JUST like frozen yogurt only WAY better 🙂

  • M.E.
    July 14, 2009 at 9:44 am

    I use yogurt when it calls for mayo in salads and slaws!

  • Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope
    July 14, 2009 at 9:45 am

    I like to make a healthier version of pizza (I don’t necessarily think of pizza as unhealthy, but you get the idea) by getting a pita, slabbing on some hummus and crumbled feta, baking until the cheese gets hot and melty, then topping it with spinach, tomatoes, kalamata olives, peppers, onion…whatever I can find! It is good. There’s a picture of the latest one on my blog.

  • Lauren
    July 14, 2009 at 9:46 am

    coconut water instead of gatorade to refuel after the gym! so good 🙂

  • katie s
    July 14, 2009 at 9:46 am

    That breakfast looks beautiful haha I NEED to try this stuff!!

    Hmm…. a healthy adaptation? My favorite is a “Brownie hot fudge sundae”…. I use a chocolate vita muffin top and a scoop of purely decadent coconut milk vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of almond butter on top of course!!

  • Jennie
    July 14, 2009 at 9:49 am

    My favorite healthy-alternative was actually inspired by your blog! It’s to use hummus and/or cottage cheese instead of salad dressings… yum!

  • Katie K
    July 14, 2009 at 9:50 am

    My favorite healthy version of something not so healthy is sweet potato fries (baked in the oven) instead of real french fries….i love them!!

  • Kati
    July 14, 2009 at 9:51 am

    Ooh, that mix looks goood. My newest fave healthy “swap” is a raw chocolate “cake” in Ani Phyo’s book…it’s so good with chocolate syrup!

  • Lizzy
    July 14, 2009 at 9:52 am

    Jenna your breakfast looked amazing! So yummy! 🙂 Also that lotion sounded out of this world! where did you get it? I would love to try it, because i to have really dry skin and i feel like anything i try doesnt help! so maybe this is worth the buy!

    As for a recipe swap, i’ve always been a huge fan of tuna, especially tuna melts, but so not good because of all the mayo, i’m not a fan of mayo much anymore, but instead i make my tuna with yellow mustard, relish, and Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste. so delish and i put that on an open faced toasted arnold sandwich thin! so great! 🙂

  • Stacie
    July 14, 2009 at 9:54 am

    Hi Jenna,
    I’ve been following your blog for a while now, and I absolutely love it! Your meals always look so amazing! I’m going to make your recipe for homemade pizza and dough this week. My favorite healthy version of an unhealthy meal would be my Unfried Chicken fingers. Instead of deep frying them, I coat boneless skinless chicken breast tenders in egg beaters and wheat germ with seasonings and bake in the oven. My boyfriend LOVES them. :0)

  • Courtney
    July 14, 2009 at 9:55 am

    My healthy modification is nixing store bought dressing and either making my own quick dressing (EVOO, balsamic vinegar, etc.) or using smashed avocado and fresh, locally made salsa.

  • Andrea
    July 14, 2009 at 9:56 am

    What a great give-away! Yay!!!! I’m so addicted to my coffee, but I’ve subsituted Teecino (the hazelnut flavor) and I love it. Much lower in acid and caffeine, yet I still get the morning cup of comfort. Does this count as a recipe? 🙂

  • Jill H.
    July 14, 2009 at 9:56 am

    I love adding spinach and/or zucchini to all my favorite recipes. Everything is better with some spinach added in! 🙂

    I learned a lot about the white wines yesterday, I am anxiously awaiting the reds today.

  • kalli
    July 14, 2009 at 9:57 am

    my favorite change for a recipe or product is making angela’s oh she glows almost raw granola bars instead of eating cookies or store bought granola bars. they are to die for!

  • Meg
    July 14, 2009 at 9:58 am

    I bake sweet potato “fries” at least several times a week! I also use 365 Ketchup from Whole Foods, which is great because they don’t use HFCS! Along with my homemade black bean burgers, I feel like I’m eating the healthiest burger & fries possible!

  • TanyaS
    July 14, 2009 at 9:58 am

    I’ve found that I can pretty much cut the sugar in a recipe to 1/2 of what’s called will no ill effect on the finished product. A girl’s still gotta bake, right?

  • Ashley
    July 14, 2009 at 9:59 am

    I make oven baked sweet potato fries at least once a week. I prefer them much more to deep fried french fries and like to try them with different spices such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, cinnamon, etc. 🙂 mmmmm now I’m hungry!

  • Sofia
    July 14, 2009 at 10:00 am

    i make a mean veggie lasagna with whole wheat pasta, veggies, and mozzarella cheese. it’s fantastic!

  • jen
    July 14, 2009 at 10:00 am

    I just love Eating Well magazine and would love to add their cookbook to my collection. My favorite “healthed-up” recipes are the ones my husband (who likes pretty rich, full-fat, full-flavor food) likes too. It’s great knowing we’re both eating something good for us, but that it tastes good enough to make you want seconds. My favorite recipe like this is my meatless chili… honestly, I’ve never had anyone not love it –meatlovers included.
    Thanks for the fun giveaway Jenna!

  • Sally
    July 14, 2009 at 10:02 am

    Gotta be a breakfast cookie…a la the fitnessista!

  • maren
    July 14, 2009 at 10:02 am

    baked butternut squash or sweet potato fries rather than deep fried french fries!!!! great giveaway, the cookbook looks awesome! Thanks!

  • Marisa
    July 14, 2009 at 10:02 am

    I love that MojoMix idea. I always mix a couple of cereals together for my breakfast.

    I love your whole wheat blueberry muffins. I also make these chocolate mint brownies from Cooking Light magazine. They have less sugar and butter than regular brownies. I try to use healthier ingredients whenever possible. I have to keep it a secret from certain members of the family since they’re biased against healthy!

  • Brittany
    July 14, 2009 at 10:02 am

    My favorite recipe made healthier is veggie enchiladas! Even though they don’t taste exactly the same as traditional ones, I don’t miss them and theyre a good replacement!

  • Ali
    July 14, 2009 at 10:02 am

    Jenna- that facial lotion looks AMAZ-A-ZING!!!
    As for a healthy swap- my favorite is sweet potato fries instead of regular with a little ketchup- YUM!!

  • Jocelyn
    July 14, 2009 at 10:03 am

    My favorite healthy adaptation is to make carnitas in the crockpot, and use a leaner cut of pork, like tenderloin, instead of the fattier cut of pork, like shoulder or butt, that is usually used in Mexican restaurants. It is also healthier because it is not fried, like it is traditionally prepared. I also love to make my own veggie lasagna with tons of veggies and low fat cheeses.

  • Jaime
    July 14, 2009 at 10:03 am

    I use Boca crumbles in most of my recipes now- I am making stuffed peppers tonight and can’t wait to use Boca instead of ground beef!

  • Kiersten
    July 14, 2009 at 10:04 am

    The “Super Charge Me” Cookies in Eat, Drink, & Be Vegan are my favorite cookies. They are delicious and SO much healthier than any traditional cookie recipe.

  • Sara
    July 14, 2009 at 10:04 am

    Oven “fried” chicken strips instead of fried chicken tenders!

  • Sherri
    July 14, 2009 at 10:05 am

    I would have to say my favourite ‘healthier’ version of a typically unhealthy recipe is baked ‘french fries’ and skinless chicken wings. I love traditional wings and fries – but this homemade version satisfies my cravings without all the fat and calories!

  • Sarah
    July 14, 2009 at 10:06 am

    I love to use Annie’s Mac and Cheese and add smart dogs to it. It’s much healthier than the mac and cheese with hot dogs that we used to eat when I was little. Plus, I haven’t had a regular hot dog for about 12 years. The cookbook looks fabulous!

  • greenbean
    July 14, 2009 at 10:07 am

    oven baked french fries!

  • Jess
    July 14, 2009 at 10:08 am

    I drink water now instead of Diet Soda. And I feel so much better! And instead of regular fries, I LOVE sweet potato fries. Yum!
    Thanks so much for this giveaway!
    <3 jess

  • Jess
    July 14, 2009 at 10:08 am

    My favourite substitution would be baked green beans. They are amazing and taste just like french fries! My boyfriend doesn’t quite agree, but his taste buds are different…

  • Sara Barnett
    July 14, 2009 at 10:08 am

    I have so many healthy alternative recipes…

    my newest favorite for dessert would be any of the vita tops in a bowl with vanilla yogurt topped with strawberries and a few slivers of almonds.

    my favorite savory dish would be one I made last night, no name yet; but it is broccoli with brown rice with boca burger crumbles and I put a sweet and sour sauce on top. I made the sauce with agave, stevia and a pinch of brown sugar with teriyaki and worchestshire sauce.

  • Anna
    July 14, 2009 at 10:08 am

    I love to use light silken tofu a la Chocolate Covered Katie to make delicious vegan desserts. Who knew chocolate pudding could be so tasty and healthy?!

  • katherine (the runner wife)
    July 14, 2009 at 10:09 am

    One of my favorite adaptations is using ground turkey when I make winter chili. I also double all the veggies and beans so it’s super hearty without all the fat of ground beef.

  • Beth
    July 14, 2009 at 10:10 am

    I love making baked sweet potato fries. I’m also a fan of Greek yogurt on pretty much everything :o) In place of sour cream and higher fat yogurts and dairy products

  • Kristen
    July 14, 2009 at 10:10 am

    I like to sub fat free yogurt for mayonnaise when making tuna salad 😀

  • Jamie
    July 14, 2009 at 10:10 am

    I make a great low calorie version of chicken quesidillas! I never order them in restaurants because they’re loaded in butter and oil, but my version is low fat AND low cal! YUM!!! 🙂

  • Katrina (gluten free gidget)
    July 14, 2009 at 10:10 am

    This sounds all low carb and stuff, but I LOVE IT! Simply replace pasta noodles with veggies and top with marinara. Or, use quinoa in place of rice when making risotto.

  • JW
    July 14, 2009 at 10:12 am

    One thing I’m wanting to try is nut butter that you grind yourself. Its a lot better than store-bought skippy!

  • Elizabeth
    July 14, 2009 at 10:12 am

    Instead of fried chicken, I usually make the “skin” with whole wheat bread crumbs and seasoning and bake it instead of frying it. Also, you got me addicted to green monsters! I love all that energy that I have and it lasts throughout the day!

  • Lynna
    July 14, 2009 at 10:12 am

    One of my favorite healthy adaptations is using fat free greek yogurt in place of sour cream or mayo in some recipes and using lowfat yogurt for part of the oil or butter in baked goods.

  • Bree
    July 14, 2009 at 10:12 am

    I like to use spaghetti squash as pasta and sweet potatoes fries as a lovely side for burgers.

  • Jess
    July 14, 2009 at 10:12 am

    I healthify lasagna with whole wheat noodles, low fat dairy and lean beef!

  • Erica
    July 14, 2009 at 10:13 am

    Cleaning the house always makes me so happy! Glad you got so much done already. I want this cookbook! My favorite healthy version I make is my baked chicken parm. Not only is it baked, but the coating is attached by dipping the chicken first in a lemon juice/water combo, then into the panko (vs. using eggs). Its super yummy and juicy.

  • Liz
    July 14, 2009 at 10:13 am

    I use KERF’s healthier version of mac and cheese with mushrooms. It’s lower fat than all the other recipes I’ve seen or tried, and tastes yummy!

  • Shannon, The Healthy Beach Bum
    July 14, 2009 at 10:13 am

    Aw thank you for the giveaway!! <3

    I love making pizza on thin whole wheat wraps.. Just smother a wrap with a little bit of spaghetti sauce, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on it, add a few turkey slices, and waalaah! Healthy pizza 🙂

  • emily
    July 14, 2009 at 10:13 am

    My favorite healthy change is making oven baked ‘fries’ with sweet potatoes. That book looks fabulous, I get so annoyed when recipes don’t include nutritional stats.

  • gretchen
    July 14, 2009 at 10:14 am

    Yum…that cookbook looks beautiful! I feel like, instead of healthy adaptations, I’ve moved more towards the “less is more” of the real stuff. A smaller amount of real nut butter beats the imposters, IMO. I will occasionally sub in some PB2 in a smoothie, but otherwise, I’ll go for the real deal 🙂

  • Bec
    July 14, 2009 at 10:14 am

    mmm your breakfast looks great!

  • Jane
    July 14, 2009 at 10:14 am

    smashed cauliflower “mashed potatoes”! i could go for some RIGHT NOW! mmmmmmmmmm…

  • Jenna
    July 14, 2009 at 10:14 am

    the most healthy change I’ve made this year is using almond milk instead of regular milk.

    I love your beauty reviews….on that note I tried the neutrogena daily scrub you just started using and I love it!!! I loved my Kinerase daily was but neutrogena is much cheaper and i how its a gentle scrub so it gets rid of random dry skin but is not too harsh. 🙂 thanks for the tips dear~

  • Jenn
    July 14, 2009 at 10:15 am

    I have made the switch from regular white potatoes to sweet potatoes. I know nothing “huge” but I’m working on the small steps.

  • Danielle
    July 14, 2009 at 10:15 am

    Using quinoa instead of pasta in recipes, it’s not necessarily that pasta is unhealthy (because it really isn’t for whole wheat) but because quinoa just packs so much more nutrition.

    I also love sweet potato oven fries!

  • Anne P
    July 14, 2009 at 10:15 am

    I love using plain fat free yogurt instead of mayonnaise! 🙂

  • Laura E
    July 14, 2009 at 10:16 am

    Thanks for the opportunity! I love making Ellie Krieger’s Tuna Noodle Casserole. I used to always eat Tuna Helper and this tastes even better and it’s way more healthier, obviously! 🙂

  • Krissy - Single Serving
    July 14, 2009 at 10:16 am

    I make a much lower fat version of my favorite chicken and pasta dish with a spicy marinara sauce. I just sautee the chicken in about a tbsp of olive oil. The original version calls for fried chicken cutlets.

  • Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
    July 14, 2009 at 10:16 am

    I love to make “healthy pizza” – cover a whole wheat pita with sauce, mozzarella, chicken sausage, and veggies. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Yum!

  • Amy
    July 14, 2009 at 10:16 am

    Mac and cheese made with a pureed butternut squash base. It’s super creamy and you can’t even tell the difference!

  • Jessie Bea
    July 14, 2009 at 10:17 am

    My favorite bad for you snack turned healthy is Buffalo Wing Tofu! Drained firm tofu, either coated with breadcrumbs or flour or *naked*, baked and then slathered with Franks red hot! Wimps can mix the hot sauce with olive oil or earth balance if it’s too spicy, but that just slows me down!

    I usually serve it with a yogurt based sauce, sometimes with blue cheese mixed in 🙂 It’s also great on top of a big salad!

  • saramariesue
    July 14, 2009 at 10:17 am

    Typical nachos can be some what unhealthy or lack healthy additives…but I tried a new version. Diced up zucchini, portobello mushrooms, onions, jalapeno…added black beans and of course cheese on top (lots in my case), sprinkled with a few tomatoes and green onion. On the side some spicy salsa for added kick. A great snack or meal…especially on movie night 🙂

  • Allison
    July 14, 2009 at 10:17 am

    I love sweet potato fries! They are so easy to make and taste soooooo good 😀

  • Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope
    July 14, 2009 at 10:17 am

    AWESOME cereal mix!!! Sounds so good!!!

    Wow, that cookbook looks so neat! I have to say that one of my healthiest alterations is using plain yogurt or greek yogurt instead of mayo in tuna salads or pasta salads. I actually prefer the little bit of “sourness” and creaminess it give it.

  • ann
    July 14, 2009 at 10:17 am

    I love roasted potatoes made with a little EVOO instead of french fries. Thanks for all the great info.

    Ann

  • Kim
    July 14, 2009 at 10:17 am

    I make a healthy Reuben sandwich out of Ezekiel bread, avocado, raw kimchi, and a homemade “Russian dressing” made from tomato paste and yogurt. Great for when I’m craving some good old-fashioned New York deli food!

  • Rachel
    July 14, 2009 at 10:18 am

    Hi Jenna! EatingWell is my favorite magazine – my mom just got me a 2-year subscription for my birthday! I would LOVE to win this book!

    One of my healthy alternatives is making pizza for my husband, who would eat it every night of the week if I let him! I make my own whole wheat crust from scratch, make sauce with no oil in it, and load it up with veggies and turkey Italian sausage instead of the regular pork sausage.

  • Kate
    July 14, 2009 at 10:18 am

    My boyfriend loves lasagna, so I make it ‘healthy’ with whole wheat noodles (or none at all), low fat cheese, natural tomato sauce and TONS of veggies!

    Also, lasagna freezes very well, so it’s a quick healthy meal when you’re in a rush!

  • Anna
    July 14, 2009 at 10:18 am

    I love any low-fat, high-veggie adaptation of classic italian dishes, like lasagna!

  • Valerie
    July 14, 2009 at 10:18 am

    My favorite adaption is subbing “carrot cake oatmeal” for carrot cake. Just make oat meal as you normally would, stirring in about 1/3 c. grated carrot in the beginning. About 1/2 way though add some raisins and spices – I like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and clove. Top with walnuts if you like. You can even finish it off with a mix of greek yogurt and maple syrup for the “icing.” It’s delicious – try it!

  • Nekeisha
    July 14, 2009 at 10:18 am

    My healthier version of mac and cheese involves whole wheat pasta and lots of veges. I love squash so I dice it, roast it and add it to my pasta along with corn, carrots and whatever other veges I have on hand. Top with some pine nuts and then low fat cheese. After baking I usually serve alongside some beans and plantains (boiled and sliced).

  • Christina
    July 14, 2009 at 10:19 am

    I actually made one of my favorite adaptations last night for dinner…eggplant parmigiana. I bake the eggplant after lightly breading it in seasoned up fiber one and egg whites. I use skim mozzarella instead of whole and its delicious!

  • Brandi
    July 14, 2009 at 10:19 am

    Jenna, we make your Enchilada recipe almost weekly around my house. We love them and just started using the Ezekiel Tortillas in them. Yum!

  • claire
    July 14, 2009 at 10:20 am

    I love to “health-ify” boxed mac and cheese by adding lots of veggies and lean protein-chicken or tuna. I’ve even added shrimp before, it was great!

  • Mary
    July 14, 2009 at 10:20 am

    I love paninis and sandwiches of any kind, especially ones from panera. But of course, eating those all the time are impractical for both my wallet and waistline 🙂 instead, I love making paninis at home and substituting grilled portobellas, peppers and sometimes even pineapple for my “meat”. Even more delish than restaurant-made could ever be!

  • Morgan
    July 14, 2009 at 10:21 am

    My healthier version of spanikopita (spinach pie). I use a regular pie crust instead of buttery puff pastry, and egg whites, low fat feta and lots of herbs and spices round it out. Soooo good

  • Kelly L.
    July 14, 2009 at 10:21 am

    My favorite healthy adaption is baking sweet potato fries instead of eating the the fried white kind. DELICIOUS!

  • Help Meghan Run
    July 14, 2009 at 10:22 am

    Easy! Healthy salmon salad with Greek yogurt and veggies instead of lots of mayo. 🙂

    HelpMeghanRun.com

  • Shelly
    July 14, 2009 at 10:23 am

    I make healthier spaghetti by using spaghetti squash instead of noodles! It is yummy!

  • Neena
    July 14, 2009 at 10:23 am

    Great giveaway!

    My favorite adaption is making lasagna with strips of zucchini and summer squash in place of lasagna noodles, and cottage cheese in place of ricotta cheese. YUM!

  • Holly
    July 14, 2009 at 10:23 am

    Sweet potat’er fries baked in the oven- not fried! They are so addicting :o)

  • Melissa
    July 14, 2009 at 10:23 am

    My favorite healthy recipe adaptation is making cheese-less pizzas! I never would have thought of omitting this (seemingly) crucial component, but once the veggies and tomato sauce are loaded atop your crust you never even miss it!

    Thanks for the giveaway, that cookbook looks awesome!

  • lauren
    July 14, 2009 at 10:23 am

    hmmm mine would have to be the sweet potatoe fries i make instead of the typical unhealthy french fries! so good 🙂

  • Kelly
    July 14, 2009 at 10:24 am

    Love your blog, Jenna! I’m down about 45 pounds right now, and I credit a lot of it to healthy cooking and modifying old recipes. One of my favorites is Weight Watchers’ recipe for Oven Baked Onion Rings. Super crunchy and great slathered in ketchup… the mustard powder gives it a kick. So tasty!

  • Caity
    July 14, 2009 at 10:24 am

    mine is definitely nachos! some blue corn chips (because you have to have a few…), zucchini or sweet potato fries, black beans sauteed with chili powder, cumin and garlic powder, corn, shredded cheese and some fage plain yogurt and salsa on the side. delicious, filling and incredibly healthy for nachos!

  • Eleanor
    July 14, 2009 at 10:24 am

    One of my favorite dinners is a quesadilla with a whole wheat tortilla and lots of vegetables, served with voskos instead of sour cream (which I don’t miss, because I don’t like it anyways). It’s all about the little things.

  • Rose
    July 14, 2009 at 10:25 am

    This is a great question. Reminds me of the adaptations from Cooking Light 🙂 I consider Tina’s Peanut Buttery Bars to be a great adaptation on peanut butter no-bakes. Same texture – way better for you.

  • Erin
    July 14, 2009 at 10:25 am

    My favorite healthy adaptation is to use Greek yogurt or plain lowfat yogurt in place of sour cream (on burritos, black bean soup, or nachos). Oven baked sweet potato fries dipped in ketchup really kick a greasy french fry craving, too!

  • Shannon
    July 14, 2009 at 10:25 am

    i like making taco salad healthy. by using vegetarian chili, and a pita as substitutes. your breaky looks yummo!

  • Cecilia
    July 14, 2009 at 10:25 am

    mine would be making pizza myself, with no cheese!! haha

  • sue
    July 14, 2009 at 10:27 am

    sweet potato and black bean chili! it’s so hearty and flavorful that i don’t miss the meat at all!

  • Anais
    July 14, 2009 at 10:27 am

    I love baked potatoes, so to make it healthier, I like to substitute the potato for a sweet potato, and to add a bit of cheesiness I put some cottage cheese on it 🙂 It’s simple but so filling and yummy!

  • brandi
    July 14, 2009 at 10:27 am

    Oh, I have been wanting this cookbook! Eating Well is my favorite magazine and I make TONS of recipes out of it each month.

    I love making any pasta dish healthier by using whole wheat pasta and my husband can’t even tell anymore that it’s whole wheat! I also try to create healthier baked goods to have most of the time. I’m all about decadent treats, but not every single week.

  • Mary
    July 14, 2009 at 10:27 am

    Definitely Baked French Fries…sweet potato or russet potatoes….much healthier than the fried version!!

  • Kelsey
    July 14, 2009 at 10:27 am

    your cereal looks so good! i think i will order my own very soon :]
    my favorite healthy adaptation is definitely baked sweet potato fries. i could eat them every day!

  • kristin
    July 14, 2009 at 10:28 am

    BANANA ICE CREAM!!! IT IS TDF! (TO DIE FOR!)

  • Ilene
    July 14, 2009 at 10:28 am

    This is pretty common, but I love healthy burritos! Little or no cheese, hummus, lots of fresh produce, and sometimes a little chicken or other meat. Fantastic!

  • Kathleen
    July 14, 2009 at 10:29 am

    I sneak flax in absolutely everything I bake, and no one is the wiser!!

  • Carolyn
    July 14, 2009 at 10:29 am

    I love making fancy pizza – but to make it healthier I use a whole grain tortilla base, load it up with veggies, and use sharp cheese so that less goes further. I love this pizza so much that I’ve actually lost my taste for take-out or thick crusts :O

  • lexi
    July 14, 2009 at 10:30 am

    My favorite healthy adaptation is to blend steel cut oats to make the flour when I make pancakes. I use half oats & half whole wheat flour. The oats make them nice and fluffy!

  • Allison B.
    July 14, 2009 at 10:30 am

    I have picked up many good ideas from reading blogs. I now make tuna sandwiches using hummus instead of mayo and I love roasting thinly sliced sweet potato rounds. They help fill my french fry cravings.

  • Jess
    July 14, 2009 at 10:32 am

    I make my own salad croutons instead of storebought ones. Much tastier and lower in fat and other nasty ingredients!

  • Lauren
    July 14, 2009 at 10:32 am

    that cookbook looks awesome!

  • Katie
    July 14, 2009 at 10:32 am

    My favorite healthy adaptation is simply to add herbs and/or spices to a lot of my meals, instead of covering them with butter, creamy sauces, etc. The added punch of the spices is all the flavor I need!!

  • Arianna
    July 14, 2009 at 10:32 am

    I love sneaking green things into my smoothies, like spinach. I also like to substitute a little greek yogurt or hummus for mayo in egg salad. Hummus is especially good, and the boyfriend loves it, too.

  • j
    July 14, 2009 at 10:32 am

    I like veggie lasagna. Instead of using noodles, layer sliced eggplant, zucchini, etc. with part skim ricotta, mozzerella, parm, and sauce. YUM. Not exactly healthy because of the cheese, but definitely more healthy than traditional lasagna!

  • Andrea
    July 14, 2009 at 10:32 am

    One of my favorites is instead of french fries cut up a sweet potatoe brush with some EVOO and some sea salt in the oven!

    YUM!!

  • andrea.
    July 14, 2009 at 10:32 am

    I’d love that cookbook! My favourite healthier adaptation is a butter chicken that I make. For me, that dish is more about the spices than the butter anyway, so I make it with mostly milk and just a tbsp of butter. I also add spinach for extra healthiness (and deliciousness!)

  • Jessica
    July 14, 2009 at 10:32 am

    I love coating chicken in panko crumbs and baking it for chicken tenders or chicken parm. No need to deep fry!

  • Katie
    July 14, 2009 at 10:32 am

    I have to admit, I’m absolutely obsessed with “healthifying” my favorite foods that I grew up on. So many are good, but I have to say my whole wheat pancakes are the BEST! I use half whole wheat flour (obviously), and sub some flax seed meal and wheat germ for the other half. I also use canola oil instead of vegetable, and tons of cinnamon!

    That cookbook looks wonderous and I would love to thumb through it!

  • Holly (The Healthy Everythingtarian)
    July 14, 2009 at 10:33 am

    ooohhh i think my fave healthy version of a food would have to all be in the substitutions. greek yogurt (for sour cream and as a substitute in baking), healthy oils for butter – it’s the little things that add up but keep things tasting mighty fine!

  • earthybrit.wordpress.com
    July 14, 2009 at 10:34 am

    I make sweet potato fries and I love my mom’s cheater lasagna, which uses only fat free cottage cheese, whole wheat pasta, and low fat mozzeralla, and homemade pasta sauce. I make it and use all organic and add pureed veggies into the sauce.

  • Graze With Me
    July 14, 2009 at 10:36 am

    My favorite healthy adaptation of a meal would be my mom’s recipe for chocolate zucchini cake. The zucchini makes it so moist for nearly zero calories and it calls for less oil/butter than any other cake I’ve ever made. I also sprinkle unsweetened carob chips on top instead of frosting. YUM!

  • Emily
    July 14, 2009 at 10:36 am

    I love making my favorite baked goodies healthy. Using honey or agave instead of sugar or just cutting waaay back on the sugar, egg whites, yogurt or applesauce instead of oil, and a mix of whole wheat flour with all purpose, also i like to add healthy things to the mix like flax seeds or veggies. Using these substitutions i make the most awesome blueberry muffins, and last night i made a super delicious banana bread.

  • Graze With Me
    July 14, 2009 at 10:36 am

    **cake isn’t a meal to most people but it is to me!

  • Kristen
    July 14, 2009 at 10:36 am

    Snobby Joes! I used to love sloppy joes but was not crazy about the fatty beef and caramel colored sauce. Snobby joes are a perfect substitution made with maple syrup and identifiable ingredients. Great giveaway Jenna!

  • Cassie
    July 14, 2009 at 10:37 am

    My healthiest recipe adaptation would have to be my spin on bolognese. Instead of using multiple kinds of meat I just grate up zucchinni, carrots and pretty much any other veggie on hand and it keeps the sauce hearty and filling. But there are times that I sneak some turkey sausage in there!

  • Stephanie
    July 14, 2009 at 10:37 am

    I use Veggie Burger and Brussel Sprouts to make an imitation “Beef and Broccoli” dish, so yum!

  • Recipes for Creativity
    July 14, 2009 at 10:37 am

    I love veggie shepherd’s pie – made with lentils and barley and walnuts instead of ground beef. Much better for the heart 🙂

  • Katie
    July 14, 2009 at 10:38 am

    Turkey burgers with grated onion (to add moisture). Growing up can you believe my parents NEVER made us beef burgers?? It was always turkey burgers which I loved and still do. Being exposed to them at a young age allowed me to grow up loving this healthy alternative without ever really realizing my parents were giving me healthier food!

  • DeAnna
    July 14, 2009 at 10:38 am

    I use thinly sliced zucchini as a substitute for pasta in chicken parmigiana!

  • Melanie
    July 14, 2009 at 10:38 am

    I recently “healthified” a recipe I got from allrecipes.com for cream of broccoli soup…I added cauliflower as well and maybe 1 cup of skim milk and veggie stock instead of chicken and pureed half the mixture to make it creamy. Yummy and healthy!

  • leah
    July 14, 2009 at 10:38 am

    I loooove the healthy version of chocolate chip cannolis with fat free ricotta, ff cool whip and ff vanilla pudding mix! YUM!!

  • Sarah
    July 14, 2009 at 10:39 am

    I think the favorite thing I healthified are quesadillas! And I’m a Texan, so tex-mex is a big deal around here, lol!

    I use ezekiel 4:9 tortillas instead of regular, tons of black beans(instead of meat or gobs and gobs of cheese), peppers and onions, and a little super sharp cheddar(when you use a strong cheese you don’t use as much- a little goes a long way). Hello protein and fiber!!

    Then being the good Texan I am, I load it up with some SALSA before chowing down!

  • leslie
    July 14, 2009 at 10:39 am

    i love muesli and yogurt too! always reminds me of europe.

    favorite healthy adaptation – baked sweet potato fries!

  • Kate
    July 14, 2009 at 10:40 am

    “Healthified” chicken parmesean is one of my all-time favorites! I used to love fried, cheese-smothered chicken parm, but my tummy? Not so much. Now I’ve come up with a great recipe that pleases both stomach and scale, so to speak. Hahah.

  • Kailey (SnackFace)
    July 14, 2009 at 10:40 am

    Oh, I just love Eating Well cook books! The recipes are so easy to follow and the availability of the nutrition info is fab. I’d say my fave healthy version of something non-healthy is baked sweet potato fries and vegan ribs made of seitan. Uh-mazing. Have a lovely day, Jenna!

  • Suzanne
    July 14, 2009 at 10:40 am

    I make a sweet potato pie with the agave nectar substituting the brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce instead of butter, and egg whites instead of whole eggs. So good!

  • Teresa
    July 14, 2009 at 10:41 am

    I have taken refined sugars out of my diet and replaced it with natural sugars, honey, bananas, etc.

  • Joanna
    July 14, 2009 at 10:41 am

    I make a yummy curry chicken salad using nonfat Greek yogurt instead of mayo.

  • Stacey
    July 14, 2009 at 10:41 am

    Haha. Your breakfast does look very very yummy! My favorite “healthy version” recipe (and it’s pretty simple) would have to be red potato fries. They aren’t drenched in oil, but just sprinkled and they still taste heavenly! Enjoy your day 🙂

  • Maggie
    July 14, 2009 at 10:41 am

    I would have to say my dad’s Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Muffins. They are so insanely moist that you wouldnt be able to tell their vegan at all. He holds his little recipe a secreat to this day 🙂

  • Nadia
    July 14, 2009 at 10:42 am

    Favorite healthy alternative is a super easy quesadilla…had it last night for dinner when I was starving and had no time to prep…I heated up some frozen veggies (broc, cauliflower, carrot mix) in the micro; added cumin, black pepper, cinnamon to some no sodium added black beans. took whole wheat tortilla, peeled of a lactose free string cheese on one side, placed the veggies and black beans mix on top, folded over the tortilla, heated it all up until the cheese was all melty. Cut it in 3 triangles and served it alongside homemade guac. So good!

  • Kerry
    July 14, 2009 at 10:42 am

    Sweet potatoe fries are my FAVORITE thing to make! yumm

    I just ordered some MojoMix last night too – cannot wait for the dried strawberries!!

  • Erica
    July 14, 2009 at 10:42 am

    Thank you!!! I was totally inspired by your kitchen cleaning and now my kitchen is gleaming!! It feels so good to start the day with a clean kitchen.

  • Joanna
    July 14, 2009 at 10:42 am

    I always use apple sauce or yogurt in place of oil when I bake. I find you have to adjust and be more aware of the allotted cooking time, but it greatly reduces the calories and fat content.

  • Serena
    July 14, 2009 at 10:43 am

    Ooh, I always meant to make your mom’s pulled chicken – I am going to look to see if the recipe is still on your site right now!

    I love health-ifying my baked goods with ww flour and reducing the butter (but still using the real thing!) and I love making my own pizza to control the oil. Plus it tastes so good when you make it yourself!

  • Marcia
    July 14, 2009 at 10:44 am

    I am going to have to second the oven-baked french fries…yum!

  • Genie
    July 14, 2009 at 10:45 am

    My favorite healthified recipe is Black Bean, Corn, and Zucchini Enchiladas from Cooking Light! I modify it by making the enchilada sauce from canned organic diced tomatoes, cut the cheese in half (it doesn’t really need it), and to make it even easier, I only use half the tortillas and layer the ingredients like a lasagna instead of rolling them up. 🙂

  • Donna C
    July 14, 2009 at 10:45 am

    I love making Chocolate Protein covered almonds with shredded coconut. Only using chocolate-coconut protein powder, raw almonds & shredded coconut….put them in the freezer to keep! They are delish!!

    Deff give Gena’s banana ice cream a try, it is wonderful!!!

    On another note, I donated and received your e-cookbooks, there are some amazing recipes in it!

    BTW, just love your blog!

  • Amanda
    July 14, 2009 at 10:45 am

    I do many things to make recipes healthier. As a cancer survivor my health is extremely important. I want to make sure I do my part of staying in remission. Here are a few things: Using whole wheat flour whenever I can, I use honey as a sweetener for almost everything, and I make my own granola cereal which is super easy, it’s healthier and tastes much better than any granola cereal I’ve tried – and the husband likes it too!

  • Laura
    July 14, 2009 at 10:45 am

    Jenna,
    My favorite is to use spaghetti squash instead of spaghetti!!! Just add homemade sauce and sauteed veggies…yum yum!! 🙂

  • KimberlyS
    July 14, 2009 at 10:45 am

    Wow, Jenna, Advocate Skincare sounds like a winner! I’ll have to keep an eye out for it in the Portland area 🙂

    Our healthy meal at home is home-made hamburgers. We use grass-fed beef or bison and top them with grilled veggies and onions, my husband uses an Ezekiel pita and I wrap mine in lettuce (I’m gluten-free) and then we make our own sweet potato fries! Much healthier and satisfying version than the old white bun with fried potatoes 😉

  • Little Black Dress
    July 14, 2009 at 10:46 am

    I like Ezekiel bread instead of regular packaged bread that is full of salt, HFCS and other scary stuff. Num!

  • Hannah
    July 14, 2009 at 10:46 am

    I like to make a healthy version of chili – ground turkey breast instead of beef, extra beans for fiber and lots of bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and corn for veggies. I always load up on the hot sauce and spices, because they are calorie free and DELICIOUS! I serve it atop brown rice for a perfect mix of protein and complex carbs.

  • Leah
    July 14, 2009 at 10:46 am

    AWESOME giveaway! That cookbook DOES look amazing! My fav alteration to recipes to make them healthier is ground turkey burritos using a multigrain tortilla, light sour cream and cheese. So satisfying and tasty!

  • Evan Thomas
    July 14, 2009 at 10:46 am

    My fluffernutter cupcakes I made for this past weekend are becoming a favorite. They have very low sugar, which also helps keep the peanut flavor pronounced. And using straight fluff for a frosting not only cuts calories but adds some nostalgia.

  • Whitney
    July 14, 2009 at 10:48 am

    My favorite is zucchini lasagna instead of the traditional pasta lasagna.

  • Katie
    July 14, 2009 at 10:48 am

    My favorite healthy adaptation of a typically unhealthy food is chicken meatballs rather than the traditional all-beef type. So much less grease, but still filling and delicious!

    You’re really making me want to try this line of skin care products. I need to check their website to see where they’re sold.

  • Ashley
    July 14, 2009 at 10:49 am

    oven baked sweet potato fries! i’m in love with SP fries but they are just so bad when fried. Oven baked makes my favorite treat much more enjoyable! 🙂

  • Stephanie
    July 14, 2009 at 10:50 am

    The first time I met my mother-in-law, she made a wonderful mexican meal. One part of the meal was a soup called pozole. MMMM!!! She uses beef and hominy. I love the hominy but instead of beef I added pinto beans. It is delicious!

  • Mari
    July 14, 2009 at 10:51 am

    This is kind of accidentally healthy, but my banana bread recipe is from and old cookbook and it has no added oil or fat, just bananas, flour, sugar, egg, baking soda and salt (and walnuts if you want). It is very easy and delicious and you don’t miss the fat at all!

  • Val
    July 14, 2009 at 10:51 am

    Raw brownies! Dates, walnuts, cocoa powder – taste even better than regular brownies in my opinion!

  • Erica
    July 14, 2009 at 10:51 am

    ooh. I want that cookbook! My favorite replacement recipe is shake and bake chicken. I rub the skinned drumsticks with Dijon mustard and then shake them in a bag with panko and Italian spices. Spray with cooking spray and bake. So simple and just as comforting as fried chicken.

  • Christin
    July 14, 2009 at 10:52 am

    I love making healthy mexican!! My favorite recipe lately: burritos with black beans, tomatos sauteed in garlic and cumin, tiny sweet potato cubes nuked, then stirred with brown sugar and cayenne, on a bed of spinach with pepper jack cheese and a big squeeze of lime juice. HEAVEN!! You could use whole wheat tortillas to make it more healthy, but I just love the white kind and it’s worth it to me beacuse 90% of my grains are whole.

    Hey, wouldn’t that be a cool bumper sticker? You know, like the one that says “My Grass is Blue?” (I live in NC, ok?) Your bumper sticker could say “My Grains are Whole.” Ok, that’s kinda lame…

    Dang, I just gave myself a craving. Might have to make this tonight. 🙂

  • Stephanie
    July 14, 2009 at 10:52 am

    Being from Chicago, I’m a suckers for a Chicago dog. I like to healthy it by using a chicken dog though..yum!

  • Natalie M.
    July 14, 2009 at 10:53 am

    I add veggies to mac n cheese… preferably broccoli and carrots! Mmm mmm good

  • Tricia
    July 14, 2009 at 10:53 am

    I love eating hummus, to make it lower in fat I subsitute greek yogurt for olive oil. It makes the hummus creamy, lower in calories, and adds an extra boost of protein. I also love edamole
    1 (8 oz) pkg shelled ready-to-eat edamame, about 1½ cups
    3 tbsp Feta
    ½ cup cool water
    3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
    1 tbsp sambal olek or another hot sauce (more if you like spicy food!)
    ½ tsp kosher salt
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    1 generous tbsp cilantro, minced (optional)
    Drizzle of olive oil
    I love using yacon syrup instead of sugar on my waffles, greek yogurt, or oatmeal.

  • Gina
    July 14, 2009 at 10:53 am

    I replace noodles in pasta dishes with spaghetti squash.

  • Kristin
    July 14, 2009 at 10:53 am

    I now use hummus instead of chip dip. I even got my coworkers hooked!

  • Cate
    July 14, 2009 at 10:53 am

    Great giveaway!
    I always try to “healthify” a baking recipe by adding in some rolled oats or substituting whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. For pancake/waffle mixes, I follow the directions but will mix in an extra 1/4 C of oats per batch and if I have some extra baby food/cereal, I’ll add that in sometimes.

  • Katie
    July 14, 2009 at 10:53 am

    I bake eggplant instead of frying it for eggplant parmesan…

  • Kristina
    July 14, 2009 at 10:54 am

    That cookbook looks wonderful! Congrats on the Moja Mix as well, I’m going to have to try your concoction soon! When I make my healthy turkey tacos, instead of using sour creme, I use greek yogurt, it is so delicious, you can’t even tell that it’s NOT sour creme, and most importantly my husband can’t tell either 😉

  • Jennie
    July 14, 2009 at 10:54 am

    Thanks for the white wine tips yesterday! I have stopped using mayo, ranch, and sour cream. Now I use hummus, avocado, and pesto for sandwiches or salads to provide that creaminess that I love.

  • Meagan
    July 14, 2009 at 10:54 am

    I love making my own pizza instead of buying a frozen one or ordering in, then I can add pineapple and olives and red bell peppers on a healthier crust without any guilt!

  • Becky
    July 14, 2009 at 10:56 am

    I love to cut a sweet potato thinly then use a bit of Olive oil and coarse salt. Bake it in the oven for a about 40 minutes at 425 and you will have some yummy sweet potato chips!

  • april
    July 14, 2009 at 10:56 am

    I’m obsessed with squash fries- butternut, kabocha, acorn- you name it! Dipped in ketchup it’s the perfect substitution for those french fries cravings!

  • Kristen
    July 14, 2009 at 10:58 am

    That cookbook looks gorgeous!! My favorite splurge turned healthy is creamy Mac N Cheese made with laughing cow + silk tofu with whole wheat pasta and added veggies! yummm Thanks Jenna!

  • Jess
    July 14, 2009 at 10:58 am

    I make homemade fried rice healthier with the following subs:
    Brown rice instead of white
    Egg beaters or egg whites instead of whole eggs
    Cooking spray instead of oil
    Low sodium soy sauce

    Still yummy (and a treat), but not nearly as high in fat, cholesterol, etc as the real thing!

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat)
    July 14, 2009 at 10:58 am

    I love 2 min. pumpkin pie fresh out of the microwave–egg white+pumpkin+cinnamon+stevia. Works for breakfast or dessert!

  • Krista
    July 14, 2009 at 10:58 am

    I would love the cookbook! My favorite adaption is a bake sweet potato (well really cooked in the microwave) topped with a small scoop of brocolli and cheese (instead of a regular potato with chili and sour cream).

  • Melissa
    July 14, 2009 at 11:01 am

    Oh man that cookbook looks awesome! My fav healthy unhealthy food would have to be cookies! I love chocolate chip cookies but I make them with whole wheat flour, canola oil, some dried fruit, and half the amount of chocolate chips it calls for. Yummm!!!

  • Lindsey (Mrs. LC)
    July 14, 2009 at 11:01 am

    I like “healthifying” eggplant parm by baking or grilling the eggplant and topping with fresh sauce and mozzarella. (Just a sprinkle of cheese though!).

    Sweet-wise, I love veganizing recipes and adding other substitutions (like oats, whole wheat flour, fruit as sweeteners, etc.).

  • Kathi
    July 14, 2009 at 11:02 am

    Give away! I love give aways!
    I have made some made great changes I am not sure if I could just pick one. I love kale chips! I was hesitant to try these because don’t “look” the best but when you need a crunch they are fabulous. I also love sweet potato fries, tofu mousse and the new addition: banana ice cream!
    Love reading you blog! Have a great day!

  • meagan
    July 14, 2009 at 11:03 am

    my favorite one is also the easiest: swapping a hamburger patty for a portabella mushroom cap. mmmm…top with some slaw and bbq sauce…–drool– 🙂

  • Meg
    July 14, 2009 at 11:05 am

    I love loading up dishes with garlic, pepper and other tasty herbs and spices and omitting the salt. I hate how everyone just loads their food with salt! I find food with garlic and pepper so much tastier (and healthier) than food with tons of salt added!

  • Christy
    July 14, 2009 at 11:05 am

    I love spaghetti squash and will substitute it for noodles when making spaghetti. I love the sweet flavor it brings to the dish. Or I will put my turkey spaghetti sauce on a huge bed of lettuce for spaghetti salad! Great summer dish that’s not too heavy.

  • ShutupandRun
    July 14, 2009 at 11:05 am

    My new fave is in this month’s Cooking Light. I make these Banana Oat Chocolate Chip cookies instead of regualar cookies. They are actually relatively healthy and quite substantial…

  • Sarah
    July 14, 2009 at 11:06 am

    I love having steamed/smashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes! Thanks for the giveaway 🙂

  • Neela Marijana
    July 14, 2009 at 11:06 am

    hey jenna,
    my recipe would be a healthy german potatoe salad instead of a the usual heavy german potatoe salad.
    have a wonderful day

  • Kate T
    July 14, 2009 at 11:06 am

    Hey Jenna, the cookbook looks great!
    Besides being the most important meal of the day, breakfast is also my favorite! My idea is a really yummy and filling breakfast sandwhich: Toasted light english muffin or Ezekiel muffin/bread with Smart Butter, egg whites, sauteed spinach, and sharp cheddar cheese (or whatever your favorite cheese might be!)

  • Gina G
    July 14, 2009 at 11:07 am

    hey jenna! im 17 and my mom already is so crazy on me about all my creams for applying to my face, including my eyes, haha, but i bet i will end up thanking her when i am older

    but anyways thankyou so much for this opportunity! just like mostly everyone, i love baking my own sweet potato fries, but i have been dying to try Gena’s famous treat just like you and as well as butternut squash fries =D

  • Jenni
    July 14, 2009 at 11:08 am

    I use hot sauce to replace many things in meals…to replace mayo in sammies and wraps, to replace everything on a baked potato, drizzled on salads, even pizza!! 🙂

  • Haleigh
    July 14, 2009 at 11:09 am

    Fabulous giveaway! My favorite healthy substitution would be using greek yogurt in place of sour cream or creme fraiche.

  • Willa
    July 14, 2009 at 11:09 am

    I love greek yogurt with fruit instead of ice cream! Nummers

  • Ana
    July 14, 2009 at 11:09 am

    hey jenna! my ‘revised’ recipe can be made either into ice cream or a cream pop, your choice!

    1 cup frozen yogurt (whatever variety you like ^_^)
    1/2 cup berries (strwb, blueb, raspb, or even a medley) *i haven’t tried banana or mango yet, but maybe that?*
    1/4 cup fat free cream (i use Land-o-Lakes)
    OR
    1/4 cup milk (your preference)

    1. blend all ingredients in blender until smooth
    2. then, depending on your mood, you can:
    a. pour into popsicle molds and freeze
    b. pour into container and freeze (ice cream style)
    c. eat as-is for a shake-like treat ^_^
    3. gives you one large, satisfying single-serving of cool deliciousness! -_^

  • Kristy
    July 14, 2009 at 11:10 am

    For several years now I’ve been trying to make everything I cook healthier and more full of nutritious elements (even if I can’t always make them very low cal or low fat due to others I’m cooking for). I try to include lots of veggies into everything I make, have switched to whole wheat pasta,bread, and wraps, use low fat dairy products, and amy working to cut artificial sweeteners out of my diet.

    BTW: I tried Gena’s banana soft serve trick and it is awesome! Once you freeze it it will crystalize a bit, but is still creamy. I’m going to throw some peanut butter into the mix next time 🙂

  • Leah
    July 14, 2009 at 11:11 am

    When I’m in the mood for mac and cheese I use plain low fat yogurt instead of the butter and milk. It gives it a tangy flavor that I love and it is better for you!

  • Colleen
    July 14, 2009 at 11:11 am

    I make my own pizza with an Arnold Sandwich thin, diced tomatoes, and low fat mozzarella cheese. Yum!

  • hannah
    July 14, 2009 at 11:12 am

    I love using hummus instead of other creamy condiments on sandwiches! I also LOVE Eating Well!!

  • Sarah
    July 14, 2009 at 11:12 am

    I would have to say my “Alternative/Healthy Chicken Salad” – I use just a little light mayo and add dijon mustard. It’s especially easy with some slivered almonds and dried cherries.

  • Laila
    July 14, 2009 at 11:12 am

    I get a lot of good healthy substitution ideas from the HungryGirl website. One that I tried recently that I love is subsituting broccoli slaw for noodles and mixing with peanut sauce. You just heat up the broccoli slaw in the microwave for a little while and mix with the sauce. It is so good and really is a great substitution for noodles.

    I also like using Flat Out wraps and making pizza. My favorite is Barbecue Chicken Pizza with barbecue sauce, red onion, and sharp chedder cheese.

  • Carol
    July 14, 2009 at 11:12 am

    I love to use turkey italian sausage instead of ground beef or regular sausage. I make a mean deep dish pizza for my meat-eating hubby that satisfies his deep dish cravings but uses part-skim cheeses, loads of veggies, and turkey sausage.

  • bobbi
    July 14, 2009 at 11:13 am

    GM’s are the healthy version of a Shake!!!! Jenna do you want to come over and clean my house?! 🙂

  • Ashley
    July 14, 2009 at 11:13 am

    Taco salad with lean ground turkey, light on the cheese and lots of salsa for flavor.

  • Dana
    July 14, 2009 at 11:13 am

    I am totally going to make my own MojaMix! Thanks for sharing!!

  • Amanda
    July 14, 2009 at 11:14 am

    I would love to win that cookbook!!!

    My favorite healthy substitute would have to be using spaghetti squash in the place a regular old noodles!

  • Hangry Pants
    July 14, 2009 at 11:15 am

    I like the quote you put on your mojamix. 😀

  • Runjen
    July 14, 2009 at 11:15 am

    My healthy substitute baked sweet potato fries when I am craving the real thing. Always does the trick!

  • Melissa
    July 14, 2009 at 11:16 am

    I really love buffalo chicken wings YUM! So I roast a chicken and shred it up throw it in the crock pot with a some wing sauce and serve it as a wrap with celery, carrots and a little pepper jack cheese! mmmm! 🙂

  • janetha
    July 14, 2009 at 11:16 am

    dang that cookbook probably has some fantastic recipes! i love changing recipes to make them healthy, i find it to be a fun challenge. my latest is sweet & sour meatballs.. i use turkey burger, brown rice and cut out all the crappy ingredients. turns out you don’t even NEED all that sugar to make it delicious!

  • Lindsay
    July 14, 2009 at 11:16 am

    I always use whole wheat flour when I bake or cook. Sometimes I will do half wheat half white if I am feeling naughty!!

  • Julia
    July 14, 2009 at 11:16 am

    I use chicken broth instead of plain water in anything that requires boiling -pasta, potatoes, veggies. Enough flavor is absorbed that I don’t feel the need to add butter or oil later. And to save money, I use jarred boullion granuals. Yes, its full of sodium, but since I’m disgarding the water anyway it doesn’t add too much to my food!

  • Renee
    July 14, 2009 at 11:17 am

    My new favorite is Tina’s yellow “cake” made with Nasoya creations silken vanilla – it is so moistand delicious with frosting:)

  • Jennifer M
    July 14, 2009 at 11:17 am

    Making tacos with tempeh!
    They are a lot different then a normal taco, but so tasty and with way less fat! 😀

    I also love making a ‘gravy’ with white beans! So good! And a great way to add in some more protein! (I like it with a breakfast burrito 🙂

  • Amber
    July 14, 2009 at 11:17 am

    I always try to adapt recipes or old classics to make them healthier. A replacement I have been a bit this summer is iceburg lettuce cut in chucks and dipped in ketchup, I use it as a french fry replacement lol! Carrots dipped in salsa is another thing I do to replace fried chips. Tomatoes dipped in balsamic, replaces other unhealthy dippers as well. And I use zucchini for many replacements as well, I use it a sandwich “meat”, and spiralized for spaghetti. I marinate the spirilazed spaghetti in the sauce for a bit and the texture becomes very spaghetti like!

  • Tara
    July 14, 2009 at 11:17 am

    I like to healthify my favorite NY style cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese by replacing it with cinnamon raisin ezekiel toast with neufatel cheese. Yum!

    Thanks for the giveaway 🙂

  • Caroline
    July 14, 2009 at 11:20 am

    Mine would be to make a low-fat “alfredo” sauce with bechamel (made with olive oil, milk and cheese). With shrimps, it’s awesome! 🙂

  • Allison
    July 14, 2009 at 11:22 am

    I like making homemade buffalo chicken wings/sandwiches – dip chicken in egg whites then bread crumbs and bake. Finish by coating in Red Hot Buffalo Wing sauce. So much better (healthier and tastier, imo!) than the restaurant fried version! 😀

  • Sarah
    July 14, 2009 at 11:23 am

    I am a dessert-a-holic, so i’d have to say my top “healthy” dessert is this chocolate cake that i make into mini-muffins using one egg, one egg white, and a can of pumpkin. so moist and delicious! yum!

    thanks! good luck at your interview!

  • Becci L.
    July 14, 2009 at 11:23 am

    I love making black bean brownies! You are getting protein and lots of fiber in this really easy dessert!!

  • Abbie Mayo
    July 14, 2009 at 11:25 am

    Hey Jenna-

    Thanks for all of your reviews! I love the Eating Well magazine, so that new book looks great!
    My favorite healthy swap would be to use spaghetti squash instead of pasta noodles. I love it!
    Have a great day!

  • Colleen
    July 14, 2009 at 11:25 am

    Hmm, my best one would probably be my vegetarian lasagna – whole wheat pasta, eggplant, spinach, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a bit of low fat mozzarella and cottage cheese – yum!

  • Lynna
    July 14, 2009 at 11:25 am

    I use whirred FiberOne or other fiber cereal half and half with breadcrumbs in recipes calling for bread crumbs. I would LOVE to be the winner of the book!

  • Pru
    July 14, 2009 at 11:26 am

    Oh wow! I was just going to check out that book on Amazon, but getting it for free would be even better!

    Right now I’m really loving just squirting some lime juice on my salads instead of using dressings. I don’t even feel like I’m missing anything! In fact, I get more creative with my toppings now that I don’t use dressing, so my salads are probably even more exciting.

    However, to get down to the real unhealthy stuff – I have an awesome alternative for potato chips/fries. They aren’t exactly the same, but I love them as much if not more! I just slice potatoes real thin and bake them – I just use a little of that no-cal, no fat cooking spray. Then add pepper and salt to taste, or get creative – some cayenne pepper or paprika tastes great. I usually have them with salsa because I’m not a huge ketchup fan. They are SO good – the only calories are really from the potatoes (and salsa) and they are basically fat free! I’ve heard you can also do this in the microwave.

  • Sue
    July 14, 2009 at 11:26 am

    I loooove baked “fried” chicken strips instead of the real thing. It’s so tasty!

  • Alicia
    July 14, 2009 at 11:27 am

    I love a good cook book!!

    My favorite “healthified” recipe is taking my mom’s broccoli cheese soup and substituting the cream and butter for 1% milk. I also use a cheese that cuts way back on the fat. All the goodness of home without the added weight to my backside 🙂

  • Emily
    July 14, 2009 at 11:27 am

    that cookbook sounds like something i would really enjoy using! my favorite adapted healthy recipe is making “fried” rice at home using tofu, soy sauce, and other goodies. all the great taste with none of the greasiness!

  • Sarah
    July 14, 2009 at 11:29 am

    Mm, favorite healthified recipes? A hard choice, but probably one of these:
    BBQ chicken pizza, made at home I can cut down of cheese and add extra veggies
    Sweet potato fries, which taste so good!
    Frozen Snickers pie. It tastes SO GOOD but only has like 150 calories per slice, and is a perfect treat!

  • Kerrie
    July 14, 2009 at 11:30 am

    I just tried the banana soft serve last night and loved it! I’m serving it again for a family cookout tonight and hoping my 7 year old niece gives her stamp of approval! I also have been loving my green monsters since I started about 3 weeks ago! hiding spinach rocks!

  • Lainie
    July 14, 2009 at 11:30 am

    One of my favorite healthy recipes? I add about a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to my green monsters in the morning along with a few drops of stevia. Once blended, the whole thing tastes like a banana chocolate milkshake!

  • Mariel
    July 14, 2009 at 11:31 am

    Veggie chili. I use beans and lots of veggies!

  • Kyle
    July 14, 2009 at 11:31 am

    The cookbook looks awesome – right up my alley!

    My favorite healthy switch has got to be baked sweet potato fries. I make them at least once a week! LOVE!

    Thank you for this awesome giveaway!

  • Megan
    July 14, 2009 at 11:33 am

    The first healthy substitute that comes to mind is Spaghetti Squash! I use it all the time to sub out pasta. Some of the pasta-lovers may think I’m crazy, but I have never been a huge pasta person and using the spaghetti-like strands of squash cuts the calories dramatically aaand the squash is full of fiber and can fill me for days!! I add lots of yummy ingredients – whatever i want, I can make it itallian or mexican or greek or indian – the squash picks up whatever flava I’m feelin’!

    Jenna, I have never replied to a thread before, but my obsession with cook books led me to my first one and I can’t leave without letting you know how much I enjoy your blog. I just got into this blog stuff – only reading for the moment. Being a Wellness Coordinator and Personal Trainer, my favorite are the blogs that promote a healthy lifestyle. I have created a small collection of about 10 blogs that I follow and yours is definitly my favorite!! I hope you all the best with your Murphy-Goode opportunity!

  • Meg
    July 14, 2009 at 11:33 am

    That blend of cereal looks amazing! I always like a bit of chocolate in addition to my breakfast 😉 just makes it THAT much tastier.

    I’d love to have that cookbook! My fave healthy recipe of something not typically healthy is pancakes! They can be LOADED with calories, fat (trans fat more specifically-ew!), and sugar! I use Kath’s recipe for an oatmeal pancake, and it definitely satisfies!

    Love,
    Meg

  • Claire
    July 14, 2009 at 11:34 am

    I have loved Eating Well for years and would love to win this!

    I love using hummus and avocado for sandwich fillings like so many others.

    My favorite pretty healthy dessert is from the Candle Cafe cookbook for the soy chocolate mousse pie…the base is silken tofu and it is sweetened with vegan chocolate chips and maple syrup…it also has a tasty chocolate spelt flour crust. try it!!

  • chippednailsandall
    July 14, 2009 at 11:35 am

    I’m going to “borrow” one of my favorite recipes from Angela over at OhSheGlows and go with the “Skinny-Mini GloBuns”. Those things look and taste delish!

  • Jessica B.
    July 14, 2009 at 11:36 am

    I think I may be the queen of substitutes.

    I don’t know if anyone’s said it yet, but KALE CHIPS are quite yummy. Just toss them in some EVOO, apple cider vinegar, pinch of sea salt and bake on 350 til SUPER CRISPY. They melt-in-your-mouth they’re so good.

    And today I made a ‘chicken parm’ sandwich using:
    -zesty garlic herb wrap
    -handful of spinach
    -chick patty
    -sprinkle of parmesan cheese
    -organic tomato sauce and a lil bit of ranch

    HEAVEN IN MY MOUTH. 😉

  • Abbey
    July 14, 2009 at 11:36 am

    Like everyone else, I love to make sweet potatoe fries. They are soooo delicious!

  • MMiller
    July 14, 2009 at 11:36 am

    Wow, ONE healthy thing….I love yogurt and granola and I sprinkle wheat germ on everything! Such a great nutty flavor! And switched to Almond butter instead of peanut butter! And try to make my own at Fresh Market! I need to get back to cooking full healthy meals!

  • BethT
    July 14, 2009 at 11:37 am

    No joke, I actually love YOUR chicken enchilada recipe, Jenna! It has all the flavor without making me feel disgusting 🙂

  • Beth
    July 14, 2009 at 11:38 am

    I use 0% greek yogurt and tahini in my homemade hummus instead of olive oil to increase the creaminess and cut out some fat!

  • Amanda
    July 14, 2009 at 11:39 am

    My favorite healthy adaptation would have to be macaroni and cheese – using much less cheese (low fat of course), skim milk instead of heavy cream, smart balance instead of real butter, whole wheat pasta instead of white pasta…and I add broccoli. It’s very far from regular mac & cheese but good and MUCH BETTER for you!

  • AJ
    July 14, 2009 at 11:40 am

    I love to use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef in recipes and especially burgers!!

  • Margaret
    July 14, 2009 at 11:40 am

    I know that you hate subbing apple sauce in baked goods and generally I agree but I wrote an oatmeal raisin cookie recipe that uses canola oil and applesauce instead of butter that taste like apple crisp but is healthier. In all honest I should admit that the motivation of the recipe was that my bestfriend is allergic to dairy and I was sick of using earth balance. I love Eating Well. Its one of my favorite cooking magazines.

  • laura
    July 14, 2009 at 11:41 am

    hmmm, my favorite would have to be butternut squash french fries

  • tess
    July 14, 2009 at 11:43 am

    I love califlower mash instead of mashed potatoes. I add nutritional yeast and some salt. Yummy!!!! The cookbook looks great. I also love the wine 101, THANKS!!!!

  • Stephanie
    July 14, 2009 at 11:43 am

    I make a healthier version of Shrimp Scampi using whole wheat pasta and earth balance that’s so yummy!

  • Jenna
    July 14, 2009 at 11:44 am

    So when I am craving pizza I love to make my own homemade…
    I use Whole Wheat Tortilla Factory as my bread, top it off with some tomato sauce and fresh tomatoes, sprinkle some low fat cheeses on top, and then load it up with yummy veggies 🙂

  • Jenny
    July 14, 2009 at 11:44 am

    My favorite new thing is using plain Greek yogurt when baking, in place of sour cream, etc. Makes our Mexican taco nights that much healthier!

  • Kathy (Moving Beyond Perfection)
    July 14, 2009 at 11:44 am

    I hate being unoriginal, but I really do love sweet potato fries! Such a better option than french fries or chips!

  • Jenn Eats Nutritiously Now
    July 14, 2009 at 11:44 am

    My favorite food adaptation that I use constantly is Laughing Cow light cheese in my morning grits. I just love how cheesy and creamy the LC cheese makes the grits without the fat of real cheese or cream.

  • jessica
    July 14, 2009 at 11:44 am

    That MojoMix looks awesome! I have to find some cacao bits to try sometime. mmm! My current favorite healthy alternative this summer is turkey or ground chicken burgers instead of beef. Great flavor with some add-ins, nice moisture (from an egg white), less red meat in my diet, and less fat and calories. Can’t beat that!

  • Kristi
    July 14, 2009 at 11:44 am

    My favorite adaptations have been whole wheat pasta and greek yogurt (not together though)! 🙂

  • Kate
    July 14, 2009 at 11:44 am

    I am a huge spaghetti fan so I switch out regular pasta for either spaghetti squash or whole wheat pasta and add some fresh marinara loaded with vitamins and antioxidants from the veggies and a sprinkle of parmesan. If I am really adventurous, I add a sprinkle of pan-warmed Boca or Morningstar Farms crumbles for a “bulkier” texture to the dish. Loves 🙂

  • Meaghan
    July 14, 2009 at 11:45 am

    One of my favorites is to use plain nonfat yogurt instead of sour cream in my moms creamy chicken enchiladas. They are so good, especially with the addition of chopped green chilis and since you save unhealthy fat from sour cream, I always feel good about adding a healthy spoonful of homemade guac!

  • J
    July 14, 2009 at 11:45 am

    tirimisu with Greek yogurt instead of marscapone, home-made asian salmon burgers rather than beef, baked goods with maple syrup or honey rather than refined sugar and hazelnut, pecan, almond, pistachio, macadamia, or pumpkinseed oil rather than butter

  • Katie B.
    July 14, 2009 at 11:46 am

    I love substituting any baking recipes that call for shortening (SICK) with applesauce, or GASP – a REAL product, like butter! Call me crazy!

  • Meghan
    July 14, 2009 at 11:46 am

    I love mac & cheese and my favourite “light” version comes from http://www.cheaphealthygood.blogspot.com (one of my favourite healthy cooking blogs).

  • Charline
    July 14, 2009 at 11:46 am

    My favorite made over food is a healthier lasagna, loaded with veggies and ground bison, LF cheese, and whole wheat pasta.

  • MMiller
    July 14, 2009 at 11:47 am

    Another little thing we do for my father, who eats NO cooked veggies is chop spinach very fine and add it to anything we can and tell him it is just herbs and spices! And mash veggies like carrot and sweet potato and add to everything we can like sauces and meatballs! Every little bit helps!

  • Kathryn
    July 14, 2009 at 11:49 am

    I don’t use bottled salad dressings any more…EVER! I either use olive oil/balsamic vinegar, or a squeeze of lemon on salads….and sometimes I don’t even bother with dressing at all any more!

  • Julie
    July 14, 2009 at 11:50 am

    My fave would have to be home made baked sweet potato fries instead of the fried version.

    PS- I love the “wine for dummies” lol – I love whites but have never had sav blanc, now I have to after I learned about it from you!

  • Nicole
    July 14, 2009 at 11:51 am

    Hey! I make a very healthy macaroni and cheese. I used whole wheat pasta, add some spinach, oregano, and basil. Then I used light laughing cow cheese (swiss) wedges and mix it all together in the hot pot! It works sooo well and tastes indulgent and yummy! 🙂

  • Katie
    July 14, 2009 at 11:52 am

    Veggie chili instead of meat filled chili is a personal favorite switch-a-roo!

  • Angela
    July 14, 2009 at 11:55 am

    I love using yellow summer squash instead of pasta!

  • Nicole
    July 14, 2009 at 11:55 am

    I love when I make my own version of the Ethiopian Berbere. When I make it at home I use much less fat, but the flavor is the same and absolutely delicious!! Plus, I save a bunch of money. Love the giveaway, thanks for the opportunity = )

  • haley
    July 14, 2009 at 11:58 am

    As a vegetarian, sometimes I make “hot dogs” solely with a bun and all the yummy toppings – mustard, relish, onions, and hummus + spinach for an added bonus. It’s not exactly a recipe but still tasty every now and then.

  • Julia
    July 14, 2009 at 11:59 am

    I love this healthy banana bread recipe I found on cooking light called Toni’s Banana Bread. Here’s a link to the recipe: http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=521139

  • Mandy
    July 14, 2009 at 12:00 pm

    I LOVE italian sausage (for pizzas or in a hearty sauce for pasta) but I hate all the fat, so make my own version using a TON of spices (so it’s nice and hot!) and ground turkey.

  • Grammie2maddie
    July 14, 2009 at 12:01 pm

    Soy crumble taco salad-I would love that cookbook!

  • Ruth
    July 14, 2009 at 12:02 pm

    I love eating those 60 calorie pudding snacks with cool whip!

  • Kerry
    July 14, 2009 at 12:03 pm

    I love adding spniach to my smoothies in the mornings to get an extra seving of veggies.

  • Amy
    July 14, 2009 at 12:04 pm

    Asparagus pesto from fatfreevegan.com! And that cookbook looks amazing!

  • Tiffany
    July 14, 2009 at 12:05 pm

    I have yogurt, pumpkin butter and cereal for a snack and it reminds me of pumpkin pie!

  • Katherine
    July 14, 2009 at 12:05 pm

    Turkey chili with tons of fresh veggies

  • Jane
    July 14, 2009 at 12:05 pm

    Healthy hot cocoa for VT winters — skim or soy milk, powdered dark chocolate and a little agave — delicious!

  • Jaclyn
    July 14, 2009 at 12:05 pm

    I love using squash in pasta dishes-butternut in mac & cheese, spaghetti squash in place of pasta and zucchini to bulk up summer pasta dishes!

  • Kristin
    July 14, 2009 at 12:05 pm

    My husband’s family makes this bean and meat casserole at every family get-together: bacon, beef and sausage, four kinds of canned beans, ketchup, and some other ingredients (including two kinds of sugar in addition to the ketchup!)
    So it became my mission to health-i-fy this recipe. I use dried beans soaked overnight — reduce the sodium. I use ground turkey, turkey bacon and turkey sausage — reduce the fat. I replaced the ketchup with tomato paste — cut the sugar entirely — and cooked the whole thing in the crockpot all day in chicken broth — flavor with few calories.
    The ultimate compliment, from my husband: “You know, I think I like yours better.”
    Success!

  • Chez
    July 14, 2009 at 12:06 pm

    I love to make chocolate pudding with 1/2 fat free cottage cheese and 1/2 skim or almond milk. It’s super rich and thick and has a lot more protein than regular pudding!

  • Sara
    July 14, 2009 at 12:06 pm

    I bake a lot for my friends and co-workers so my favourite healthy modification is reducing the amount of oil or butter in recipes (I don’t miss it one bit!), adding in whole wheat flour and flax instead of white, and using raw cane sugar instead of white-refined!

    Thanks for the opportunity to win a great cookbook! Can’t wait to try it!

  • Sarah (now in FL)
    July 14, 2009 at 12:06 pm

    Gena’s soft serve recipe can actually be found in the Moosewood Restaurant Cooks at Home cookbook, published in 1995.

    Anyway, my favorite healthy substitution (not in cooking, but in eating) is bringing soy crisps instead of chips to the beach!

  • Lauren (Runandrejoice)
    July 14, 2009 at 12:07 pm

    Healthy bean and cheese tacos! Vegetarian organic refried beans, low fat organic cheese, ezekiel tortilla and LOTS o’ salsa! Mmmm!

  • Jessica
    July 14, 2009 at 12:08 pm

    My husband is Cuban and grew up with his mom/grandma making all the traditional food. Picadillo is one of my favorites. It is usually made with a ground beef but we sub ground turkey and/or protien chunks. Yum! I also love using GimmeLean instead of ground sausage to make breakfast burritos.

  • Hannah Hawley
    July 14, 2009 at 12:09 pm

    My favorite healthy adaptation would have to be my healthy version of mac and cheese.
    I use skim milk and instead of straight butter for the roux, I use half butter and half EVOO. I mix in some cheese, and then add pumpkin and sage to help thicken and flavor it. Melty and cheesy and thick and rich.
    YUM

  • Andee (Runtolive)
    July 14, 2009 at 12:11 pm

    My boyfriend loves bacon, so in order to compromise, I buy turkey bacon which is leaner, but still produces the nice crispy texture he loves. I like making him bacon french toast with egg whites and whole wheat bread. He doesn’t miss the real bacon that much any more 😉

  • Jessica
    July 14, 2009 at 12:11 pm

    I love to make “fried chicken” by coating my chicken in panko breadcrumbs and baking it in the oven, with a little EVOO drizzled on top for some crunch. Delish!

  • stacey
    July 14, 2009 at 12:12 pm

    Baked sweet potato fries are my favorite healthy recipe adaptation.

  • Amber
    July 14, 2009 at 12:12 pm

    My fav healthy adaptation recipes is baked chicken spinach enchiladas with black beans on the side. Instead of regular fried enchiladas with refried beans.

  • Delia
    July 14, 2009 at 12:13 pm

    I replace ground beef with turkey when I make turkey/rice pilaf combined and baked in a sesame ginger sauce with garlic. So good!

  • Maureen
    July 14, 2009 at 12:15 pm

    I like to make tasty quesadillas using whole grain/low fat tortillas, roasted veggies, and a little cheese. Tastes about a million times better than greasy quesadillas at restaurants!

  • Audrey W.
    July 14, 2009 at 12:16 pm

    that pic looks delish and i dont even like cheesesteaks! my favorite is my mom’s stuffed peppers made with ground turkey instead of beef and brown rice instead of white with lots of extra veggies snuck in there!

  • polly
    July 14, 2009 at 12:17 pm

    oooooooooooooh I love that book!!

    I used smooshed avocado instead of mayo in tuna salad!! 🙂 Like right now, in fact… mmmm.

    Love you, Jenna girl!!

  • Amanda (modernation)
    July 14, 2009 at 12:17 pm

    My favorite recipe adaptation is my smashed potatoes. They continue to evolve and get healthier and healthier. To begin I started using non fat greek yogurt instead of milk or sour cream. Now I also make them with half califlower, half potatoes. So yummy and you can’t tell the difference at all. I don’t use any butter or cream and they are one of my boyfriend’s favorite things I make.

  • Caitlin
    July 14, 2009 at 12:18 pm

    I love Cooking Well magazine, I have been having so much fun making their summer recipes. My healthy adaptation is to use a blend of cottage cheese, egg white and low fat motz in place of ricotta or other cheeses in lasagna. Sounds different but it tastes amazing.

  • Cindy
    July 14, 2009 at 12:23 pm

    My husband and I both love a low fat version of chicken enchiladas. It uses some cheese, but adds lots of peppers on top for extra flavor. It’s one of his favorites! That cookbook looks right up our alley 😉

  • Katie
    July 14, 2009 at 12:24 pm

    I love mac and cheese (I’m from Wisconsin so I think cheese flows through my veins), but it’s not exactly light. So I use pureed squash in place of half the cheese – it comes out so creamy and delicious I don’t miss that cheese at all!

  • Gloria
    July 14, 2009 at 12:24 pm

    I have way too many adapted healthy recipes to choose from but I’d have to say my vegan lasagna. I make the filling with tofu and load it with spinach and mushrooms!

  • Tay
    July 14, 2009 at 12:26 pm

    Oh how exciting!! I love a healthified “pumpkin pie” smoothie. It tastes EXACTLY like a pumpkin pie in a glass. Top it off with a dab of whipped cream and WA-LAH!! (is that how you spell that?? haha). Yum!

  • Alexandra
    July 14, 2009 at 12:28 pm

    yum so many good ideas! i love spaghetti squash as the noodle in a lasagna, I am gluten free and this really satisfies the noodle craving! it’s delicious!

  • Meghan D.
    July 14, 2009 at 12:28 pm

    Bulgar wheat chili with lots of veggies mixed in!

  • OrganicAshley
    July 14, 2009 at 12:31 pm

    I love tortilla chips but not that they’re fried and made of hard to digest corn. So I cut up brown rice tortillas (gluten free) in to chip shapes and then I spray them with cooking oil and salt them. Lastly I put in the oven for a few minutes until crispy yumyum fabulous! Check it out: http://imanorganicgirl.wordpress.com/2009/07/10/mia/

  • Blythe
    July 14, 2009 at 12:31 pm

    When I get a Mexican craving and want the flavors but not the over-stuffed feeling I get post massive flour tortilla, I take morningstar veggie crumbles cooked in taco seasoning, Holy Guacamole guac + green salsa (half a pack), homemade super spicy salsa from a local farm here in San Antonio (where all proceeds of the salsa go to animals in need), shredded weight watchers mexican cheese, and crumbled Garden and Eatin’ blue chips…all over a huge bed of lettuce. Gives me all the tastes I crave for such a great, healthy, version of a comfort food!

  • HM
    July 14, 2009 at 12:32 pm

    Favorite healthier alternatives:
    1) Spaghetti squash or spiralized zucchini instead of pasta
    2) Dark chocolate with nut butter (peanut, almond, coconut) instead of reeses pieces
    3) Medjool dates with almond butter and shredded coconut
    4) Vegan baking
    5) Ordering a ___ tea Misto with a shot of sugar free vanilla at Starbucks or any coffee shop as opposed to the usual tea latte (e.g. Tazo Chai latte) … Berryblossom Tea Misto is DIVINE.

  • julie
    July 14, 2009 at 12:32 pm

    That book looks great! Can’t wait to see what you make from it. This seems like a popular answer-but, I love sweet potato fries!! With tons of spices of course.

  • Sarah
    July 14, 2009 at 12:33 pm

    I love Fettuccine Alfredo so to make it healthier I puree tofu, soy milk, cashews, and onions to make the Alfredo sauce. Might not sound good, but top whole wheat Fettuccine with this sauce and a little vegan “Parmesan” and parsley and yum yum yum!

  • Amy A.
    July 14, 2009 at 12:37 pm

    Oh, I love using yogurt in tuna/salmon/chicken/egg salad instead of mayo. It’s so much healthier and tastier than regular mayo or fat-free mayo!

    I also love making a pumpkin pudding dessert with pumpkin and greek yogurt or sugar-free pudding mix. It is soo good! That reminds me that I should buy some pumpkin!

  • Mandy
    July 14, 2009 at 12:39 pm

    I make a healthy eggplant parm…
    I dip the eggplant slices in eggwhites and then panko. Bake them at 350 for 15 minutes, on each side…No frying!!
    Then I lay them out in a baking dish, top them with my favorite marinara (Mamma Disalvo’s…it’s a local company), some cheese, and bake this again until the sauce is hot and the cheese starts to turn brown. LOVE IT!

  • LeeAnn
    July 14, 2009 at 12:39 pm

    Ok, I have to admit, I used to love NO BAKE COOKIES! My mom would make these all of the time. Well, they are high in sugar and butter! So, I now make my oatmeal with honey, peanut butter, and cocoa. I love that is tastes like the no bake cookies I used to make with my mom! Ok, now I NEED this cookbook. Looks great and good luck!

  • Christina
    July 14, 2009 at 12:40 pm

    My favorite healthy adaptation is to use yogurt instead of sour cream. I don’t know how much better it is but I feel better about it.

  • Julie
    July 14, 2009 at 12:41 pm

    Vegan chili dogs!!!! Nice and sloppy.

  • Beth @ CrossBorderCravings
    July 14, 2009 at 12:41 pm

    I LOVE Ben and Jerry’s Chunky Monkey. One healthy adaptation I read about, tried and LOVED is to take one banana, blend with a splash of milk, some walnuts and a few dark chocolate chips and voila! Just like ice cream but much healthier!
    Yum.

  • Shannon
    July 14, 2009 at 12:42 pm

    My family loves my modified nachos:

    Tear Tumaro’s tortillas into bite-ables (any flavor); bake for 8 mins at 350, then top with your choice of veggies (grilled corn, onions, black beans are a great combo…don’t even need cheese) and serve with fresh salsa and guac! You can also skip the tearing and make a healthy baked tostada.

  • Danielle
    July 14, 2009 at 12:43 pm

    Hey Jenna,
    cookbook looks amazing!
    my favourite healthy adaptation would be sweet potatoe fries instead of regular one, by far they taste so much better. Or instead of using regular hamburger buns I use a pita instead.

  • Amy
    July 14, 2009 at 12:44 pm

    I make a greek burger with turkey meat instead of lamb- with spinach and feta cooked in the flavor is all there!

  • Susan
    July 14, 2009 at 12:45 pm

    Ooo awesome giveaway! Well this isn’t a recipe per se, but I sub greek yogurt for sour cream on just about everything (tacos, soups, even in some baking!)

  • Niki
    July 14, 2009 at 12:45 pm

    I love making spaghetti and meatballs with spaghetti squash rather than pasta and turkey for the meatballs. Yummy!

    Great post! Your MojaMix looks so pretty…great combo of colors and flavors. 🙂

  • ari
    July 14, 2009 at 12:47 pm

    fage and pumpkin butter tastes JUST like pumpkin cheesecake! ah it’s so gooooood.

  • Dara
    July 14, 2009 at 12:48 pm

    homemade spicy corn tortilla chips!!!

  • living2thetruth4god
    July 14, 2009 at 12:48 pm

    THis cookbook looks amazing! My favorite way to make lighter cake/cupcakes is to mix 1 box of cake mix and 1 can of diet soda and bake as directed. It saves a lot of fat and calories and it’s very moist and delicious!

  • Jaimie
    July 14, 2009 at 12:49 pm

    I have to go with the Banana soft serve. I tried it last week and loved it. My boyfriend who isn’t a huge health nut also loved it and has already requested it again this week 🙂

  • Ashley
    July 14, 2009 at 12:49 pm

    Healthy Lasagna with stacks of veggies instead of macaroni and meat. Delicious!!

  • Gabby
    July 14, 2009 at 12:49 pm

    My favorite dessert is ice cream or creme brulee. My healthy version (minus a torch) is low fat ricotta cheese with raspberries, blueberries and blackberries, a dash of cinnamon and sugar with mint leaves. MMMMMM.

  • Tracey
    July 14, 2009 at 12:51 pm

    That cookbook looks terrific! I make healthy, high-fiber, low calorie chocolate muffins by combining a box of cake mix, a can of plain pumpkin puree and 1/2 cup of water. This makes incredibly fudgy, moist muffins with tons of fiber and vitamin A, and only 95 calories a piece!

  • Rosalie
    July 14, 2009 at 12:53 pm

    my favorite healthy adaptation is tuna/egg salad. Greek yogurt instead of mayo/sour cream, and lots of vegetables for crunch and flavor.

  • Sandy
    July 14, 2009 at 12:56 pm

    The cookbook looks awesome! For a special treat I make a low calorie icing with Fat Free Cool Whip, Sugar Free vanilla pudding mix and skim milk and then ice cupcakes with it. I find cupcakes and muffins are easier to control calorie count and save or freeze to enjoy longer.

  • miladybowen
    July 14, 2009 at 12:57 pm

    I love that book! I actually bought it (i don’t buy many cookbooks new since they are so expensive) and it is fabulous. The recipes are fast and easy and delish. Enjoy Jenna!

  • Danielle
    July 14, 2009 at 12:57 pm

    Green chili enchiladas w/ chicken breast and lite cheeses! My whole family, including my hubby, love them. They are made with white corn tortillas. Inside is lite laughing cow garlic/herb cheese w/chicken breast. Outside a green chilies w/tomatillo salsa and a sprinkle of lite shredded cheese..Mmmmm.

  • Suzanne
    July 14, 2009 at 1:04 pm

    Loving baked sweet potato fries…now if I could just remember to get them out of the oven before they burn.

  • Lindsay S.
    July 14, 2009 at 1:04 pm

    I make a lightened meatloaf and it is my boyfriend’s favorite. I use the leanest ground beef, fat free milk, egg whites, and oatmeal. It has a ton of protein and the oatmeal adds fiber from the whole grains. It is really simple, tasty and filling!

  • Ryane
    July 14, 2009 at 1:05 pm

    I don’t know – I don’t even like Cheese steak subs but those Portabello ones look great in the book!! If the book is full of other beautiful looking recipes, then I’m sold.

  • Kimberly
    July 14, 2009 at 1:07 pm

    One of my favorite adaptations is a lower fat Chili. I substitute lean turkey for beef, lower fat chili beans and use tons of diced tomatoes, green chiles, corn and onions. It’s so yummy it doesn’t need any cheese or sour cream, and the best part – my husband loved it and had no idea it was “healthier” than typical chili.

  • M
    July 14, 2009 at 1:08 pm

    My favorite dish that’s been adapted to be a little healthier than the original is my mom’s baked beans. I used to refuse to eat red meat (as part of some rule I made for myself when I had ED issues), so she started making her baked beans with ground turkey instead of ground beef. She subbed turkey bacon for the regular bacon as well. Even though I recovered a couple years ago, she still makes baked beans this way. I really like the turkey in combination with the other flavors in the sauce–much better than regular baked beans!

  • Kristilyn
    July 14, 2009 at 1:08 pm

    Lately, my favourite healthy adaption of a not-so-healthy food is Gena’s banana ice cream! I’ve tried it a few times and absolutely love it. For my last mix, I used one frozen banana, 1/2 tbsp cocoa (10 calories), and crushed up a few Leclerc dark chocolate cookies (~50 calories). It was delicious!

  • RunningBetty
    July 14, 2009 at 1:09 pm

    We went out for brunch and got Gingerbread waffles. They were divine. So when we wanted to recreate them at home, we made these:
    http://www.onemessykitchen.com/gingerbread-pancakes-theyre-not-just-for-december
    (That’s another site of mine.)

  • mollymolly
    July 14, 2009 at 1:10 pm

    Well I’d have to say the chocolate chip recipe I modified at school to make it more “heart healthy” where I added oatmeal, raisins, dark chocolate chips. Even though the sugar amounts are the same, I replace two eggs with 1 egg and 1 egg yoke, smart balance instead of buttah, and whole wheat flour instead of the all-purpose! Yummy!

  • Allison
    July 14, 2009 at 1:10 pm

    I make a pasta that I originally invented to sneak veggies into my picky toddler’s diet, however, the rest of my family loves it so much I now I make it all the time instead of pasta Alfredo. I call it Green Pasta. I saute chopped onion and garlic in a pan, add to a blender with a package of frozen chopped spinach, organic cows milk and parmesan cheese. I then return it to the pan to warm and season with salt and pepper. I serve it over Quinoa macaroni or whole wheat pasta with some grilled chicken or shrimp. It’s easy, easy, easy and healthy too!

  • Whitney
    July 14, 2009 at 1:11 pm

    That book looks awesome! I love when cookbooks pay so much attention to detail. My favorite healthy, sinful food is a vegan chocolate cake that is to die for and is only made with four or five ingredients that are all pronounce-able and healthy!!

  • Barb
    July 14, 2009 at 1:11 pm

    I’ve started using ground turkey breast and beans in place of ground beef and my family doesn’t even notice.

  • Julie P.
    July 14, 2009 at 1:13 pm

    Love reading your blog! When I’m in the mood for something “fried” I turn to my Morning Star Chik Patties which taste nothing like veggie patties to me.

  • Karla North
    July 14, 2009 at 1:14 pm

    I love swapping french fries with baked sweet potato fries! Just slice up a sweet potato, toss in olive oil and seasonings, and bake til crispy – so easy and delicious!

  • Meghann
    July 14, 2009 at 1:15 pm

    Dang Jenna, Look at all the enteries 🙂

    My favorite healthier version treat is Strawberry Shortcake with lighter angelfood cake, old fashion strawberries and au naturel whipped cream 🙂

  • Michelle C.
    July 14, 2009 at 1:16 pm

    i am loving these cookbook giveaways! my favorite healthy adaption is taking an arnolds sandwhich thin, vegan burger, slice of munster cheese, pickles ketchup and mustard and having it taste EXACTLY like a burger from mcdonalds (at least what I can remember from years ago) with about 1/4 the calories!

  • Monica
    July 14, 2009 at 1:16 pm

    “Lentil joes” or anything lentil based really haha!

  • Mallory
    July 14, 2009 at 1:19 pm

    my favorite healthy alternative is courtesy of polly…
    one pouch tuna + one avocado. mash. stick in some yummy lettuce leaves. eat until all gone.

    it’s so good!!

  • MeredithLeigh
    July 14, 2009 at 1:19 pm

    My favorite healthy version of an unhealthy meal is “healthy pizza.” I prepare it using healthier ingredients and a lot of vegetables. The cookbook looks fantastic.

  • Mandy
    July 14, 2009 at 1:20 pm

    i love using rollout flatbreads as pizza crusts with hummus and fresh veggies! i bake it on 350 for 10 minutes and it’s delish!

  • Diana
    July 14, 2009 at 1:20 pm

    Grilled cheese sandwiches can be deliciously crispy by brushing just 1tsp of any healthy oil of choice on your bread rather than slathering on the butter.

  • Barbara
    July 14, 2009 at 1:21 pm

    Hi Jenna~

    My favorite dessert lately…FF cottage cheese, Cocoa Powder, slivered almonds and a spoonful natural pb. Heaven to me….

    B

  • MarathonVal
    July 14, 2009 at 1:22 pm

    Hi Jenna, I just wrote in my most recent posting about my recipe for raw, vegan, Almond Joy cookies – although I have to admit, I havent baked or dehydrated them because the dough is SOOO good!!

  • Kerri
    July 14, 2009 at 1:23 pm

    I love cornbread and recently invented a healthier cornbread recipe using Fage yogurt and fat free sour cream! I love it and love that it’s much healthier and SUPER moist – YUM! It’s great served with turkey or veggie chili instead of the usual ground beef chili.

  • heatherfeather
    July 14, 2009 at 1:25 pm

    i adore a lightened up cheesecake using low fat creamcheese– so fluffy and sooo good! this cookbook looks awesome!

  • Suzanne
    July 14, 2009 at 1:25 pm

    I like to use extra lean ground turkey instead of beef to make tacos, spaghetti, etc. I use yogurt instead of sour cream in making stroganoff. And I love putting no salt added cottage cheese in smoothies for a lot of extra protein. As long as it’s blended well, you can’t even taste it!

  • Caroline
    July 14, 2009 at 1:25 pm

    I adore black bean burgers! And they’re so much healthier than red meat, and better for the environment too!

  • D
    July 14, 2009 at 1:28 pm

    I love figuring out how to make things healthier, so picking one is difficult. I make a mean “healthified” Mac n’ Cheese, which even the pickiest of eaters, have enjoyed a great deal. My chicken salad is also a hit, the secret is using large chunks of vegtables and plain yogurt.

  • Ellen
    July 14, 2009 at 1:30 pm

    i came up with a recipe for my “perfect” tuna salad that is WAY healthier than the traditional one. i use a high quality (soy free!) tuna, a mix of chopped veggies like celery, green pepper and radishes, white beans, mustard, white wine vinegar, a bit of olive oil and tons of fresh herbs. it’s delicious any way you eat it!

  • Jacqueline
    July 14, 2009 at 1:30 pm

    I sub dips and sauces for fresh homemade salsa!

  • Amy L
    July 14, 2009 at 1:31 pm

    Wow that cereal mix looks YUM!!!!
    Well, I guess the easiest of the swaps I try to make is lean ground turkey in place of ground beef. Also wheat wraps in place of bread. And adding beans to recipes. 🙂

  • angelcubbie
    July 14, 2009 at 1:32 pm

    I LOVE butternut squash fries. They are so much tastier than the real thing.

  • ashleigh
    July 14, 2009 at 1:32 pm

    my favorite adaption is def making pizza using a 100 calorie flax wrap instead of dough. top it with tons of veggies and light cheese and it’s usually under 300 calories for the whole thing.. yum yum!

  • Jess
    July 14, 2009 at 1:35 pm

    Oooh I want that cookbook. I like baked sweet potato fries.

  • Annie D.
    July 14, 2009 at 1:37 pm

    Your breakfast mix looks SOOO GOOD!!!!

  • jenn.
    July 14, 2009 at 1:39 pm

    my sub for creamy soups? i use butternut squash puree and chicken stock..makes a sub for a yummy thick creamy soup!

  • Kelly
    July 14, 2009 at 1:41 pm

    I just love your blog and am wishing you the BEST of luck this weekend in Napa. You will be fantastic!! One of the favorite healthy swaps is using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream on baked potatoes, etc.

  • VCK
    July 14, 2009 at 1:41 pm

    I make healthy tacos by sauteeing up lots of vegetables (bell peppers, onions, zucchini) and using whole wheat tortillas. Sometimes I’ll make pinto or black beans with lots of Mexican spices on the side, or Mexican rice made with brown rice or even quinoa instead of white.

  • Emma
    July 14, 2009 at 1:44 pm

    black bean burgers! they taste just as great (if not better) than beef burgers and are SO filling.

  • katiek
    July 14, 2009 at 1:45 pm

    Is that cookbook from the website eatingwell.com? I use that site for healthy recipes, especially when inviting company over. My favorite healthy adaptation is sweet potato “fries”. I actually prefer them over any other kind!

  • Jill
    July 14, 2009 at 1:45 pm

    Wow! Looks like a tremendous cookbook!

    I love making a lower-fat trail mix with Kashi Heart to Heart cereal, mixed nuts and dried fruit. Yummy!

  • Tracy
    July 14, 2009 at 1:46 pm

    I am not a chef, so my meals are very simple! One of my favorite swaps for enchiladas is black beans/corn/green chilies/enchilada sauce. I use very little cheese and these are great! I also make “fried” rice with brown rice, an egg, tons of veggies, and a little soy sauce. It tastes the same as regular fried rice to me! Thanks Jenna!

  • Jenny
    July 14, 2009 at 1:49 pm

    Hey Jenna,

    My favorite healthy “unhealthy treat” is my version of enchiladas which i make with ground chicken, black beans, homemade whole wheat tortillas, a fresh tomato sauce, reduced fat cheese, and tons of SPICE!
    -Thanks!

  • Suzy Smith
    July 14, 2009 at 1:50 pm

    I like to sub in ground turkey into lasanga and use low fat riccota cheese + spinach. Knowbody knows the difference! My recipie is great, I will post it later.

    Also subbing in whole wheat flour / whole wheat pastry flour into baked goods works well. You can always do partcial wheat flour & partial white if you have not yet adjusted to the taste and texture. Eating healthy is not that hard, it just takes some thought, pre-planning and improvisation.

    The cook book looks GREAT!! suzy

  • blueberrybabe
    July 14, 2009 at 1:51 pm

    what a great giveaway!

    DEF sweet potato fries of any kind instead of “real” french fries! yummy.

  • Amber
    July 14, 2009 at 1:52 pm

    Hi Jenna,
    My and my husband’s favorite healthy adaptation is for baked ziti–whole wheat pasta, fresh tomatoes, cannelini beans, ground turkey, and a little bit of mozzarella and ricotta cheeses-there is never a good sub-in for cheese 🙂

    Yum!

    Love your blog

  • Suzy Smith
    July 14, 2009 at 1:53 pm

    Also try:

    Red grapes, pineapple chucks (drained or fresh) mixed with fat free or low fat sour cream and grape nuts. A crunchy, tangy, and sweet all in one snack!

  • Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl
    July 14, 2009 at 1:54 pm

    My favorite healthier version of a typically unhealthy food is a veggie burger made from scratch using pulp from my raw juices! It’s awesome to have bits of carrots, celery, spinach, etc. in every bite of a juicy veggie burger–and, to me, I feel they are much healthier than the beef version or the processed veggie burger option because I know what goes into them and I can add whatever beans and spices I like to put a new twist on them each time. Also, instead of bread, I like to use a high-fiber tortilla, add my homemade veggie burger on top of a yummy salad, or even wrap them in a big napa cabbage leaf. Yum-O! 🙂

    Thanks for the opportunity to win that beautiful cookbook, by the way!!!

  • Sarah
    July 14, 2009 at 1:56 pm

    It would have to be sweet potato fries, instead of regular french fries! YUM!

  • woman&warrior
    July 14, 2009 at 1:56 pm

    Hi Jenna! What a fun and totally rocking give away! I love me some cookbooks.

    Most of my fake-outs are modifications on recipes by bulking up the nutritional/vitamin value through veggies. I add veggies to everything. I make it the center of the meal–ie primavera, with just a handful of pasta and tons of wilted spinach, eggplant, tomato, etc. I really don’t miss the carbs and such–veggies are so filling. I feel a lot healthier eating this way.

    My favorite fake-out though has to be using soft tofu to ‘cream’ soups. I add in one container of silken for a whole pot of cream of spinach sous and it makes it creamy, adds protein, and satisfies me longer. So, I say yay for silken and immersion blenders! (I started doing this when i first started Weight watchers–and 45 pounds ago!)

  • Tam
    July 14, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    Hi! You have an awesome blog! I love trying Jessica Seinfeld’s recipes that sneak veggies into desserts. Great way to fit more nutrients into your diet. Thanks! xo

  • Katie
    July 14, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    That cookbook looks awesome! I may have to buy it if I don’t win 🙂 I looove baked sweet potato “fries”! So yummy!!

  • Catherine
    July 14, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    I love Real Simple’s take on Healhty Mac and Cheese. I usually use broccoli instead of cauliflour and sub regular pasta for gluten-free pasta due to an intolerance. http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/macaroni-cheese-cauliflower-00000000008063/

  • Amanda @ Cakes and Ale
    July 14, 2009 at 2:02 pm

    I love to mac mac n cheese with pureed butternut squash in the sauce. It cuts way back on the sauce calories, and adds more fiber too!

  • Ellie Lawrence
    July 14, 2009 at 2:11 pm

    I LOVE baked sweet potatoes instead of french fries. I actually think they are a heck of a lot better. Just cut up the sweet potatoes, drizzle with olive oil and salt, and bake for 45 minutes at 375. Yum

  • Jess
    July 14, 2009 at 2:14 pm

    That cook book sounds great! The easiest and thus far most satisfying replacement I’ve made in my healthy lifestyle is swapping Greek Yogurt (0-2%) for Sour Cream. Frankly I like the yogurt even better than I ever liked sour cream and this is coming from a condiment-a-holic!
    I can’t believe that I’m commenter #377-your readership is outrageous! ha.

  • Sara
    July 14, 2009 at 2:15 pm

    to make fettuchini alfredo I soak macadamia and walnuts overnight, then put them in a blender with some olive oil, herbs and spices. much healthier than tons of cream and cheese. it tastes great on thin pasta noodles (whole wheat of course) or zucchini spirals with some fresh basil. sometimes ill add mushrooms marinated in balsamic vinegar 🙂

  • Sarah
    July 14, 2009 at 2:15 pm

    My favorite healthified comfort food is Annies shells & cheese, all gussied up with roasted veggies! I will never touch velveeta again!!

  • Ellen (Peace In Motion)
    July 14, 2009 at 2:16 pm

    I add flaxseed to just about everything I bake. It may not be much, but the little but always adds a nutty flavor that I love, not to mention the added health benefits of the flaxseed!

  • Susan Eitelman
    July 14, 2009 at 2:19 pm

    I really love this recipe for Spaghetti with Tahini Sauce (http://www.recipezaar.com/Spaghetti-With-Tahini-Sauce-352106), from Vegan Cooking for Everyone. It 1) easy to make (mandatory!), 2) very yummy, and it has higher protein than “typical” spaghetti (I don’t do land meat, so the tahini helps the protein levels in a veggie ‘sgetti).

    I’ve adapted this recipe in various ways. The base adaptation I prefer is to use quinoa pasta (further improving the protein content of my ‘sgetti) and add use 6 oz (a whole small can) of tomato paste (tahini is good, but it needs to be reminded that ‘sgetti is a tomato dish!). Other adaptations include using different veggies to accompany the onions, such as local veggie and zuchini or peppers. I’ve also spiced it up with red pepper flakes to give it some zip. Yum!

  • Susan
    July 14, 2009 at 2:19 pm

    I love to make veggie tacos at home- a much healthier version than at a restaurant. I love knowing exactly what goes in my food!

  • Thealogian
    July 14, 2009 at 2:20 pm

    This adaptation is totally stolen from the South Beach Diet Cookbook, but its mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes. Really, its pureed.

    What you do is steam the cauliflower in broth (I use Knorr veggie broth), then strain, place the well cooked cauliflower in your food processor and puree. Add a couple tablespoons of a milk you like (I do not recommend flavored milks, but plain almond milk, soy milk or cow’s milk), a bit of crushed garlic, salt/pepper to taste and sometimes I’ll add a tablespoon of light smart balance or earth balance to give it a buttery flavor. Its a lovely substitute for mashed potatoes when you need to save a few calories.

    Thanks for the opportunity to win a cookbook–I’m such a cookbook nerd.

  • Ashley
    July 14, 2009 at 2:23 pm

    My favourite is a substitute for any chocolate bar – 1 date filled with Almond Butter. So filling and satisfying!!

  • Donna
    July 14, 2009 at 2:23 pm

    Great Post Jenna!
    As for my swap, I would go for veggieBURGERS! Yummo! Either homade or store bought. They are delic. Oh and a side of sweet potatoe fries doesnt hurt either! (super size me on that one, and I wouldnt feel the least bit guilty 😉
    Have A Fabulous Day!!!

  • Sarah
    July 14, 2009 at 2:24 pm

    I love this magazine! My favorite way to make a recipe a little healthier is to cut back on the amount of oil that is called for in dressing recipes. I find that the recipes usually call for at least a 2:1 ratio of oil to vinegar if not 3:1. When I make my dressing though, I usually shoot for a 1:1 ratio. I find that this improves not only the nutritional stats but also makes for a really yummy dressing!

  • Mindy
    July 14, 2009 at 2:26 pm

    I use lean ground turkey when I make meat lasagna and sneak in zucchini and carrots! Protein and veggies–yum!! 🙂

  • Johanna B
    July 14, 2009 at 2:26 pm

    I’ve traded my Hershey Bar with almonds for Larabars. Calories may be about the same but the Larabar has better nutritionals. I aslo sub plain yogurt for mayonnaise.

  • Jessica
    July 14, 2009 at 2:29 pm

    Hi Jenna! My favorite “healthified” meal would probably be my homemade fried rice. I use leftover brown rice, sauteed in the tiniest bit of olive oil – add all kinds of veggies, and an egg for protein, soy sauce, and of course some Siracha! Yum-O!

  • Melissa
    July 14, 2009 at 2:30 pm

    My favorite is to substitute Greek yogurt in any recipe where I would use mayo – tuna salad, pimento cheese, coleslaw…YUM!

  • Lizzie
    July 14, 2009 at 2:30 pm

    I love making a loaded potato with Beans, spinach, sweet potato and some cheese…to die for!

  • Amy Pacheco
    July 14, 2009 at 2:33 pm

    Great reviews Jenna! I would have to say that my healthy “adaptation” would be for strawberry shortcake.. instead of the traditional recipe, I have fresh strawberries, yogurt, and organic low-fat animal crackers! I love the way the animal crackers taste with the yogurt and strawberrys!

  • Cindy
    July 14, 2009 at 2:33 pm

    My children LOVE chocolate chip pancakes on Sundays so I’ve become sneaky and found so many great recipes that allow me to add in ground flax, wheat germ, oats, and do some simple substitutions to make them a healthy breakfast choice.

  • Amandamoo
    July 14, 2009 at 2:34 pm

    I sweet potato with cinnamon, BLACK BEANS, AND PLAIN YOGURT! I know, it sounds nuts but is so much better than butter and sugar!

  • Chloe
    July 14, 2009 at 2:36 pm

    Baked sweet potato fries instead of french fries

  • Claire
    July 14, 2009 at 2:38 pm

    Hi there! Wow, I can’t believe how many comments you already have – I’ll admit I’m a bit intimidated, especially as this is my first comment! But I’ve read your blog for awhile (was referred by LovIN My Tummy) and really, really dig your healthy and enthusiastic attitude about life and the food that fuels it! (That being said, food should be high-quality fuel but also FUN and you /totally/ capture that feeling!)

    Speaking of which.. mm, your customized muesli today looks absolutely amazing. I might try to make some myself from some bulk ingredients?

    Anyway, healthy adaptations: well, there are all the classics, like applesauce partially replacing butter in baking recipes. But lately I have discovered something very new (at least to me): chia seed gel. I ordered some organic chia seeds from Amazon.com after looking for a vegan source of EFA’s, and chia definitely has em. Along with TONS of fiber, and very complete protein (Nutritiondata.com lists chia seeds’ protein quality as 113, which is even past eggs!) So, you put 1/3c chia seeds with 2c water, whisk it up, and let it sit a bit (up to 2 weeks) in the fridge. A viscous gel of polysaccharides forms around the seeds, and believe it or not, it really doesn’t have a taste. I add it to everything from yogurt to applesauce and you can use it to replace 1/2 the butter in baking! So, check it out. If you want I could send you some in the mail to try. Or you could just buy a Chia Pet kit and leave the terracota in the garden!

    Thanks for the wonderful blog – I find it inspiring and it also lightens up my day and puts me on the right track for healthy eating and living. Of course, I’d love the chance to try out this cookbook!!!! But if not, I look forward to seeing what you do with it!

    Cheers,
    Claire

  • Paige
    July 14, 2009 at 2:43 pm

    My favorite modified food is my easy sweet potato casserole. I take one sweet potato and bake it in the microwave for 7 minutes. I open the potato, mash it up a little bit; then drizzle it with a teaspoon of fat free syrup. I sprinkle a few chopped pecans on top, and voila! Healthy (tastes just like) sweet potato casserole! It goes great with a cup of soup!

  • Amelia
    July 14, 2009 at 2:47 pm

    I make a healthified version of the Subway veggie sandwich (which is already pretty healthy). I bulk it up with more veggies, less cheese, loads of hot peppers, and hummus, which Subway doesn’t have.

  • Amanda (My Summerizations)
    July 14, 2009 at 2:48 pm

    i make a healthy egg, bacon and cheese muffin by using egg whites, swiss cheese and turkey bacon a whole wheat english muffin. it’s even better than the greasy real thing!

  • Bridget
    July 14, 2009 at 2:48 pm

    First of all I want that cookbook! I think I almost bought it once 🙂

    Well one thing I love to do is add lots of veggies to pasta dishes…basically have a 50/50 or even 60/40 ratio of veggies to pasta. Esp. delicious in lasagna’s!

  • Katie H.
    July 14, 2009 at 2:51 pm

    I love buffalo wings, but for a healthy alternative, I make Ellie Krieger’s Buffalo Chicken Salad. Romaine lettuce topped with carrots, celery, scallions, baked buffalo chicken tenders, and a healthy, homemade blue cheese dressing–YUM!

  • maggie
    July 14, 2009 at 2:54 pm

    definetly date ‘donut’ holes from Ani’s Raw!!!

  • Caitlin!
    July 14, 2009 at 2:54 pm

    All-time-fav: Guiltless French Toast! Two small slices of challah bread (ok that part isn’t so guiltless), filled with a mixture of non/low-fat cream cheese and your favorite sugar-free fruit jam, coated with egg-whites & water, cooked in a skillet with non-fat cooking spray! Sooooooo goood, I dream about it.

  • Gina
    July 14, 2009 at 2:55 pm

    I love boneless buffalo wings from Chili’s but wow they are super unhealthy. So I make an at home version with grilled chicken pieces covered in frank’s red hot and a sprinkling of blue cheese to satisfy my craving!

  • Sara
    July 14, 2009 at 2:56 pm

    I love to make a healthier ice cream cake for special occassions in the summer using frozen yogurt, fresh berries, and granola. My family loves it!!

  • Lauren
    July 14, 2009 at 2:57 pm

    Oooo that cookbook looks fabulous! Just last night, I made chili cheese fries (the most current post on my blog). Healthy, but still indulgent-tasting :).

  • Mindy in CO
    July 14, 2009 at 3:04 pm

    I love adding to my cookbook collection!

    I recently made tacos w/ a zucchini/squash stirfry filling. Stuffed in a corn tortilla, topped w/ cilantro, fresh homemade salsa and avocado. They were delicious, fresh and light. Adding more color to your cooking instantly makes it healthier!

  • Claire
    July 14, 2009 at 3:09 pm

    Looks great. I love mashed cauliflower to “substitute” for mashed potatoes…or spaghetti squash instead of noodles.

  • Maggie
    July 14, 2009 at 3:09 pm

    I love making “cheesecake” with ricotta cheese and a mashed banana. Recipe is here – http://www.thesaladgirl.com/2009/04/03/faux-cheesecake/

  • Ann
    July 14, 2009 at 3:13 pm

    I am an amateur cake decorator/baked and I love substituting applesauce for butter or oil. NO ONE can ever tell and it’s still just as moist!

  • mh
    July 14, 2009 at 3:15 pm

    my fiance and i make homemade veggie pizza every friday night! much healthier than papa johns!! yum

  • Denise
    July 14, 2009 at 3:15 pm

    i love making fresh healthy versions of mexican food. tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, etc. they are SO easy to lighten up with out loosing flavor!

    I also love making lower fat pancakes and waffles .. mmm

    oh and egg white veggie scrambles instead of whole egg sausagey scrambles :p

    that book looks AMAZING! i am keeping my fingers crossed!

  • Patty
    July 14, 2009 at 3:16 pm

    Where do I began, I have made so many changes to my diet since the new year and my biggest challenge is with my two kids.
    I make pizza with whole wheat flour and the kids don’t mind. My son thinks it’s better.

  • Ashley
    July 14, 2009 at 3:18 pm

    I make my own whole grain hamburger buns – SO MUCH BETTER than what you buy in the store and surprisingly easy! And tonight I’m adapting Paula Deen’s potato casserole. That one’s easy to modify: exchange the stick of butter for 2 T EVOO and use reduced fat cheese.

  • Michelle Hisae
    July 14, 2009 at 3:25 pm

    Instead of using sour cream, I put a dollop of Greek yogurt on my mexican-themed dishes as well as soups!

  • Sandy
    July 14, 2009 at 3:27 pm

    My favorite subsitution is oven roasting veggies and potatoes rather boiling or frying. I’ve also coverted to whole wheat pasta – the kids don’t even care.

  • Low
    July 14, 2009 at 3:30 pm

    Right now I’m really into my healthified zucchini muffins that I adapted from a cooking light recipe! I also love beans as a replacement for anything meat. You get all the substantial chew without the bad stuff!

  • Stacy (Eating To Live Love Laugh Tri)
    July 14, 2009 at 3:32 pm

    I think my favorite would have to be making a healthier version of pizza. Yummy!
    I hope I win…I hope I win…I hope I win!! : )

  • Tiffany
    July 14, 2009 at 3:34 pm

    I know a lot of other people probably have said this, but I am in love with baked sweet potato fries instead of regular french fries. Yummy goodness! Oh, and you should definitely try Gena’s soft serve ice cream… it’s nothing short of amazing!

  • Brianne
    July 14, 2009 at 3:36 pm

    Laughing cow – subbed for any other cheesy spreadable. I especially love the flavored options!

  • monica
    July 14, 2009 at 3:37 pm

    That looks like a good cookbook, and I have got to order mojomix!-it looks like the best make yourown cereal yet!:)

  • DD
    July 14, 2009 at 3:37 pm

    I like cooking a chopped apple with a bit of water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves on the stovetop- tastes like apple pie filling! you can add any sweetener you like.

  • jen
    July 14, 2009 at 3:38 pm

    i’m obsessed with a healthy version of fish sticks that i adapted from a giada de laurentiis recipe. they’re baked instead of fried, but still have a nice crunchy exterior. my fave is to serve with them with some ketchup, sweet potato fries, and baked beans.

  • kate
    July 14, 2009 at 3:39 pm

    I love mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes 🙂

  • Rachel
    July 14, 2009 at 3:41 pm

    I just learned to make healthier French Toast with egg whites and a little vanilla. So satisfying when smeared with PB and Greek yogurt instead of butter and syrup!!

  • simpledaisy
    July 14, 2009 at 3:46 pm

    Hi there..
    Mine is for anything mayonaisy…
    I simply substitute ff cottage cheese for the mayo or ff greek yogurt..one of my favorite current combinations is
    ff cottage cheese, avacado, edamame and garlic {lots of it} all thrown in the food processor and spread atop yummy wasa crackers!

  • courtney
    July 14, 2009 at 3:46 pm

    This is a fun giveaway-I like reading about everyone’s healthy swaps :). As for me, my fav healthy swap is a toasted quesadilla! Instead of preparing it in the skillet with lots of oil, I make my quesadilla in the toaster oven and it gets just as crispy and ooey-gooey delicious. YUM.

  • lora
    July 14, 2009 at 3:53 pm

    hmm baked chicken fingers instead of real fried ones.

    xoxo
    lo

  • junghwa
    July 14, 2009 at 3:56 pm

    loving your eats and the book looks great!

  • Simone
    July 14, 2009 at 4:03 pm

    The cookbook looks awesome and I love your wine post, very informative.

    My favorite redo recipe is a sugarfree lowcal banana cream pie.

  • Michelle
    July 14, 2009 at 4:16 pm

    It has to be veggie lasagna, yum! 🙂

  • Nicole P
    July 14, 2009 at 4:24 pm

    I am a fan of sweet potato fries instead of normal french fries- you don’t really have to put anything on them and they are great.

  • Emily L.
    July 14, 2009 at 4:25 pm

    several simple ones:
    1.frozen grapes instead of candy (usually tastes better too, well unless you’re craving chocolate)
    2. mocktails made with sparkling water and lots of frozen raspberries (hmm can you tell i love my frozen fruit?)
    3. mashed butternut squash instead of mashed potatoes (but you do need to add a bit of brown sugar to make this delicious)
    4. not REALLY healthy, but using pumpkin in baked goods instead of oil, butter, and eggs (although I usually add a touch of oil and eggs anyway).
    I would love the cookbook! Hope I win 🙂

  • angiolle
    July 14, 2009 at 4:25 pm

    I would love to win the cookbook!!! My favorite healthy recipe is baked sweet potato fries or butternut squash fries… they are so delicious and nutritious 🙂

  • rachel
    July 14, 2009 at 4:36 pm

    I make my own frozen yogurt with Fage!

  • JW
    July 14, 2009 at 4:40 pm

    I like baked fries- healthy enough to eat every so often, delicious enough to go with a sandwich!

  • Maria
    July 14, 2009 at 4:41 pm

    Hmmm…. I think Jenna’s Famous version of enchiladas, actually! Compared to, say, a ground beef taco.

  • Deva
    July 14, 2009 at 4:43 pm

    My favorite adaptation of an otherwise unhealthy dish would be baked chicken tenders. I take chicken tenderloin pieces, dredge them in flour then lightly beaten egg white, then roll them in breadcrumbs. I then put them on a baking sheet in a really hot oven (375-425) until they’re cooked through, spraying with cooking spray for extra crunch. The egg white helps the crumbs adhere, and you get crunch without frying!

  • Laura
    July 14, 2009 at 4:49 pm

    I would love to add that cookbook to our collection!

    One of my favorite things is to add hummus to anything to give it more taste. I also love to make sweet potato “fries”.

  • Amy
    July 14, 2009 at 4:54 pm

    The cookbook looks awesome!! I love that it includes the nutritionals for each recipe! I like to make a healthier pizza using whole wheat flat-out wraps with locally-made mozzarella, organic tomatoes, and fresh herbs. So delicious!!!!

  • Richelle
    July 14, 2009 at 4:56 pm

    “Healthy Lasagna”! Zucchini strips instead of noodles, layered with tomato sauce, mushroom slices, tomato slices, spinach, and ricotta cheese mixed in with some Light Laughing Cow Cheese… deeeelish!

  • Alicia
    July 14, 2009 at 4:57 pm

    I love to use hummus as a spread on sandwhiches instead of mayo. My current favorite sandwhich is hummus, grilled veggies, and olives!

  • Kate
    July 14, 2009 at 4:58 pm

    I love subbing sweet potatoes or squash in for french fries! Thanks Jenna!
    -kate

  • Rebeca
    July 14, 2009 at 5:01 pm

    My fave thing ever is eggplant parm which is outrageous at restaurants- so I grill my eggplant, then slowly cook it in some fab sauce and serve over a huge bed of spinach and just a bit of pasta and cheese- craving conquered, waistline in check 🙂

  • Meghan
    July 14, 2009 at 5:09 pm

    Almond butter on chocolate cupcakes instead of frosting..it’s even BETTER and more nutricious!

    I have always had bad under eye circles too..especially when my allergies are acting up! Do you really recommend this stuff, I have yet to find a product that diminishes them… and right now they are offering free shipping!!

  • faith
    July 14, 2009 at 5:09 pm

    i love eating well! i love small substitutions, such as spaghetti squash covered in a good marinara, or using greek yogurt instead of mayo. i am in love with avocado/banan, and cacoa pudding!!! oh the list could go on!!

  • Loree
    July 14, 2009 at 5:18 pm

    I have a great recipe for dilled potato salad with ff yogurt! Everyone always wants the recipe.

  • Patty
    July 14, 2009 at 5:21 pm

    I love baking my own tortilla chips in the oven.
    I lightly brush them with water, sprinkle with sea salt
    cut into triangles and bake at ‘400 for 15 minutes or
    until brown and crispy !! I feel so much better about
    dipping into guacamole with these “healthy” chips !!

  • Steph
    July 14, 2009 at 5:22 pm

    One of my favorite healthy adaptations is to use butternut squash when making homemade mac and cheese. The squash really thickens up the sauce, and allows you to use less cheese. I just love it!

  • Andrea
    July 14, 2009 at 5:26 pm

    This cookbook looks great! I love substituting healthy things for unhealthy. My favorite of the moment is flavoring plain yogurt with a squirt of agave syrup and fresh fruit instead of flavored versions with HFCS. It’s better for you, more natural and is more filling than the “Fruit on the Bottom” kinds!

  • Kareen
    July 14, 2009 at 5:26 pm

    Hi Jenna!
    I know you are not a big fan but my super apple sauce chocolate chip cookies are just the best. Having high cholesterol, taking out some butter or oil from my cooking makes a huge difference. Also my husband’s pitapizza is pretty good, better than thick crust stuff!!
    Your words are as inspiring as ever, thank you for sharing!

  • Hallie
    July 14, 2009 at 5:32 pm

    That cookbook looks awesome! I’m not allowed to buy any new cookbooks, boo, so maybe I’ll win this one 🙂 My favorite “Healthy Twist” is my meatloaf made with ground turkey, oats, egg whites, and veggies! I also love making “healthy Mexican” food with chicken fajitas: whole-wheat tortillas (or just lettuce), white-meat grilled chicken, peppers and onions sauteed with no/little oil, TONS of hot sauce and a dollop of Greek plain yogurt to cool it all down

  • Mindy in TX
    July 14, 2009 at 5:36 pm

    I just recently stumbled upon your blog and I LOVE it! It’s so inspirational!

    I guess my tip would be, whenever a recipe calls for anything that can be fat-free or a lower amount of fat, I always use that. I’ve never been able to taste the difference.

  • Candi
    July 14, 2009 at 5:41 pm

    My favorite healthy twist (like a few others I assume) has been subbing a couple of thin slices of avocado and a sprinkle of salt in sandwiches where I would have previously used mayo. Yumm, healthy fat and no chemically weirdness — what could be better?

  • JR
    July 14, 2009 at 5:47 pm

    There are a lot of good ideas on here – a couple of my favs are:
    1. Steamed spaghetti squash instead of rice/pasta with stir-fry
    2. Bragg liquid Aminos instead of soy sauce

  • Rachel
    July 14, 2009 at 5:49 pm

    Pâté chinois or “Shepard’s Pie” is a traditional French Canadian casserole-like dish that’s been in my family through the years. It’s basically made up of ground beef, canned corn, some onions and ketchup with a top layer of mashed potatoes…and sometimes even topped with shredded cheddar. To health this dish up I switch the ground beef for lentils, add a bevy of mixed vegs (whatever’s fresh in the fridge, peppers, zuc., carrots, celery), diced tomatoes, corn, few spices, and fresh parsley is key. Instead of creamy, buttery white mashed potatoes to top it off I use sweet potatoes mashed with a little evoo…and a hold on the cheese!

  • Ozlen
    July 14, 2009 at 5:53 pm

    Ahhh.. where shall i begin?? I love to adapt any meat recipes with tempeh, seitan or tofu to make them lower in fat and cholesterol. There are so many but one of my faves is meatloaf meatless of course!

    Thanks.

  • ariana
    July 14, 2009 at 6:01 pm

    i am a big fan of a weight watchers taco salad recipe… the dressing is made with non-fat yogurt and salsa and you can add spices and hot sauce to your liking.

  • Abbie
    July 14, 2009 at 6:02 pm

    I love making my own whole wheat pizza crust and topping it with as many veggies as I can get on it. It never needs cheese with all of those yummy varieties! Okay….maybe a dab of goat cheese!

  • Sarah
    July 14, 2009 at 6:07 pm

    I would looooove this cookbook! I really love to cook, but actually don’t have a ton of cookbooks – I use a lot of recipes from the internet… I would really love to have this cookbook – it looks awesome!

  • Katie R
    July 14, 2009 at 6:09 pm

    I make tacos with diced chicken breast instead of ground beef to lower the fat and calorie content, I “spike” my homemade sandwich bread with wheat bran to increase the bread’s fiber level, and I use a garlic salt paste (garlic salt + water) as my go-to veggie dip (a little salt + water goes a long way!). I’d love to win this cookbook! Thanks!

  • Allie Katie
    July 14, 2009 at 6:15 pm

    My fave is sweet potato fries!! I love LOVE french fries (Mickey D’s are the best, obvi) but I really have found sweet potato fries (baked at 400 for 20 minutes with some S&P) to satisfy the same craving!!

  • Tracy
    July 14, 2009 at 6:24 pm

    How about bean burgers instead of meat burgers?

  • Tina
    July 14, 2009 at 6:26 pm

    I would have to say my favorite is a portobello mushroom burger instead of beef. I think it is so much more flavorful and I think even meat lovers like it. I also use a lot of ground turkey breast spiked with Worchestershire sauce (to fool my husband) in a lot of dishes.

  • Tammy (Defining Wellness)
    July 14, 2009 at 6:43 pm

    Thanks for doing another giveaway! I love muffins for breakfast, so I devised my own healthy, whole wheat blueberry muffin recipe! My husband and I love them!

  • Emily
    July 14, 2009 at 6:51 pm

    What a day of eats! 😀

    My favorite adaptation to a typically unhealthy recipe is to use lentils in place of ground beef in casseroles, pastas, etc. Lentils are so hearty and, while I don’t eat much meat, my family does…so it’s fun to trick them into liking some vegetarian eats!

  • HD
    July 14, 2009 at 7:02 pm

    I had to adopt a low-sodium lifestyle in addition to low-cal/low-fat. I have found a great recipe for tacos! Instead of using high-sodium, nutrient-free pre-mixed seasonings, I make my own from a variety of spices. I then add a little bit of fresh guac, a bit of salsa, some black beans, maybe some chopped onions, and wrap it up in high-fiber tortillas and voila – a delish taco dinner that is so satifying and healthy!

  • Amanda
    July 14, 2009 at 7:10 pm

    I know you said you dont like it but I like putting applesauce into baked goods. I usually cant tell the difference so I figure why not!

  • stephanie
    July 14, 2009 at 7:15 pm

    This cookbook was made for me! I am always searching for one that has all the nutritional info. My favorite is a homemade bean burger – packs a lot more nutrients than a regular hamburger (which I don’t eat, anyway…).

  • Cassie
    July 14, 2009 at 7:16 pm

    the most used and least noticable difference for me is whole wheat pasta and brown rice in all my pasta dishes and stir fries. i’ve grown to like these even better than the white stuff i’d grown up with!

  • ttfn300
    July 14, 2009 at 7:29 pm

    i think my most fav sub is greek yogurt for sour cream 🙂 or maybe butternut & sw pot fries? the choices are endless!

  • Adi (oatonomy.com)
    July 14, 2009 at 7:42 pm

    I just discovered mashed cauliflower in place of mashed taters! Love this one.

  • Alison
    July 14, 2009 at 8:07 pm

    For baked goods, I like to use yogurt and cut back on the sugar alittle bit. Yum!

  • Annalisa
    July 14, 2009 at 8:10 pm

    I add ground flax to lots of things like yogurt, cereal, smoothies, use as a breading, etc. I also like using full fat regular dairy foods like sharp cheddar cheese and cream cheese. I use less and feel much more satisfied.

  • KatieF
    July 14, 2009 at 8:12 pm

    I sub black beans for meat in tacos. 🙂 Tasty and healthy.

  • Laura (alwaysroom4dessert)
    July 14, 2009 at 8:14 pm

    I just made one of my favorite healthy adapted recipes today: Good ol Banana Bread! I love my mom’s B-Bread but I’ve tweaked it to make it healthier, I substitute olive oil for the canola oil and use whole wheat pastry flour and unrefined sugar instead. I make sure my bananas are super ripe, so then I can cut back on the sugar even more.

  • sarah (ghost world)
    July 14, 2009 at 8:15 pm

    i would love that book!
    i typically use greek yogurt any time anything calls for sour cream, including with mexican food. a super-easy sub!

  • MJ
    July 14, 2009 at 8:21 pm

    I’d love the cookbook. My favorite healthy version of a recipe is my “lowfat pumpkin no-pie” – kind of a pumpkin custard instead of pumpkin pie with crust, using egg whites, less sugar (and usually all brown), some cornstarch and fat free evaporated milk to replace the heavier ingredients. It makes a great dessert, a great cold or hot breakfast, a good mix in to oatmeal, ice cream or yogurt (frozen or regular) and the whole dish is about 500 calories!

  • Natasha
    July 14, 2009 at 8:22 pm

    That looks like a great cookbook!

    I really like Tina’s “skinny” version of her infamous Oatmeal Raisin Bars. I like to add extras like unsweetened, shredded coconut and flax seeds for a healthy and energy-packed snack for hikes.

    Here is her recipe:
    http://carrotsncake.com/2009/05/skinny-oatmeal-raisin-bars.html

  • Talia
    July 14, 2009 at 8:24 pm

    I like replacing fat in most recipes with either broth or applesauce.

  • Jessica
    July 14, 2009 at 8:24 pm

    I like making a healthy version of a quesadilla. Whole wheat tortillas, low fat cheese, black beans, and veggies, and salsa and nonfat plain greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

  • Christina
    July 14, 2009 at 8:26 pm

    My favorite substitution is using yogurt, especially greek, in place of mayonaise in all recipes! Tasts so much better and is so much healthier!

  • Lauren
    July 14, 2009 at 8:27 pm

    I hope I’m not too late for this AWESOME giveaway! I would absolutely love this cookbook!

    Thanks for offering such a great prize!

  • Megan
    July 14, 2009 at 8:28 pm

    I make my own granola every weekend so I can have it for the week. I use earth balance butter instead of real butter and less than called for, as well as honey as a sweetener.

  • Coley
    July 14, 2009 at 8:30 pm

    I love to use plain nonfat yogurt in place of sour cream in things like tacos!

  • Brie
    July 14, 2009 at 8:32 pm

    I love making healthy Mexican dishes. It’s so easy to use whole wheat tortillas instead of regular, tons of salsa and fresh lime instead of cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream! Add a side of brown rice and beans and you’re ready to go!

  • Kristie Lynn
    July 14, 2009 at 8:33 pm

    I’m loving the power of frozen banana in making green smoothies – I know a lot of people say this, but I never though I would jump on the spinach-in-the-smoothie bandwagon but now it’s all I want in the morning, and I swear it’s because of the goodness of the added frozen banana (and vanilla soymilk, yum!) 🙂

  • Susan
    July 14, 2009 at 8:35 pm

    ohmygoodness, I’m just coming in under the wire! My favourite “healthified” recipe is using firm tofu and nutritional yeast flakes as the cheesy base for vegan mac n’ cheese. It’s soooo good!!

  • Heather
    July 14, 2009 at 8:36 pm

    I make my own granola! I am allergic to nuts and seeds so it makes it difficult to find something I can eat from a package that isn’t so bad for me. I sweeten the oats with honey, applesauce and brown sugar. Delicious!

  • Conni
    July 14, 2009 at 8:39 pm

    I like using Japanese dashi (fish stock) for Asian dishes that call for MSG.

  • Michelle
    July 14, 2009 at 8:43 pm

    Hi Jenna! I’d have to say that my favorite adaptation of a meal is making black bean brownies instead of regular boxed brownies…just add a can of black beans instead of the egg, oil, and water the mix calls for and you have a healthified recipe! 🙂

  • Catie
    July 14, 2009 at 8:44 pm

    thanks for the awesome giveaway!! id say my healthier swap by adding whole wheat flower, flax, and berries to pancakes, waffles, and cookies!

  • Martha W
    July 14, 2009 at 8:48 pm

    I think a lot of people do as I do by substituting bibb lettuce leaves for bread and make wraps of whatever I am eating. I love to eat cut up red bell pepper strips, cucumber strips and shredded carrots in them with hummus as a mayo substitute. I also sprinkle chopped nuts in them too for a nice change.

  • Lisa
    July 14, 2009 at 8:49 pm

    Hi Jenna! My fave re-do is burritos! I put low sodium black beans, salsa, avocado, and sometimes a bit of lite cheese in an ezekiel tortilla. YUM! Would love that cookbook – thanks for the great giveaway.

  • kristi (sweet cheeks)
    July 14, 2009 at 8:53 pm

    Lately I have been eating a lot of bean burgers, which is a lot lower in fat, calories, cholesterol, etc. and much higher in fiber than say, a big mac. 😀

  • Lisa
    July 14, 2009 at 8:53 pm

    I’ve been using beans to replace meat in a lot of dishes recently. When I buy them in bulk, they’re sooo much cheaper than meat. And I still get protein and none of the saturated fat from meats! And the extra fiber is great too 🙂

  • Emily
    July 14, 2009 at 8:53 pm

    i’ve learned a lot of healthified recipes from Hungry Girl. two faves I use regularly are onion rings baked with egg beaters and fiber one instead of fried with oil and flour. AND using pumpkin to replace eggs and oil in brownies, cupcakes, etc. delicious swaps for classic favorites!

  • Angela
    July 14, 2009 at 8:57 pm

    I love replacing eggs with ground flax and water- it is healthier and no cholesterol!

  • Kerry
    July 14, 2009 at 9:01 pm

    I make Lentil burgers instead of a burger using meat. After many tries, I finally have the recipe down.

  • Lauren
    July 14, 2009 at 9:04 pm

    Great giveaway! I love to do breaded chicken, but instead of pan searing it in oil, I bake it with bread crumbs on a wire rack. Tastes just as good!

  • Callie
    July 14, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    I’ve had to learn a lot of healthy adaptations due to a health disease my sister and I have. One of our favorites is whole wheat oatmeal cookies – yummy! I’d love to have this book for more great ideas!

  • Laura
    July 14, 2009 at 9:09 pm

    My favorite is buffalo chicken salad. Rachel Ray has a great recipe that I cute down even further. Basically get a pan and melt down 2T butter toss in a pound of cut up chicken tenders. Cook until done. Add a 1/4 cup of Franks hot sauce simmer for a few minutes. Meanwhile toss together some romaine with chopped celery and shredded carrots. Mix some plain greek yogurt with blue cheese for some blue cheese dressing. Toss together for a delectable buffalo blue cheese salad! yummo!

  • jsr
    July 14, 2009 at 9:11 pm

    Roasted sweet potato cubes instead of french fries is definitely my go to!

  • Jessica
    July 14, 2009 at 9:11 pm

    That cookbook sounds like something I would love!!!
    I really love peach cobbler so i make myself a version that tastes somewhat like it but slicing up a peach, stirring in some cinnamon and and microwaving for a minute or so. Then topped with some low fat vanilla ice cream..yum!

  • Brooke
    July 14, 2009 at 9:12 pm

    My favorite health-ified recipe is homemade baked potato chips. Thinly sliced potatoes, drizzle of olive oil, and 12 minutes in the oven and voila!! Love this cookbook!!!

  • Stephanie
    July 14, 2009 at 9:13 pm

    A lot of my substitutions are like many others. Definitely sweet potato fries and mixing up what I put on my salads instead of plain old dressing. I absolutely love hummus and think that it is a great substitute for anything.

  • Darcie
    July 14, 2009 at 9:15 pm

    Lentil tacos are definitely my favorite. They have a great mouth feel and I feel like the taste is superior to any meat tacos I’ve ever had!

  • Cate
    July 14, 2009 at 9:19 pm

    I love my healthier version of buttery banana bread–whole wheat-oatmeal-banana-blueberry bread.

  • Donna
    July 14, 2009 at 9:25 pm

    My fav would be my healthy version of my Mom’s American Chop Suey… Sub whole wheat instead of white pasta, organic ketchup insead of regular ketchup, a small amount of parm cheese instead of a ton of creamy Velveta, and red kidney beans instead of ground beef! This is comfort food at it’s best, but a much more guilt-free version. I looove Eating Well and would be thrilled to win this cook book! Best of luck this weekend at your interview!

  • kelly
    July 14, 2009 at 9:26 pm

    OOH, nothing like last minute.

    Healthy recipes i like to make is vegetarian chili!!

  • Renee
    July 14, 2009 at 9:28 pm

    My favorite healthier treat is to to take low fat coconut yogurt and blend it with frozen pineapples for a low cal pina colada!

  • Erin
    July 14, 2009 at 9:33 pm

    Instead of spaghetti and meatballs, which I adore, I make whole wheat pasta with marinara with the following on top:
    a 1/3 cup of ground bison (for 2 servings)
    half a sauteed zucchini
    half a sauteed green pepper
    4 giant sauteed mushrooms
    onions and garlic aplenty

    Saves major fat and cals b/c I use the ww pasta plus only 2 ounces worth. And the veggies bulk it up!

  • Kristen
    July 14, 2009 at 9:35 pm

    My friend taught me to make a wicked, healthier version of mac & cheese with prosciutto and peas. Mmm…

  • Annie D.
    July 14, 2009 at 9:37 pm

    OHHH boy, a healthy adaptation…

    Well, besides Gena’s banana soft serve, which I had tonight I might add… I like to wrap my sandwiches, tacos, anything else that typically has bread, a tortilla, or a bun, in big lettuce or cabbage leaves. Saves me some calories so I can have a piece of dark chocolate for my sweet tooth!

  • Sarah
    July 14, 2009 at 9:43 pm

    When having spaghetti, replace half the pasta with spaghetti squash.

  • Jessica
    July 14, 2009 at 9:48 pm

    My skin is the same way… and it is awful. i hate it! hopefully i can get some of this stuff to try out too 🙂
    for my unhealthy to healthy recipe i would have to say I love substituting french fries with sweet potato fries. love me some sweet potato fries!
    -muffy

  • Hannah
    July 14, 2009 at 9:49 pm

    My favorite healthy adaptation recipe is my dairy-free chocolate mousse, which I make with soy milk, muscovado sugar, cocoa powder, and a bit of cornflour. So healthy, and it has the most luscious texture when cooled down and is so rich in flavor!

  • Tracy
    July 14, 2009 at 9:51 pm

    I love using Fage greek yogurt in my dips instead of sour cream. It is creamy, tangy, and delicious!

  • Jean Mitchell
    July 14, 2009 at 9:58 pm

    I think my healthiest adaptation I do is my ice cream cake:

    I take angel food cake, split it into thirds (horizontally) so I have three rings, then I layer low fat frozen yogurt (my faves are cherry cordial and mint choc chip), in between the stacked layers so I have 3 layers of AFC and 2 layers of FY. Then I ice the cake with low fat cool whip and add sprinkles.

    It’s so good as a substitute for b-day cake!

  • Jenna (reader)
    July 14, 2009 at 11:24 pm

    I make a healthy green bean casserole for holidays! I use frozen green beans rather than canned, I sub organic sour cream for the cream of mushroom soup and I top it with sauteed onions and crushed cornflakes drizzled in earth balance!

  • Jess
    July 14, 2009 at 11:55 pm

    I love making brownies with black beans, it makes them super delicious and vegan too!

  • Nadia
    July 15, 2009 at 12:01 am

    It nothing too spectacular, but I like making ‘spaghetti’ with spaghetti squash, sauce made from canned tomatoes, and lot of herbs and cheese! 🙂

  • insideiamdancing
    July 15, 2009 at 12:07 am

    The cereal looks delicious!

    My favourite dish to make is a “fat free ratatouille”- can’t vouch for it’s aunthenticiy but it’s basically ratatouille vegetables stewed in tomatos and herbs. So good!

  • kelly
    July 15, 2009 at 12:09 am

    mmm my fav is 100 calorie whole wheat fat free banana muffins sweetened with agave and applesauce

  • Nancy
    July 15, 2009 at 12:28 pm

    The EatingWell cookbook is GREAT! I love all of the recipes, especially the EatingWell Cobb Salad. If you haven’t tried it, it’s a definite must! I also found out about the Vtrim Weight-Loss Program through this cookbook. I started it a month ago and have lost 10 pounds so far!! 🙂
    I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to lose weight, it’s worked wonders for me: http://www.uvm.edu/vtrim

  • Lisa
    July 15, 2009 at 4:33 pm

    Agh so hard to choose… I would definitely have to say my healthy chocolate chip cookie recipe — what is life without choco chip cookies?! You replace the fat with canellini beans!

  • Kristina
    July 16, 2009 at 7:07 pm

    Hi Jenna, thank you for the information on MojaMix. I just ordered my own mix this morning!! So excited to try it! My healthy recipe adaptation is for chicken parmagiana. I bake the chicken instead of frying and use lowfat mozzarella cheese. I’ve made this without breading the chicken and also with breading the chicken. When I do, I use egg whites and organic bread crumbs (from Trader Joe’s).
    Have a great weekend and enjoy your stay in California! =)

  • Brittany
    July 20, 2009 at 11:51 am

    The mojamix looks delish. I want some!!

    My favorite healthy adaptation of a recipe is baked butternut squash fries instead of regular fries!