Weight Watchers-Friendly Sweet Potato with Mushrooms and Cream Cheese
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 8 oz each)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons reduced-fat cream cheese (or fat-free)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Bake Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the sweet potatoes, prick them with a fork, and bake for about 45-50 minutes or until tender.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the pan. Sprinkle with thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until mushrooms are browned and tender.
- Mix Cream Cheese: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the reduced-fat cream cheese until well combined.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Cut the baked sweet potatoes in half lengthwise and gently mash the insides with a fork.
- Assemble: Top each sweet potato half with the mushroom and cream cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a side dish or light meal.
Weight Watchers Points:
- Sweet potatoes (2 medium): 6 points
- Reduced-fat cream cheese (2 tablespoons): 2 points
- Olive oil (1 teaspoon): 1 point
- Mushrooms, garlic, thyme, parsley: 0 points
Total for 2 servings: 9 points
Points per serving (1 stuffed sweet potato half): 4.5 points (rounded to 5 points for easy tracking)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 4g
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Alternatives: Use fat-free cream cheese to reduce points further.
- Additional Vegetables: Add spinach or kale to the mushroom mixture for extra nutrients.
- Herbs: Swap thyme for rosemary or oregano for different flavors.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken breast or tofu to the mushroom mixture for a higher protein meal.
Benefits:
Low in Points: A satisfying, low-point meal suitable for Weight Watchers plans
High in Fiber: Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, aiding digestion.
Nutrient-Rich: This dish provides essential vitamins like A and C.