Simple dinner idea low in calories big in taste #FrozenFavorites and a Texas Toast side dish #Recipe

With the New Year, we also decided to make some changes around the Crazy Mom’s house. We are watching what we eat and hope to lose a few pounds along the way. I had no idea how easy it can be to eat healthy and still have a delicious meal with low calories to boot.

I called our Granny the other day, knowing that she had a Sam’s Club membership to see if she would take us to check out what Sam’s Club had to offer. We haven’t really been able to find any deals at our local grocery stores on healthy food items as well as meat. So off to Sam’s we went and I couldn’t believe my eyes. The store was HUGE. I hadn’t been to Sam’s in ages and the products they had totally blew me away. From TV’s to furniture and computers as well as clothing, books and food items galore. Boy, I sure missed out.

We quickly decided that we needed a Sam’s card and as we walked through the aisles we found deal after deal from dog food to yogurts and before long we ended up in the frozen section. I was curious to see if they had my some healthy frozen dinners, you know for lunch  or for those nights we have to run out to soccer practice in a hurry. To my surprise I found a few different options, including Lean Cuisine. I know my local stores had the Lean Cuisine meals on sale all week for $2 a box, but when I saw the price at Sam’s for a 4 pack Italian blend, which included 2 boxes of Spaghetti and meatball and 2 boxes of Chicken parmesan in chunky tomato basil sauce, I was really surprised.

The 4 pack is on sale at Sam’s during January and February for $ 6.98, that’s $1.74 a box and without coupons; what a deal! I also found the Lean Cuisine Asian flavors. Hubby loves them for a quick lunch during the week and a 6 pack was also on sale and will be between January and February for $9.98, that’s only $1.66 per meal. Best part, Lean Cuisine meals are low in calories and are portioned perfectly if you are trying to watch your weight; with only 270-300 calories (or 8 weight watcher points) each meal makes Lean Cuisine a perfect choice for us. I grabbed a few boxes and started to think that they would be great for a quick dinner maybe paired with a  Salad or Garlic toast.

As we walked through the aisles staring, gazing, ohh’ssss, ahhhh’ss and filling up the buggy; I came across the frozen dessert section and had to check out the price on the Skinny Cow ice-cream sandwiches. We have been totally addicted to them, especially since they are part of our healthy low calorie diet. Yup, I said it… They are part of our healthy diet. Can’t beat that, can’t you? Our local grocery stores sell a box of 6 for $4.50 (give or take if you find a sale). That was the downside for the Ice Cream Sandwiches and we had to kind of watch when we eat them. I didn’t want to buy 2 boxes a week. When I saw them at Sam’s Club I quickly price checked and a box of 20 (!! YES!!) was $8.98; that’s  $0.45 a Sandwich. WHOOT… Quickly a box ended up in our cart. With only 150 calories (or 4 weight watcher points) for each sandwich, a nice treat even if you are on a diet!

Once we finished our shopping trip my mind started to twirl and twist to figure out how I can serve a healthy meal for the family but keep it low Calories. I decided to serve each a Lean Cuisine Meal of their choice for dinner, along with a Texas Garlic Toast topped with Tomato, Cheese and Artichoke topping and Skinny Cow Ice Cream sandwiches for dessert.

I never thought of using Lean Cuisine personal meals for dinner, always looked at them for a quick lunch item, but paired with a great and simple side dish it ended up to be a wonderful dinner that filled everyone up in no time.

To make your own Texas Garlic Toast with Tomato, Cheese and Artichoke toppings check out my recipe below. Super simple, delicious and low on calories; even room for dessert. Can’t beat that.

Texas Garlic Toast with Tomato, feta Cheese and Artichoke topping

This is what you need to make 8:

• 1 box of Garlic Texas Toast
• 2-3 Tomatoes
• 1/2 can of black olives (or use the entire small can if you like)
• 1 package of Basil & Tomato Feta Cheese (4 oz.)
• 1/2  jar marinated Artichoke Hearts
• Basil for extra fresh taste

This is how to make it:

• bake the Texas Toast according to the package instructions
• cut the Marinated Artichoke Hearts into smaller pieces, toss into a bowl
• cut the tomatoes into small pieces; toss into a bowl
• add the Feta cheese to your bowl, either 1/2 a package or the entire thing if you like lots of cheese
• cut some fresh basil into small strips and add to the bowl
• take about 1-2 tablespoons of liquid from the marinated artichoke hearts and add to the mixture
• stir, stir and… DONE!! Top your Texas toast and enjoy!

Now you have an amazing side dish for your Italian blend Lean Cuisine meals; add a Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwich and dinner is done. Full of flavor but not the calories and I will guarantee you will be filled up, probably even before you eat dessert. Leave some extra room for a second Texas Toast, they are that good.

Also my Teen and hubby both were amazed at how good the Lean Cuisine dinner was and how so little can fill you up in no time and satisfy any rumbling stomach. I was instructed to cook this once a week or more if I like; per Husband and kids orders.

I love that I can keep my family happy and healthy this year but still get lots of our #FrozenFavorites and dessert items that we thought were out of reach.

If you like to get more information about Sam’s and how you can save a bundle and still eat healthy; be sure to check out their website. To learn more about Lean Cuisine and Skinny Cow and how they can help you create a healthy and simple meal, be sure to check out Lean Cuisine on the Web, follow on Facebook or tweet along on twitter @LeanCuisine and don’t forget to check out Skinny Cow on the Web, Facebook or Tweet along with the Skinny Cow for more ideas, tips and fun @TheSkinnyCow.

I’ve also created a Google Plus Story about my exciting trip to Sam’s, you have to come and check out what they had to offer. I promise you, you will get your own card soon and start shopping at Sam’s Club in no time.

“I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias®  and Nestle Lean Cuisine  and Skinny Cow #cbias #SocialFabric” All opinions and pictures are 100% our own; and I promise no child was forced to eat dinner.. they all ate on their own and loved it!!