I'm a Hungry Girl!

 I'm a hungry girl.  So much so, that when a friend sent me a link to the fabulous Hungry Girl website a couple of years ago, I could hardly believe my luck.  A website that offers tips and tricks to cooking and eating delicious foods without gaining weight?  Even sweets and "off-limits" foods were included, like fettuccine and frappucino's!  Could it be true?  It was, and I've been a fan of the site and their daily newsletter which warms my inbox every morning, ever since.

So when I heard that the creator of Hungry Girl, Lisa Lillien, put out a recipe book, I jumped for joy!  Now I could have all those yummy recipes at my fingertips!  And not only does it offer the ingenious ingredients, it also provides "survival strategies" for eating in the real world.  These tips are eye-opening as well as informative.  Did you know that one of those pretzels from the mall food court could be as many as 400 calories and 10 grams of fat?  Me neither!!!

Like the inventor herself, the book doesn't miss a beat.  With 14 chapters including "Rise & Dine", "Junk Food Junkie", "Chocolate 911" and "Manly Meals", the point is that there is something for everyone and you don't have to eat rabbit food and apples to be a guilt-free gourmet.  In fact, you can eat a BLT made with light bread, turkey bacon and fat-free mayo and it'll be so good, no one will know!  Try the "rockin' shrimp pad thai" without packing the fat and calories of the original.  Finish it off with some "chilly chocolate cheesecake nuggets" made with fat-free cream cheese, free cool whip, Splenda and a few other light ingredients, and you'll be queen for a day.  As I reported last week, the "lord of the onion rings"were easy to make and definitely hit that craving for fried food in an un-fried kinda way.  Last night's "Yummy Yummy Eggplant Goo" (less of a "goo" and more of a dip) served with homemade pita chips was the perfect start to our meal! 

Not only does the book have 165 amazing recipes, it also lists the nutritional values for the foods, making it easy to watch portion size and count Points.  It'll even give you the 411 on the low-fat food's evil steps-sister - the "real" thing.  For example, after the wonderful recipe for "peach-blueberry oatmeal muffinmania" (110cals and 1.5g fat), you'll learn that a regular muffin packs 450cals and 15g of fat.  Makes you want to re-think that trip to the donut shop, doesn't it? 

This revolutionary cookbook is available here or anywhere books are sold.  The Hungry Girl herself was kind enough to offer a signed copy of the book to a Daily Grind reader!  Just tell us your best diet tip, trick or secret in the comments and you'll be entered to win!  Contest will end Friday, August 1st.  Open to US residents only - sorry!!

Comments

[Louise Brouillette]

I've really tried to cut back on snacking

[Kathy Mullins]

I love cookbooks that give me great ideas for meals. Thanks for this cool giveaway.

[Peggy Rydzewski]

My daughter told me about this site..nice

[Carol]

Eat when you're hungry . . . . it's that simple!

[Joanne Willey]

Walk and drink plenty of water. It is amazing the amount of weight you can lose just by walking and lets not forget what great legs you get from it!

[Tonya Keener]

I'm always excercising, watching what I eat and watching my weight. I need this book really bad. This would make it fun to eat again but I could still keep my shape

[Sonya Sparks]

When you're hungry eat foods that will fill you up like grapes.

Thanks for the chance.

[Renee]

My best diet trick is to take baby steps. For example if sweets are your thing have a piece of candy instead of a bowl of ice cream. Don't try a total elimination diet because you are more likely to stop dieting. Also, be sure follow a diet plan, you will be surprised how much you can actually eat when you diet.

[Jaime C.]

Cut out the Sugar and Refined Carbs. Sugar and Carbs make you crave more of them. Cutting them out really helps you not be so hungry.

[randi oaklief]

Love your site! I find that pushing away from the table is about the only thing that works for me!

[Cee]

The best tip I've had is that dieting works best in combination with exercise, and that you can get benefits just as easily through walking as you could through other, more intense forms of exercise. Granted, you do have to walk a bit longer and work to get your heart rate up, but it's been easier on my knees and joints in the long run than jogging. I also find swimming is an excellent form of exercise that's low impact.

[Jenn S.]

I keep a food journal and try not to eat too late in the evening.

[Mia J.]

I would say about dieting if you think you are hungry drink a glass of water and see if that is enough....sometimes you are just thirsty. Also get plenty of exercise too. I would love to win a cookbook to help me on my weight loss journey.

[Deborah Wellenstein]

Get up and move! Exercise is the best thing you can do to motivate yourself. Thank you!

[Anna M.]

My best tip/trick is that I keep a journal of what I eat and what I do to exercise each day. That way I can keep track and that also motivates me to eat healthier or exercise more. =]

[Jennifer Barnett]

I substitute low fat ingredients in my favorite recipes and for snacking I eat popcorn (with very very very little butter).

[Terri D]

I think if you learn to eat healthy foods and get some physical exercise, you won't have to diet.

[monica]

This is no big secret but limited yourself to about 1200 calories a day can usually bring a weight loss

[charline s]

This book sounds wonderful

[anne]

A good trick is to drink a glass of water before a meal and then eat very slowly. You'll feel full faster.

[annie's eyes]

Best diet tip for me is to go ahead and eat. Saying no to certain foods always causes me to crave them. So I am a portion control advocate. Would love the book! Thanks for participating in the giveaway.

[Gina Stratos]

Eat small portions throughout the day and don't eat 2 hours before bed.
gkstratos@yahoo.com

[Jaque]

Don't pig out on chocolate...that is my mantra....but I fail to heed my own advice. :-( Thank you for this wonderful giveaway.

[Desmond]

I'm all about drinking plenty of fluids--you don't feel as hungry that way.

[bob]

Apple cider vinegar stops hunger pangs (not pains!). It also tricks your digestions system into believing you have digested a meal.

Be careful though. Acetic acid will eat away at the enamel on your teeth. Rinse liberally with water and make sure it is gone.