Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: Say "Cheers" to These Light Beers

Is beer drinking the best kept secret to a slim, trim physique? I am afraid not folks (I know...only in a perfect world, right?). However, should you choose to partake in the hops variety, great taste with fewer calories is the way to go. Beer won't offer any great nutritional benefits to your diet, but a few light beers here and there won't sabotage it either.

Photo By: Randy Mayor
http://www.cookinglight.com/

When it comes to an ice-cold beer, I have my favorite; which I was happy to see that it made list for "THE BEST LIGHT BEERS" taste test featured in the August 2010 issue of Cooking Light magazine. In this article, written by Brady Rushing, three blind tastings evaluated light beers with 125 calories or less and ultralight beers with 70 calories or less per 12-ounce serving. Here were the results:

BEST PREMIUM: Sam Adams Light, $7.97 (6-pack bottled)
Sam Adams' light offering is premium indeed. It features a thicker body and more substantial mouthfeel than others we tested. Its mild sweetness was balanced by a nutty flavor. Overall a great, well-rounded choice. STATS: 119 calories, 9.6g carbs, 4% ABV

BEST ULTRALIGHT: Beck's Premier Light, $9 (6-pack bottled)
This ultralight import had the lowest alcohol content of any beer we tried. But while its body was light and smooth, it still had character—a rich, nutty aroma and a stronger-than-expected finish. STATS: 64 calories, 3.9g carbs, 2.3% ABV

BEST OVERALL: Yuengling Light Lager, $5.47 (6-pack bottled)
The contender from America's oldest brewery had a light amber color that gave way to a medium body with depth and slight hoppy notes, proving light doesn't have to mean dull. STATS: 99 calories, 8.5g carbs, 3.5% ABV

GUYS' FAVORITE: Michelob Ultra, $6.47 (6-pack bottled)
Something about Michelob's 95-calorie contender brought a unified nod from the men on the panel. They noted its medium body, crisp and clean finish—even liked its faintly sweet aroma. STATS: 95 calories, 2.6g carbs, 4.2% ABV

Well, it turns out that the "Guy's Favorite" is actually mine too. With less than 100 calories a bottle and such a light feel, it really is a winning choice for the "livin' lean" beer drinker. Now remember, these beverages are meant to be enjoyed in moderation, on occasion. So when you feel like rewarding yourself or you're gearing up for a long day of football watching, keep these flavorful, light beers in mind.

What's your favorite light beer? I just might do a blind taste test of my own! Any suggestions?

Paula Deen's Lean: Bacon-Pimiento Macaroni and Cheese

It has occurred to me over the past year that I could probably make macaroni and cheese for an entire month and not have to repeat the same variation. Who knew? Well, I bring to you yet another version of this classic dish; Paula Deen's Bacon-Pimiento Macaroni and Cheese. This creamy macaroni has such great flavor; even on the second day!
The unique part of this particular recipe redo is what I used in place of butter...AVOCADOS. You won't believe how easy it is replace the heavy, unhealthy fats in butter with the nutritious, heart-healthy fats found in avocados. See for yourself!


BACON-PIMIENTO MACARONI & CHEESE
Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:
5 center-cut or turkey bacon slices; cooked and crumbled
1/2 fresh avocado
1/2 cup flour
4 cups FAT FREE half-and-half
2 cups shredded FAT FREE cheddar, divided
2 cups shredded Parmesan, divided
2 (8-ounce) packages of FAT FREE cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 pound WHOLE WHEAT small penne pasta
1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimientos, drained


DIRECTIONS:
Preheat broiler. Spray 6 (1-cp) ramekins or one baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.


Warm half-and-half on a large saucepan over medium heat. Put avocado in a blender and slowly add warm half-and-half. When well blended, return to pan and add flour. Whisk unitl smooth.


Add 1-1/2 cup cheddar cheese, 1-1/2 cup Parmesan, cream cheese, salt, red pepper, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in pasta, crumbled bacon and pimientos.


Spoon mixture evenly into ramekins or pour entirely into one baking dish. Top with remaining cheese. Broil for 4 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let stand for roughly 10 minutes before serving.


RESULTS:
I was amazed at how well the avocaado works as a butter substitute in this dish. Rudy (the hubby), was a little sceptical at first, as most people probably are. But, after that first bite, he was a believer. It was fantastic! Of course, since I love avocados, I took some of the remaing half, sliced it up, and served it along side my macaroni. YUM!
This recipe is just one of many examples of how easily avocados can be used instead of butter. I encourage you to give it a try in some of your own recipes. If you do, I would love to hear about it.
For more info on avocados, visit Avocados from Mexico.

NUTRITION FACTS (per serving):  529.73 calories;  13.84g fat;  66.02g carbohydrate;  38.81g protein; 7.98g fiber


**Original recipe can be found in Paula Deen's Best Dishes 2010-Special Issue (page 30): A Hoffman Media Publication.

Paula Deen's Lean: Avocado Chicken Salad

As I shared in my most recent "Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday" post, avocados are a fabulous source of good nutrition, as well as a smart alternative to items like butter or mayonnaise. To keep this theme goin', I bring to you the first of three avocado inspired recipes; Paula Deen's Avocado Chicken Salad. With some light mayo and the flavors of my Avocados from Mexico, this quick dish was a hit for a fun and healthy lunch.


AVOCADO CHICKEN SALAD
Makes enough for 8...if you are willing to share!

INGREDIENTS


3 cups cooked, diced chicken


2 avocados, peeled, diced, and tossed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice


3/4 cup chopped onion


1 cup Hellmann's Light mayonnaise dressing (green label)


1 to 2 teaspoons pepper


1 teaspoon salt


1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves


DIRECTIONS


Mix all ingredients and chill. Seriously...that's it! How's that for some directions.


RESULTS


I LOVE this spin on chicken salad. And just as much as I love the flavor, I love this fun way of serving it: Serve the chicken salad in the left-over avocado boats (see picture). How cute is that!?!


With this recipe, you will see that I changed quite a few items from the original. It calls for rice and additional dressing. I just don't think you need it. All the rice and dressing does is add to the calories and fat. In this case, less is more.


I will also encourage you to start with just 1/2 cup of mayo and see how it goes. Some reviews from readers on Food Network expressed their opinions that 1 cup was way too much mayo. Just a little FYI.


ENJOY!

NUTRITION FACTS (per serving): 201.88 calories;  10.5g fat;  10.43g carbohydrate;  20.0g protein; 3.7g protein