Grilled Cheese Craving

Sometimes I’m in the mood for a bangin’ grilled cheese. If you ever get it at a restaurant (oh, diners make the best ones!), chances are, it’s saturated in butter and loaded with full fat cheese. To satisfy my craving without all the guilt, I make them with light, whole wheat bread, reduced fat cheese and just a smidgen of light butter. To add a bit of produce into the mix, I include sliced avocado and tomato.

Healthier Grilled Cheese

2 slices of Nature’s Own whole wheat bread

2 Sargento reduced fat medium cheddar cheese slices

1/2 TBSP Land O’ Lakes light butter with canola oil, half spread on each side

1 oz of sliced avocado (about 1/4 of one)

3 slices of ripe tomato

Nutrition stats: 300 calories, 18 g fat, 20 g protein, 24 g carbs

Earlier I made what we’ll call a healthy pudding. It’s a great snack to have pre-workout to give you some fuel, or really, whenever you’d like!

Makes 2 servings.

Healthy Protein Pudding

1 scoop of chocolate protein powder, I use Designer Whey

2 bananas

1 cup of blueberries

1 TBSP of peanut butter or almond butter

1 TSP of lemon juice

Salt to taste, I just sprinkle a tiny bit in

About 1 TBSP, maybe less, of liquid to adjust consistency. I use almond milk but you could use soy milk, regular milk, water, etc.

Combine all ingredients but the last into a food processor. See if it’s thick/thin enough for you, if not add a bit of liquid. Pour into cups or bowls and let chill in the fridge for a few hours. Then enjoy!

When I first got a food processor, I thought it was such a weird concept to be putting a bunch of solid ingredients like this in it and winding up with a pudding or liquid, but I have to tell ya, I love making snacks like this! It’s a great way to add some fruits & veggies in. Half of this recipe will give you 3 servings of fruit for the day.

Info: About 250 calories, 4 g fat, 12 g protein, 42 g carbs

Here’s some motivation to leave you with – hope you have a great start to your weekend!