Turkey--the other white meat

Mike and I recently have wanted to improve our eating habits, which means eating smaller portions and more healthy (less fatty). It hasn't been as bad as it has been before, because I think we have greater motivation and are doing this together. Plus, instead of just eating NOTHING, we have counted calories a couple times (not religiously) and have found that we can eat healthy without always being hungry.

Because of this habit change, I have been on the lookout for low-cal/healthy options and ideas. There are always "tricks" out there that claim to help you intake less calories...and I know some are valid, but others are also unreasonable to me. However, there is one that I was introduced to by Desiree and Scott that we will be using...

Substitute ground beef for ground turkey.

It's cheaper, and less fatty. For a 1 lb ground beef, 80% lean, at Walmart, it is about $2.80. For 90% lean it's probably about $3.50. For about 1.25 lb ground turkey, 97% lean, it's about $2.60. Worth it!

It does taste different, and there is a different texture, but when you season it, it tastes just as good. We had it for tacos the other night (and at Desiree's) and thought it just as delicious.

Desiree did warn us not to use it for hamburgers, and we are going to trust her on that. The consistency of the meat just doesn't measure up when mashed together on a bun. On the other hand, she made turkey loaf which tasted delicious (and I hope she gets the recipe to me so I can post that on here soon!).

Chicken Wraps

Ingredients:

1 chicken breast (is enough for two)
Tortillas (one for each wrap)
Lettuce (torn into pieces if you like)
Cheese
Italian Dressing
Toothpicks
Optional:
Bacon Bits
Tomatoes
Onions
Green Pepper
Croutons
Mushrooms

Directions:

Cut chicken into small squares (maybe 1 in X 1 in) and cook on Med heat with Italian Dressing until cooked thoroughly.

Warm each tortilla for about 20 sec in the microwave. Place about a tablespoon of Italian Dressing in the middle of the tortilla and spread with a spoon.

Place a handful or two of lettuce on the tortilla and spread evenly. But leave about one inch of space on one side of the tortilla free of toppings. Place chicken on lettuce, spreading it evenly. But leave about one inch of space on one side of the tortilla free of toppings. Sprinkle on a few bacon bits, and any other toppings, and some cheese.

When all the toppings are on, start rolling towards the open space of the tortilla (free of toppings). You will notice the toppings shift as you roll, and will fill that empty inch by the end of rolling. Place 4 toothpicks, evenly spaced, into the rolled tortilla (to keep it together) and cut in half. Then eat!

*recipe from me!