Month: September 2018

Smoked Trout Salad – OMG you must try it!


Trout

Smoked Trout Salad from The Hairy Dieters is unbelievably good – I’d be delighted to be served this even if I wasn’t trying to shed some timber – and you’ll be the envy of your friends and workmates if they see you tucking into it! The celeriac ‘fries’ add a nice touch but they are a bit faffy to prep, so if you’re in a hurry you can leave them out and still enjoy this food porn without any detriment.

My local supermarket isn’t posh enough to stock trout, but it’s just as good with hot smoked salmon flakes which is what I used in the photo above. They are expensive at around £3.75 per 100g pack but this dish is soooo worth it. The quantities will serve 4 at an incredible 135 calories per portion, or you can afford to enjoy a lunchtime feast for only 270 calories if serving 2. You know it makes sense!

You’ll have plenty of celeriac leftover so why not have a go at making The Hairy Dieters’ Corned Beef Hash which is also in their ‘Fast Food’ book, a celeriac puree to accompany a chicken-based dish, or Jamie Oliver’s quirky but fantastic ‘Zombie Brain’ dish which features in his ‘Save with Jamie’ book. I’ll try and blog about them at some point. Continue reading “Smoked Trout Salad – OMG you must try it!” →

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Sausages and rich onion gravy – let the bangers see the mash!


Sausages

It’s funny. Given a choice, I wouldn’t ordinarily choose to eat ‘bangers and mash’ for tea. But now I’m watching my weight I love this Sausages and Rich Onion Gravy equivalent from The Hairy Dieters for three reasons.

1. I didn’t know you could eat sausages on a ‘diet’. 2. With a small accompaniment of mashed potato and/or vege the cost per portion comes in at under a £1 and 3. the ‘rich onion gravy’ sauce made with beef stock, tomato ketchup and Worcestershire sauce is bloody lovely!

If you’ve got some ‘bangers’ leftover, why not give ‘Biker Breakfast Muffins’ a whirl which is another budget-friendly breakfast winner. Continue reading “Sausages and rich onion gravy – let the bangers see the mash!” →

Biker Breakfast Muffins – a lighter spin on a McDonalds favourite


Biker breakfast muffins

My 12 year-old son loves Biker Breakfast Muffins and regularly requests them on lazy Sundays, where I tend to make them for a ‘brunch’ treat as the calorie count is on the high side if you’re watching your weight. Think sausage and egg muffins from McDonalds, but not quite as good although healthier and cheaper.

The Hairy Dieters suggest making a lighter version using lean chicken or turkey mince and some smoked back bacon. It will knock around 60 calories off and you’ll find the recipe in their Fast Food book. For the cost and additional faff, I haven’t got around to trying them as the sausage-based version goes down a storm in my house. Continue reading “Biker Breakfast Muffins – a lighter spin on a McDonalds favourite” →

Chilli con carne – healthy pub comfort food


Chilli con carne

Who doesn’t love a chilli as the evenings start to draw in? Chilli Con Carne from the Hairy Dieters’ first book is tasty and a doddle to throw together. The high number of required ingredients may be off-putting to some, particularly if you’re not used to cooking from scratch, however if you’re committed to eating healthy, fresh food then most of the items will become store-cupboard staples which you’ll regularly use in other recipes.

Do be mindful that the calorie count is 302 per serving WITHOUT rice, which can easily add another 100-150 calories depending on how generous you are. Personally, about three tablespoons of rice is sufficient for me as I’m not a big fan. I’m also happy to just have the chilli with a side salad and a low-fat dressing.

The recipe does serve five at a push, with your chosen accompaniment. For me, it made x2 chilli and small portions of rice, x2 jacket potatoes with filling and leftover chilli with a side salad for lunch. If you’re a bit ‘chillied’ out, then why not freeze individual portions and save them for days when you have less time to cook? Continue reading “Chilli con carne – healthy pub comfort food” →

Tagliatelle Carbonara – Italian classic for under 300 cals!


Tagliatelle carbonara

Without boring you with the details, I’m currently living with my Mum and don’t have the patience (or inclination) to devote much time to prepping fresh food. Thank goodness then for the Hairy Dieters’ Tagliatelle Carbonara, a filling, tasty and calorie friendly twist on an Italian classic which can be on the table inside 20 minutes. My Mum loves it too – bonus!

75g of pasta might not seem much between two people, but trust me, the mushrooms, courgettes and tomatoes really help to bulk the meal out and the addition of the crème fraiche provides that authentic, creamy taste for less than 300 calories per portion! Continue reading “Tagliatelle Carbonara – Italian classic for under 300 cals!” →