Low Fat Casseroles!

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Trying to eat healthy but wanting to get dinner on the table as fast as possible and preferably on a budget may sound impossible but casseroles can be the answer. A one dish meal is an easy way to get dinner on the table with the least amount of mess to clean up. Replacing regular cream soups with healthier low sodium, low fat soups, using skim or 2 percent milk, low fat cheeses and no fat plain yogurts are some ways of cutting the calorie and fat intake. Creating casseroles with fish, chicken, pork loin and ground turkey is another option. If hamburger is wanted, choose the leanest possible package and always drain away the fat after cooking. Always try and add as many fresh or frozen vegetables to the mix.

Vegetarian casseroles are an option, but when worried about protein, you can use tofu as an addition. Mushrooms are another addition for the vegetarian dishes as there are many types and they can be very filling. There are hearty vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, squash, cabbage and broccoli or lentils, beans and peas that are all delicious along with being good for cutting out fat and calories.

For example, a zucchini cheese casserole is only 130 calories per serving. Saute the zucchini squash and onion in oil, and whip the cottage cheese with basil and oregano in a blender. Alternately layer these two with slices of tomato in a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish, bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes and top with Parmesan cheese. The recipe is simple, healthy and delicious.