Hungry Girl: 200 Under 200 & Three Chances to Win!
Hungry Girl and FBG go way back. Last October, Lisa Lillien (aka Hungry Girl) became our first FitStars interview. Getting that first interview with a celeb was a big step for FBG, and we’re totally grateful that she gave us the time of day (because it helped us talk to Bob!). Over the years, Hungry Girl has grown from a simple email newsletter with low-cal snacking tips and recipes to a full-out best-selling author with not one but two books. I’ve tried a number of HG’s recipes over the years, including her delish chocolate pumpkin muffins and her uber low-cal fettuccine alfredo (using those unique Tofu Shirataki Noodles), and once I heard that she had another book coming out, I had to try it.
Hungry Girl: 200 Under 200: 200 Recipes Under 200 Calories delivers just what it promises: 200 recipes, each with less than 200 calories. Many of the recipes are single-servings, while some of them easily feed two, four or even 12 (think desserts like cupcakes). The idea for all of the recipes is that instead of eating an energy bar or granola bar for a snack, you can eat one of these “mini-meals,” which range from wraps, mini pizzas, smoothies and even banana bread. In my opinion, the concept rocks. Below is a play-by-play of the recipes I tried. As you’ll see, I wasn’t crazy about them all, but there are definitely some standouts.
Gooey Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing—p. 36
For a “snack,” these weren’t exactly quick or easy to make, but they sure were delicious. HG ingeniously uses low-fat crescent roll dough to make these puppies, which are sweet, cinnamony and, as their name states, gooey.
“It’s All Greek to Me” Scramble—p. 52
No complaints on this one. Made from Egg Beaters, this scramble is simple, tasty and filling. The only prep is to chop up some onion and tomatoes, which is a small price to pay for a tasty breakfast. I doubled this recipe and shared it with my hubby, and even he enjoyed it.
Scoopable Chinese Chicken Salad—p. 77
A mix of a chicken salad, regular salad and slaw, I really, really liked this one. As long as you have some grilled chicken breasts already prepared (on the weekend I like to grill a couple for dinners all week long), it’s a cinch to drain a can of Mandarin oranges and water chestnuts and mix it with broccoli slaw and some scallions. Top it with low-fat sesame dressing, and you’re done. The entire recipe serves five, but my hubby and I were full splitting this (40/60 since he’s bigger) for dinner. I’ll definitely be making this one again.
With a base of sugar-free vanilla pudding, Cool Whip Free, crushed Reese’s Puffs cereal and reduced-fat peanut butter, this one sounds a bit odd, and isn’t “natural” by any means, but it’s pretty darn tasty. This light and fluffy dip was pretty yummy when dipping apple slices and pretzels into it. And, with only 49 calories per two-tablespoon serving, you really can feel good about splurging on this decadent-tasting treat. Just remember that your dippers aren’t included in the calorie count.
Totally PUMPin’ Fettuccine—p. 136
This one was probably my fave of all the recipes I tried. With just 129 calories per serving, you get a HUGE amount of savory pumpkin-y and cheesy Tofu Shirataki noodles. I ate this one for lunch with a few steamed veggies on the side and was filled up for hours. You have to do a little onion chopping and dirty a few bowls, but it’s worth it. I’ll definitely be making this one again.
Piña Colada Cupcakes—p. 220
Need a vacation? Whip up a batch of these, put on some Bob Marley, kick up your feet and imagine yourself on the beach. These cupcake’s piña colada-y goodness are sure to transport you to a Jimmy Buffet state of mind. The recipe calls for only two cups of yellow cake mix, which is a tad annoying because now I have about a cup and a half of yellow cake mix chillin’ in my cupboard (what am I supposed to do with that?!), but it’s a small price to pay for a mini mental vacation.
Mini Microwave Triple Chocolate Cake—p. 240
Huh? Chocolate cake in a microwave? This one sounded odd to say the least, but it worked…deliciously. You basically take some devil’s food cake mix, add some fat-free vanilla yogurt, nuke it for a minute, and then top it with Cool Whip and light chocolate syrup. It’s a quick and tasty dessert akin to a brownie or cake sundae you might get at a restaurant. Seriously. And with just 123 calories a serving, if you’re really, really craving chocolate, you can have another.
I Heart Apple Slaw—p. 273
While many of HG’s recipes don’t include a lot of veggies (which always makes me a bit sad), this one definitely helps you get your 5-a-day in. Made with Fuji and Granny Smith apples, this slaw highlights the apple with a little sweetness (you also add in honey and yogurt) along with your veggies. This was my first time trying broccoli slaw and I loved it. In fact, I might rename this one “I Heart Broccoli Slaw.”
Tip: Again, HG calls for a packet of no-cal sweetener, but I thought the honey added plenty of sugar on its own, so you can totally forgo the Splenda and have a totally natural dish!
Although I do love her idea of eating these mini meals or snacks instead of an energy bar, not all of her recipes lend themselves well to “snacks” as these mini-meals can take as much preparation time as a full meal. It’s hard for me to find 30 minutes to cook some cinnamon rolls, no matter how tasty they are. Granted, the Gooey Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing were probably the most time-intensive dish I made, but, for me, snacks need to be fast and easy to eat with minimal dish washing.
Fit Bottomed Line: If you like HG’s approach to eating and enjoyed her last book, you’ll love this one.
—JennWant to call this book your own? Comment below with why you’d like to win or email us at contact@fitbottomedgirls.com by next Wednesday, and we’ll enter you to win one of THREE giveaway copies. U.S. residents only please. Woohoo!