Trying Something New

Do you ever have one of those moments when you realize that the way you have always done things is just not working?  About a month ago I finally realized that the "healthy choices" I was making in my food choices combined with my workout regime was just not working.  I continued to gain and lose the same 10 pounds over and over.  In my frustration, I decided to download an iphone app called MyFitnessPal.  This little app has changed so much for me.  For all of my interest in diet and exercise, I truly had no idea how many calories were in even the little things I was eating.  The continuous revelations have led me to making some changes in the way I cook.  One being that I had to find some way to still be able to eat dessert and not feel like diabetes and heart disease were setting in the second I took one bite.  So for Easter, I decided to try a few new ideas.

 First we have a low calorie/low sugar frosting!  Goodbye butter and powdered sugar!  This creamy light frosting is to die for and not so bad for you.  Combine 1 small box of sugar free pudding, 1 16 oz container of cool whip, and 1 cup of skim milk and enjoy!  Add the pudding to the milk slowly, mixing the whole time to avoid lumps and then fold in the cool whip!  I got this idea from another blog I read called The Dashing Dish.  She has so many great ideas for "fixing" the health problems in traditional cooking.  

 Next I made a pineapple cake.  Mix one box of cake mix with 1 can of pineapple and some almond extract and bake.  No oil, no eggs.  This cake was one of the most moist cakes I have ever tasted.  Topped with some of that creamy frosting, it was delicious!  

 Who doesn't love a red velvet cupcake?  Combine one box of red velvet cake mix with 1 can of diet Dr. Pepper and bake.  I topped these with the same frosting, and it was a hit!

 And then...my first attempt at making homemade hummus.  I have intended to try this for so long.  2 cans of chickpeas, a little tahini, cumin, garlic, basil, ice water, salt, and olive oil.  Blend and blend and blend and blend and blend.  I thought my blender was going to go up in smoke!  

 Finally, I had something to show for it.

 It was not so very difficult.  However, I have a few recommendations for anyone going down this road.  First, use real garlic, not garlic powder.  Don't be afraid to use more water than the recipe states is needed.  Keep the salt handy, and there is a difference between plain cumin and ground cumin!      

Hummus is a great replacement for those of us who feel the need to dip everything we eat.  Also, you can find it in the store if you don't want to take the time to make it.  I hope this can inspire you all to make a few little changes where you can without sacrificing flavor!