Recipes

When I first started this blog I used to include a Friday post called Friday Five where I would feature some kind of Top Five list. I had since retired it but decided to try it out again on suggestion of a wonderful reader. So here we go again – this week – my favorite weight watchers friendly vegetarian finds at Trader Joe’s. And one request – please email, comment, Facebook, or tweet me ideas for future Friday Five lists

1. Trader Joe’s Vegetarian Sausage Patties – 2 weight watchers pointsplus/sausage patty
These are the perfect little veggie sausage patties – perfectly spiced with a good texture. I like them in the morning wrapped with eggs in a tortilla or sometimes topped with some marinara sauce and cheese with pasta or on a toasted roll for a sausage sandwich. I have even been known to eat them in a hot dog roll with sauteed onions and peppers. They are also much less expensive than Morningstar which is a nice bonus.

2. Lentil Soup with Ancient Grains – 6 weight watchers pointsplus

Although at face value, 6 points may seem like a lot for soup – this soup is worth it.  It is thick and spicy and honestly will keep you full for hours. I can honestly eat it at noon and don’t need to eat again until dinner. Want to gussy it up for dinner? Add some sauteed spinach and chicken sausage – perfect. (or veggie sausage – oops forget this was a vegetarian post)

3. Roasted Vegetable Enchiladas – 4 weight watchers pointsplus
I just love these enchiladas – they are the perfect quick lunch or dinner and you feel like you are eating something much more decadent. They taste cheesy and rich and at only 150 calories per enchilada, you can have two if you want.

4. Heat & Eat Falafel – 8 weight watchers pointsplus/3 falafel balls
I absolutely love falafel but it normally is a rare indulgence since they are deep fried. However, the Trader Joe’s Heat and Eat Falafel are a great substitute. Toss them in a pita with tons of veggies or over a salad and you have a great meal. I usually only need 2 falafaels which lowers the points value.

5. Paneer Tikka Masala – 9 weight watchers pointsplus
Nine points is a lot for a microwave meal in my eyes, but this one is worth it if you love Indian food which surprisingly can be loaded with hidden fat and calories. The Masala sauce is as good as most Indian restaurants I have been to and it is definitely addictive. Give it a try. If you are low on points, eat half with a large salad and some veggies.

Please add your own favorites in the comments!!