Swiss Miss Diet Hot Chocolate Review

Ok, so I know it's a little hot outside to have hot chocolate and you might be thinking "why have hot chocolate in the middle of summer?". But, like many of you, I have chocolate cravings! And at 25 Calories per packet, why not have a cup of hot chocolate? You could even freeze it and eat it as a fudgesicle! 
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Taste:
This is actually pretty good for diet hot chocolate. It has a really rich chocolate flavor and is even better if made with 3/4 cup hot unsweetened vanilla almond milk. (Big name for milk, I know! :D) If you make it with the almond milk, it is 47.5 Calories. I might even add a little fat free Reddi-wip to it. (5 Calories per two tablespoons) 
Grade: A

Texture:
Very nice texture. If made with milk, it makes it feel thicker and richer. If made with water, it's a teensy bit thin.
Grade: A- 

Ease of Making:
Simplest thing ever. Mix one packet with 3/4 cup hot water or milk. Can an idiot mess this up? No.
Grade:A+

Final Grade: A
Take it or Leave it: Take it! Load up the cart! Cheap and yummy.

Does it make your mouth water? :)

My Dinner Today (141 Calories) with dessert!

My dinner today was as follows:

• Two slices Healthy Life bread                            (70 Calories)
• 1 T part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese         (21 Calories)
• 1 Slice Oscar Mayer oven roasted turkey breast (30 Calories)
• 1/4 box of sugar free Jell-o                                 (10 Calories)
• 1/4 cup Reddi-wip Fat Free                                (10 Calories)

I put the cheese on one piece of bread and the turkey slice on the other piece of bread. I microwaved it for about 45 seconds. I put the two slices of bread together to make a sandwich and it was so yummy! For dessert, I had the Jell-o with 1/4 cup of Reddi-wip brand at free whipped cream. Oh, it was so good! All in all, only 141 calories for dinner and dessert.

Carrot Fries! (41-47 Calories)

What you need:

• 100 grams carrots; peeled & cut into sticks            (41 Calories)
• Olive oil spray or I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Spray  (0 Calories)
• (Optional)1 teaspoon ketchup                                  (6 Calories)

Directions:

1. Set oven to 400 degrees.
2. Lightly spray a cookie sheet with the cooking spray.
3. Put the carrot sticks on the pan, spread evenly apart.

4.  Once oven is pre-heated, let the 'fries' bake for 15-20 minutes or until however crispy you like.

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Sorry, no after picture. I forgot. :(

My Lunch Today (83 Calories)

                     My lunch:

• Half a Fugi Apple; cored, peeled, and sliced          (29 Calories)
• Half a carrot; peeled & cut into sticks                    (16 Calories)
• 1 Tablespoon Chocolate PB2; dry                          (23 Calories)
• 1 Lettuce leaf w/ half a slice Oscar Mayer White Turkey  Breast                                                                                  (15 Calories) 

Total: 83 Calories

(I dipped the apples and carrots into the PB2 powder)

PB2 Review

Since I'm on a low-calorie diet, I haven't had peanut butter in forever. Then, I found this product called PB2. Oh. My. Goodness. My diet savior. I'll let Bell Plantation, the creator of this amazing product, explain it: 

Through a unique process created by Bell Plantation that does not involve the use of any chemicals; over 90% of the fat is removed from the peanut. Essentially the oil is squeezed out of roasted peanuts and what remains is a peanut powder. The resulting all-natural product is unbelievable!The possibilities for PB2 are limited only by the users imagination and creativity! An outstanding natural protein source sprinkle on shakes, yogurts, smoothies, great for outdoor sports. Excellent for ice cream as it will not seize while processing, ganaches, frostings, truffles, soufflés, cakes, muffins, brownies. Dissolves easily for savory applications- Asian noodle sauces, breadings and crust especially for seafood. It is also wonderful for baking either reconstituted or as a powder.

So, there you have it. The directions on the package say to mix 2 tablespoons of PB2 with 1 tablespoon of water. You can even just add the powder alone to smoothies, ice cream, recipes, etc. Wherever it calls for peanut butter, just use PB2!

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Okay, so let's compare the real thing with the just-as-good-as-the-real-thing powder (2 tablespoons of PB2 and 2 tablespoons of generic peanut butter)

Nutrition:

Peanut butter: 190 Calories, 16 grams fat, 6 grams carbs, 8 grams protein, 2 grams fiber

PB2: 45 Calories, 1.5 grams fat, 5 grams carbs, 5 grams protein, 2 grams fiber

Chocolate PB2: 45 Calories, 1 gram fat, 6 grams carbs, 4 grams protein, 1 gram fiber

Taste:
PB2 is almost the exact same taste as full fat peanut butter. Maybe a little...... better?

Texture: 
Since you're in control of how much water you mix PB2 with, you can make it whatever texture you want to make it.

Smell: PB2 smells so good. I probably couldn't tell the difference if I was blindfolded and given both PB2 and peanut butter to smell.

Final Verdict: PB2 is a wonderful alternative to dieters, health nuts, and average Joe's alike. It makes a great swap-in for full fat peanut butter in many things such as smoothies, muffins, cookies, brownies, etc.

There you have it. My impression of PB2 versus full fat peanut butter. (I mainly use PB2 in the powder form to use as a dry dip for apples, bananas, carrots, and anything else my imagination can think of.)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal (79 Calories)

This is such a good breakfast, especially when you want to feel full but you only have a few minutes. Perfect blend of chocolate and peanut butter. And, of course, very low calorie!

What you need:

• 3 Tablespoons instant oats                                   (56 Calories)
• 1 Tablespoon Chocolate PB2                               (23 Calories)
• 10 Tablespoons water                                           (0 Calories)

Directions:

1. Combine the oats, Chocolate PB2, and water in a bowl and microwave for 60-90 seconds.
2. Stir with a spoon and let cool.
3. Enjoy!

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Sorry, no picture. 

Mixed Berry Puffed Rice Cereal (76 Calories)

I like this for mornings when I'm not super hungry, but I want to eat something. Helps me to prevent late morning snacking.

What you need:

• 3/4 Cup puffed rice cereal (Alf's Natural Nutrition brand) (52 Calories)
• 1/2 Cup unsweetened almond milk                (15 Calories)
• 2 Tablespoons Mixed Berry Medley (Great Value Brand)  (9 Calories)
• ( Optional) Stevia                                               (0 Calories)

 

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Add Stevia to taste. Some people think it's not sweet enough without the Stevia ;)

Rice Cake Sandwich (107 Calories)

I really like this because it fills me up, but I don't feel like I have a few bricks in my stomach.

What you need:

• 2 Lightly salted rice cakes                                  (70 Calories)
• 1/4 Cup shredded iceberg lettuce                       (3 Calories)
• 1.5 Ounces chunk chicken breast                       (34 Calories)

Directions:

1. Lay out the two rice cakes
2. Put half the chicken breast on one rice cake
3. Put the lettuce on the same rice cake
4. Layer rest of chicken on top of the lettuce (this is to minimize the mess of the lettuce)
5. Top it all of with the other rice cake

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Sorry, no picture.

Yummy Chicken Breast and Egg White Salad (92 Calories)

Super yummy and fills me up. I eat this for lunch or for in between lunch and dinner.

What you need:

• 1 1/2 Cups shredded iceberg lettuce                      (15 Calories)
• 2 Hard boiled egg whites, sliced                             (32 Calories)
• 2 Ounces (1/3 cup) Great Value brand chunk chicken breast (45 Calories)

Directions:

1. Put the lettuce, egg whites, and chicken in a medium sized bowl.
2. Mix it all together.
3. Stick a fork in it and eat.      :)

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Sorry, no picture.

Morning Coffee (8-10 Calories)

If you're like me, you don't like the bitter taste of plain black coffee. I used to load it up with creamer, sugar, and milk. I thought of an easy alternative to that and it has waaayyyyy less calories.

What you need: 

• One cup coffee                                                 (0 Calories)
• 4-5 Tablespoons of unsweetened almond milk (8-10 Calories)
• 1-2 Packets of Stevia                                        (0 Calories)
• Ice (optional)

Directions:

1. Put the almond milk in the coffee. Stir.
2. Slowly add the Stevia to the coffee so you can adjust it to your personal taste.

Super easy to do on a busy morning!

Rice Cake Pizza (97-105 Calories)

Super filling and tastes delicious!

What you need:

• One lightly salted rice cake                      (35 Calories)
• 2-3 Tablespoons of pizza sauce               (17-25 Calories)
• 1 Tablespoon Mozzarella cheese              (45 Calories)
• Microwave-safe plate

Directions:

1. Put pizza sauce and cheese on top of the rice cake
2. Put "pizza" on a plate
3. Microwave for 45-60 seconds, or until cheese is melted
4. (Optional) Salt and pepper to taste
5. Enjoy!!!!

Banana Ice Cream (100 Calories)

Banana Ice Cream!

                                      What you need:

• 112 grams of banana                   (100 Calories)
• 1 Ziploc sandwich bag
• Food processor or blender

                                         Directions:

1. Cut the banana into 1 inch pieces
2. Put the pieces in the Ziploc bag and put the bag in the freezer until bananas are frozen
3. Once frozen, lay the bananas out on the counter and let thaw for 5-7 minutes
4. Put the banana pieces in the food processor or blender (food processor works best)
5. Blend until smooth. You might have to stir it a few times and keep blending
6. (Optional) Add in any flavoring you want (don't forget to add those Calories to the count)

Product Reviews

I'll be doing weekly reviews of products like makeup, recipes, foods, new diet foods, etc. Come back often for new recipes and reviews!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies (113 Calories)

Only 113 calories for the whole recipe!

                    What you need:

• 4 Tablespoons of Chocolate PB2              (90 Calories)
• 1 Tablespoon of Instant Oats                     (19 Calories)
• 3 Packets of Stevia                                    (0 Calories)
• 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder                       (0 Calories)
• 2 Tablespoons Unsweetened Almond Milk (4 Calories)
• Olive oil spray or I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray (0 Calories)

                        Directions:

1. Set oven to 350 degrees 
2. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl
3. Spray a cookie sheet with olive oil spray or I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray
4. Put batter on the cookie sheet (as one big cookie or a bunch of little ones-- whatever you like)
5. Bake for 5-10 minutes depending on cookie size
6. Check cookie(s). If needed, let bake for longer.

Raspberry Rockets (65 Calories)

For your sweet tooth! These are so yummy and low cal!! And it's a pretty simple recipe :)

What you need:

• 25 Raspberries (25 calories)
• 25 White Chocolate Chips (40 calories)

Directions:

1. Gently wash raspberries and set them on a towel to dry
2. Pop the chocolate chips into the raspberries, the flat side facing you
3. Enjoyyyyyy!! <3

Total calories: 65 

Potato Chips (29 Calories)

You may be thinking "Chips?!! These must be high in calories!" This is very low cal! Wonderful for junk food/salt cravings!

What you need:

• One cup of thinly sliced potatoes   (116 calories)
• Bowl of cold water                         (0 Calories)
• Salt                                             (0 Calories)
• Olive oil spray                              (0 Calories)
• Vinegar in a spray bottle (optional) (0 Calories)

Directions:

1. Set oven to 350 degrees
2. Put the sliced potatoes in the bowl of cold water and add the salt
3. Mix it all around in the bowl
4. Cover bowl and let sit for 5-10 minutes
5. Use olive oil spray to coat a pan and put the potato slices on the pan
6. Lightly spray the vinegar on the slices for a salt&vinegar flavor (optional)
7. Make sure they don't overlap too much and DO NOT layer on top of first layer. They won't bake the right way. 
8. Flip them after about 7 minutes and let bake for another 3-5 minutes or until however crispy you like.

Total calories (1/4 of the chips): 29 calories

Love, love, love these!!

Sumer Fruit Pops (30 Calories)

Okay, it's summer. It's hot. You want something cold and sweet. This is the perfect snack to stop sweet tooth cravings!

What you need:

• Four 5oz paper cups
• Popsicle sticks
• 1/3 cup kiwi (36 calories)
• 1/3 cup strawberries (16 calories)
• 1/3 cup grapes (20 calories)
• 1/3 cup raspberries (21 calories)
• 1/4 cup orange juice (29 calories)

Directions:

1. Combine fruit into a bowl and stir it up with a spoon
2. Pour juice into the paper cups and add fruit
3. Put the Popsicle sticks in the middle of the cups (they should stay in place because of the fruit)
4. Freeze the pops

Total calories per pop: 30 calories

Sweet Cinnamon Banana Toast (95 Calories)

<3 Sweet Cinnamon and Banana Toast<3

What you need:

• One slice whole wheat toast (70 calories)
• One ounce (about two inches) banana, sliced (25 calories)
• Ground cinnamon-- make sure it's not cinnamon sugar  (0 calories)
• One packet of Stevia (0 calories)

Directions:

1. Toast the whole wheat bread
2. Put sliced banana on the toast
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon and Stevia on the toast

Chicken Noodle Soup (84 Calories)

  Recipe for super low cal chicken soup!

What you need: 

• Two chicken bouillon cubes (I use Wyler's brand)               (10)
• Boiling water-- 2 cups                                                       ( 0 )
• 1.5 Ounces Great Value brand chunk chicken breast          (34)
• 1 Large Carrot                                                                  (30)

Directions:

1. Bring water to boil
2. Peel carrot into thin slices vertically
3. Put carrot "noodles" in boiling water for 3-5 minutes
4. Once the carrots are soft, put in the bouillon cubes and chicken
5. Let cubes dissolve 
6. Enjoy! 

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Sorry, no picture!

Lemonade (Calorie-free)

                                                                      What you need:

• Water
• Lemon juice (I use Walmart brand lemon juice)
• Stevia 

                                                                         Directions:

1. Fill a cup about 3/4 the way up with water
2. Add a little bit of lemon juice at a time until it reaches a good taste for you.
3. Add 1-2 packets of Stevia into the mix and stir

                                                                         ---------Tip--------  

Sometimes, I make this lemonade into ice cubes so when I add ice to the drink, it doesn't water it                                                                                      down.

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