The Food Alias - Think Thin!

Do you want the Big Mac taste, without the Big Mac waist?

Then start thinking about ways to disguise your food- make healthier options just as pleasurable as their naughty counterparts. No one said healthy food couldn't be mouthwatering.

Instead of the Big Mac, make a lean turkey burger. Dress that baby up with worchestershire, onions, oatmeal, and whatever else strikes your fancy, and throw it on the grill. With the calories your saving from the Micky D's "beef", not to mention the three sesame buns (Think sandwich thins, people!) you can indulge by adding the super secret sauce. (Which is really just mayo, (use low fat!) french dressing, vinegar, ketchup, relish and minced onions.)

Are you craving mashed potatoes? How about making something that tastes almost the exact same, but has exponentially fewer calories? Mashed cauliflower is an excellent "food alias" for mashed potatoes. Doctor it up with some fresh garlic, lemon and herbs, and perhaps a little butter substitute. (You won't believe it's not butter.)

Are you addicted to the cold asian sesame noodles? Try substituting the actual carb stocked noodles for shredded spaghetti squash. It has the same look and almost the same texture- you won't even know the difference!

If you're making stir-fry, consider using chicken broth as your base instead of any oils. Although canola and vegetable based oils are healthier than other alternatives, broth is by far the healthiest and gives the dish a fresh crisp flavor. Spaghetti squash is a healthy alternative for pasta in general. For all of you Atkins lovers, you don't have to dream of ziti anymore. Make a homemade marinara and add it to this multi-faceted veggie.

There are infinite ways to cut the calories, without cutting the flavor. They are as easy as using splenda instead of raw sugar. Drinking Crystal Light, rather than a high fructose lemonade. Use less salt- opt for more herbs. Cut the oil, and fatty products- use the zing of a citrus to flavor a salad. Ditch the milk chocolate- who doesn't love a dark chocolate covered strawberry? Even better- a 60 calorie Jello pudding cup!

Think thin!