As some of you know from the Vegas bash, I'm a Salad lover, even when I was very restricted, I would dice/chop/shred salads and still do. My problem is I like Blue cheese and Ranch dressings and they can be high in fat, calories and carbs. So, I was wondering if any of the wonderful bandsters on this board have any suggestions besides olive oil & vinegar, that tastes good and is good for you. I have spent time at the grocery store reading labels but wish I could just taste them all.

What are some of your favorites??? :lick

Also, with the rains starting and the colder weather it seems like I want stews and rich foods...anyone else feel a change in food cravings?

I have definitely been craving stew or some chunky Soup the last couple days. I think I'll make some today. Our heat wave was short and followed by cold rain. I think I'm starting to hibernate.

I use a locally made pesto ranch dressing that is probably not so good for weight loss.

I make chili beans in the winter, which I love. High in protein too. But, yea, I'm like you, with the colder months I have certain foods, like homemade vegetable soup, that just seem to go with the season.

Vera, have you tried Balsamic vinegars? (about 10 cal. tbl.) You can mix them w/ oil and spices for a marinade also. But I think it's the creaminess we're craving. Hidden Valley has a Ranch Lite w/ 40 cal. tbl.)

I love stews, Soups, or a pot of Beans any time of the year. I think it's wonderful comfort food. And aren't we getting our vegetables in that way? (Any excuse to try to make it right. LOL)

Vera,

I to am a big blue cheese lover, Sometimes I mix my fresh blue cheese with the balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olice oil or some times I mix it with some lo-fat mayo and buttermilk. I mix the dry ranch the same way.

My newest wintertime type of food is acorn squash with a little butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg melted into it. SOOOO Good! I also have been in a stew mood and made one last week. I like to make split pea/ lentil soup all winter long too with a big smoked ham bone. I am a ranch dressing nut too and find I avoid salads to avoid ranch calories. Sometimes I will have them and I have tried many other dressings but I guess I just prefer the ranch. I ussually do the mix my own variety and can make it with lowfat mayo and lowfat buttermilk. Teresa

I made chicken barley stew today and it was good! It's sitting in there uncomfortably, though, so I suppose I better be more careful with it. Sheesh! :speechles

Hi Vera

I love the change of seasons..I too see a change in food ..I have been using my crock pot for the last week...pot roast, corned beef, stroganoff..chicken & rice...My fav salad dressing is Blue cheese ( Bob's Big Boy) I buy it at the grocery store but now I use the lite version of it and I mix it with Red Wine Vinegar ( seven seas)

And yes I can vouch for your love of salads, since I ate every meal with you atthe bash

P.S. I wore your Capris I got from the clothing exchange to work on SUnday and got many compliments ..Thanks again for them they are working out really good for me.

Thanks Becky, Pesto Ranch sounds good, even on a bean salad and marinated mushrooms or pickled beets. I love Balsamic vinegar Marie, as well as Bob's Big Boy Blue cheese Michelle! Now I want all your stew and soup recipes, at least your favs!

That squash sound real good about now Teresa. Every time I get a ham, I always make a split pea/bean soup with carrots and celery with ta bone! I can almost smell it..

I'm glad your enjoying those Capris Michelle.