Hilary Meyer on Shine

350-calorie dinners to put the brakes on holiday weight gain

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With Christmas just a few weeks away and lots of parties on the calendar, I need to do something RIGHT NOW to keep my calories in check so I don't have to spend the beginning of the new year on a treadmill 24/7. I'm not going to starve myself, but I am going to work some quick and easy low calorie dinners into my menu, like these 5 main course recipes for 350 calories or less, to help combat holiday weight gain.

Really easy post-thanksgiving dinners—really

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I put my heart and soul into cooking the Thanksgiving meal, and in the days afterward the last place I want to be is in the kitchen. I know I'll still have to eat, but I'm going to give myself a break with some easy, ultra-quick dinner recipes.

Our most popular sweet potato casserole recipe

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What’s the best item on the Thanksgiving menu? The jury is out when it comes to the best dish at Thanksgiving dinner. Some people see the roast turkey as the star of the meal, but for me it’s all about the classic Thanksgiving sides and desserts and sweet potato casserole is at the top of my list.

A full Thanksgiving spread for less than $7 per person

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I enjoy hosting Thanksgiving, but it can be taxing—especially on my wallet. Thanksgiving is all about abundance, and I want to keep it that way—without breaking the bank. So I’ve carefully selected my menu this year to include Thanksgiving recipes that are affordable and delicious. My entire meal is going to please my palate and, at less than $7 per serving, keep my wallet happy too. Now that’s something to be thankful for.

Save 254 calories with this decadent pumpkin pie

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Pumpkin pie is one of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes, but it always seems to hit the table at precisely the point that I internally declare that I can't possibly eat any more. I need a new approach, or at least a new recipe to add to my Thanksgiving menu. To the rescue: this lighter, luscious Frozen Pumpkin Mousse Pie that’s going to preserve my love for pumpkin pie as well as my waistline.

Comfort food without the guilt: Chicken Potpie

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Chicken Potpie is one of my favorite comfort foods. What’s more satisfying on a cool day than hot creamy chicken inside a flaky crust? Nothing, unless you’re like me and want to watch what you eat. Suddenly this butter- and heavy-cream-laden dish doesn’t seem so comforting.

So instead of making a traditional recipe that’s loaded with fat, I use EatingWell’s healthier version of this dish to satisfy my comfort-food craving without the extra calories and fat. It’s comfort food without the guilt. Get the recipe and find out how we made it healthier.

3 healthy desserts to bake with your kids

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When we were kids, my mom loved to bake with my sister and me. She would put my sister in charge of mixing the dry ingredients and I was in charge of the wet. We loved having a job in the kitchen and we looked forward to eating the delicious cookie recipes we made as our after-dinner treat.

Salmon recipes for healthy skin

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I’ve heard about a million times that I should be getting more fish in my diet, especially salmon. It’s high in omega-3 fatty acids that are good for just about everything from your heart to your brain. Salmon can keep your skin beautiful and healthy too. Find out how much you need to eat here.

So to keep it interesting, I found some new salmon recipes that use not only fillets, but smoked salmon as well—even salmon in a can. Plus they’re all done in less than 45 minutes.

Died and went to heaven chocolate cake

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The name says it all. This “Died and Went to Heaven” Chocolate Cake is one of my favorite cake recipes to whip up for guests. Why? It’s full of chocolaty goodness, but not fat and calories. People are always pleasantly surprised when they sink their teeth into this rich and moist chocolate dessert for a mere 139 calories. Another perk: it takes only 25 minutes to prepare...

Oprah’s “heavenly” food made healthy

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If I was stranded on a desert island and could eat only one food for the rest of my life, it would have to be potatoes. I never get tired of them. Apparently, neither does Oprah Winfrey. She’s been quoted as saying, “My idea of heaven is a great big baked potato and someone to share it with.” Love her, and love potatoes—my ultimate comfort food. Here are some of my favorite potato recipes...