Fettuccine Alfredo, Lightened Up

Creamy, cheesy alfredo sauce lightened up? Can it be true? I’ve been searching for the best ways to make fettuccine alfredo easier on the waistline, and it all comes down to my secret ingredient.

Creamy, cheesy alfredo sauce lightened up? Can it be true? I’ve been searching for the best ways to make fettuccine alfredo easier on the waistline, and it all comes down to my secret ingredient.

With the fried onion topping and heavy cream and cheese mixed in, a typical green bean casserole serves up 550 calories in just one side dish. You can still enjoy the classic flavors while slimming down some of the fatty ingredients. Here’s how.

Thanksgiving turkey would be lost without stuffing (or dressing, if you prefer it that way). But sticks of butter and pounds of sausage are not mandatory ingredients. Here are a few ways to slim down this holiday favorite and some creative additions to try.

Spaghetti and meatballs are a big deal in my family, and the idea of slimming down this traditional dish doesn’t go over well. But since an average portion can have as much as 970 calories and 30 grams of fat, making it healthier when you can is smart. Just take it one step at a time.

Tuna salad is one of my go-to foods for a party or casual luncheon, but I never drench my mix in mayonnaise or oils. Besides upping the calories, adding gobs of mayonnaise drowns out the tuna flavor. Next time you plan on making tuna salad, try these variations.

I love digging into fluffy pancakes. In fact, banana-chocolate chip is the house favorite. But let’s face it — topping your pancakes with gobs of syrup and butter is not the healthiest way to start your day. Do a little swapping in your recipe, and you can lighten up your pancakes in no time.

With apple season here and the holidays fast approaching, it’s hard not to crave homemade apple pie, but all the fat and calories can help pack on the pounds over winter. How about some lighter options?

I’m starting to see some of the early varieties of potatoes at the farmers’ market, and potato salad recipes are calling out to me! This picnic and barbecue fave is often heavy on the fat and calories (especially when it has gobs of mayo!), but it doesn’t have to be. Here are my favorite ways — plus some recipes — to lighten up this summertime classic.

In my house, we usually stick to tuna or egg salad, but once in a while, we’ll have chicken salad for a change. But watch out, not all chicken salads are healthy eats. Find out the common pitfalls and how to bring on some special flavors that everyone will love.

There’s nothing better than than an icy glass of lemonade on a hot day, but who needs all those extra calories from added sweeteners? Instead of turning to sugary, packaged mixes, make your own light and fresh versions. Here are our tricks.
I made the mushroom pesto crostini recipe (picture shown on today's post) about 3 weeks ago and although it's not the most appetizing color, it really is delicious and healthy! Another one of Giada's dips that I made last week was her artichoke and bean dip - that was delicious spread on day old bread/crostini!