[Nikkkola]

Though I'm new to the HCG protocol, I realize I can't live on, nor do I want to, the protocol forever. I'm thinking ahead to P3,P4 and beyond. I'm solisiting suggestions for tasty lower calorie substitutes. For example I switched from Heinz Ketchup 30 calories per serving to Heinz Reduced Sugar Ketchup 5 calories. There was discernable difference. No sacrifice in taste or texture and a huge reduction in calories. Now that is a win/win I need in my life! I'd like to replace as many food items as I can with lower calorie alternatives. This will allow me to stay with in the allotted calories on P3,P4, and beyond. I'm also interested in lower calorie recipe substitutions, that don't sacrifice tast or texture, I'd be grateful for your suggestions.

[daasayse]

I'm in P4 now, and one of the switches I've made is to swap the shredded cheese AND creamy dressing on a salad for just one serving of Philadelphia Italian Herb and Cheese cooking creme. It coats the salad very thickly and is so satisfying. I can't recall how many cals it saved, but it was a lot. Another thing I do is make cheddar "chips" on my George Foreman grill. I'm not sure how many cals you'd save over regular tortilla chips, but I can usually snack freely on those without a gain because they're virtually no-carb. I recently weighed a chip before and after grilling it. Before grilling it weighed 10g and after it drained off all the saturated fat, it weighed 4g. I don't know how many cals are in 6g of pure cheese fats, so I log it at it's raw nutritional value. Oh my gosh, I just thought of a great sub I make now. Whenever I feel like having chocolate, I grab cocoa-roast almonds. They are amazing, filling, healthy, and they really do banish the craving for chocolate. Thanks for this thread. I'll be following everyone's replies, because I'd love some more ideas too.

[Lydiaswingert]

Love this thread! I'm the same way, really looking forward to P3 and beyond. I am especially excited to experiment with different flours-especially coconut and almond- and to experiment with coconut oil. I think I may modify the cocoa crack recipe to P3 when I get there too, like adding some nuts into the mix.

HereCjGoes- LOVE your idea with the philly cooking cream! Sounds so delicious, and I love those creamy dressings too!

[tweriaroats]

I'm in P4 now, and one of the switches I've made is to swap the shredded cheese AND creamy dressing on a salad for just one serving of Philadelphia Italian Herb and Cheese cooking creme. It coats the salad very thickly and is so satisfying. I can't recall how many cals it saved, but it was a lot. Another thing I do is make cheddar "chips" on my George Foreman grill. I'm not sure how many cals you'd save over regular tortilla chips, but I can usually snack freely on those without a gain because they're virtually no-carb. I recently weighed a chip before and after grilling it. Before grilling it weighed 10g and after it drained off all the saturated fat, it weighed 4g. I don't know how many cals are in 6g of pure cheese fats, so I log it at it's raw nutritional value. Oh my gosh, I just thought of a great sub I make now. Whenever I feel like having chocolate, I grab cocoa-roast almonds. They are amazing, filling, healthy, and they really do banish the craving for chocolate. Thanks for this thread. I'll be following everyone's replies, because I'd love some more ideas too.

Please elaborate on the "Cheaddar Chips" and include recipe. They sound wonderful.

[Cnbaapuy]

Please elaborate on the "Cheaddar Chips" and include recipe. They sound wonderful.

They are literally fried cheddar. Slice up cheddar or buy Kraft "cracker cuts". Place on hot George Foreman grill. Turn once when you see the hot side getting crispy. IMAG0144.jpgIMAG0145.jpgIMAG0146.jpgShown with splenda packet for size comparison.

[goctorsurger]

Thanks M for this thread! This is a good substitute for chocolate mousse or chocolate carvel.
I started making this in p3
Mix 1 c 2% Fage w 1 pkg Diet Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa.
If you eat it cold, it's mousse, if you freeze it for a While, it's carvel'!!!!!!!!!!

Add other flavors too...like hazelnut stevia or a serving of hazelnut instant coffee....mocha yumminess!

[AlissBart]

I will be experimenting with grilled chicken fajita lettuce wraps. I'll let you know how they turn out.