Friday night, Scott had a work dinner to go to, so I decided I was going to have a nice dinner at home by myself. (i enjoy those types of evenings where I can watch what I want on tv, eat what I want, etc)
Let’s rewind though…About a week ago, I had a weird dream that I was on tv (i think the Rachael Ray Show) and that there was a huge Pancake Buffet to be had… with all sorts of pancakes and toppings. Being that it had been probably a good 6 months since the last time I had pancakes (and that was at IHOP- I had the double blueberry pancakes-which are really, really, really yummy) I figured maybe the dream was a sign to me to have some yummy pancake goodness. I actually mentioned this to a friend (who is a now a lifetime Weight Watchers member) and she said to me - “Why ruin all of the great choices you’ve made with pancakes?”
Fast forward back to Friday…
Of course, me being the food lover that I am, I certainly don’t think pancakes are all THAT bad, I mean… you can make them somewhat more acceptable than they are when you get them from IHOP! I figured, by making them myself, I can squash my craving and not have any guilt about it. After all, that’s what the Weight Watcher plan is all about- not DIETING, but rather LIVING and enjoying your life and your meals, just making conscious choices.
So anyhoo… I’m at the grocery (which, by the way, when watching Food Network, I notice some people say “grocery store” others say “market”- what do you say? I”m sure it’s a regional thing- something that interests the English (linguistics) major in me) and I look through all of the pancake mixes. I decide on the Hungry Jack Complete Light & Fluffy mix, because I know that the nutrition facts for a serving won’t vary much from what’s on the box, since you only add water. Then I grab some sugar free syrup…. get a couple of other things and then head home.
On the drive home, I remember that I have a bunch of BLACKBERRIES in my freezer from THIS and I decide that I”m going to make syrup from them instead (hey, it’s a fruit, and lower in calories!!!!
And so my adventure began….
I got home and started on my pancakes…
First I started the “blackberry syrup” I just put a cup of frozen blackberries in a small saucepan, on medium heat, with 1 Tbsp. of sugar.
Then, I started on the actual pancakes (add water, stir and pour onto heated griddle) By the way, the Hungry Jack Light & Fluffy Complete- is light & fluffy!
and then, before I knew it, they were done!
Let’s just say, i was a bit scared, thinking that they wouldn’t be good… but I tasted them, and they were REALLY, REALLY, yummy… and super easy to make. I was VERY satisfied!
See?
So you see, when you are trying to eat healthier (or be more aware of what you are eating…) you don’t have to sacrifice flavor and taste. In fact, I think the blackberry “syrup” that I made for the pancakes was better than any bottled crap. I think I’m really embracing the idea of “reinventing” typical “not so great for you” foods into things that are much better and satisfy that craving you might have!
So tell me, is there a food you love that you would love to see “reinvented” in a healthier and tasty way? Maybe I can reinvent it for you- post a comment and let me know- I’ll do my best to find a way for you to have it!
Complete Weight Watchers review from a dietitian’s perspective.