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Great Food Company ...

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A selection from the Great Food Company spotted in Dunnes, near the lunchy stuff...
thought I'd snap them whilst I was in the queue a few weeks ago! Anyone tried these out?

x



Great Food Aromatic Moroccan Veg Cakes
per 90g cake - 7SP



Great Food quinoa, red lentil & beetroot veg cakes
per 90g cake - 5SP



Great Food delicate tuscan vegetable bites
per 200g portion - 8SP



Great Food chunky broad bean & quinoa bites
per 200g portion - 14SP



Great Food Sweet Pumpkin & chilli bites
per 200g portion - 15SP



Great Food punchy sweet potato pakora 
per 200g portion - 15SP



Great Food authentic mediterranean falafel
per 200g portion - 14SP



Great Food fragrant spinach & pine nut bites
per 200g portion - 15SP



Great Food aromatic moroccan falafel
per 200g portion - 17SP



The festive munchies from SuperValu!

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You can't hide from it now... Christmas is in full swing... this week I was at the SuperValu Christmas launch and I have to say it's one of my fav places to shop... I'm all about supporting Irish business and keeping it local and my store in Churchtown is one of the finest! (technically not MY store but I do think after all the years here I've SOME rights!) The staff are friendly, it's spotless and after all the years living here they the manager doesn't even flinch when I stomp up looking for Weight Watchers ice cream/tuna/bread every Wednesday after class!

Last night, Kevin Dundon was cooking up all the Christmas treats and sharing his tips and he asked for a selfie* sure I HAD to say yes!!! All his tips and all the tips from the Super Valu Irish suppliers are in their Christmas magazine that you'll find in store! Careful though, do not read when hungry!!! You'll just want to eat EVERYTHING! Even the sprouts looked amazing last night and I hate sprouts!

*this may be a lie



There we are now! 

So here's some of the festive treats from SuperValu! 


SuperValu Deep filled Mince pies
per 62g pie - 12SP



SuperValu Signature Tastes luxurious mince pies
per 62g pie - 12SP



SuperValu Mini Mince Pies
per 28g pie - 5SP



SuperValu Chocolate fudge yule log
per 80g slice - 15SP
per 640g log - 119SP



SuperValu Christmas Cake slices 
per 55g slice - 10SP



SuperValu Christmas Pudding infused with sherry & rum
per 100g pudding - 16SP
per 113.5 portion - 18SP
(one-quarter of the 454g size)



SuperValu Signature Tastes Matured Christmas Pudding
per 100g pudding - 16SP



SuperValu Iced apricot & brandy fruit cake
per 71g serving - 13SP 
(seven slices per cake)




SuperValu Iced Christmas Cake
per 55g slice - 11SP



SuperValu Signature Taste Luxury Christmas Cake
per 60g slice - 11SP



SuperValu Signature Tastes Christmas Cake Bar
per 70g slice - 13SP



SuperValu Signature Tastes Christmas Gift Cake 
per 83g slice - 16SP



SuperValu Signature Tastes Rich Fruit Cake
per 40g slice - 7SP


SuperValu Signature Tastes Nut Topped Fruit Cake
per 50g slice - 8SP
per 800g cake - 133SP




SuperValu Chicken & Mushroom Vol au Vents Selection
per 28g serving - 4SP



SuperValu Chinese selvetion
Chicken spring rolls, per 20g serv - 2SP
Chicken wontons, per 12g serv - 2SP



SuperValu Goats Cheese & red onion marmalade bruschetta
(MY FAV!!! Cannot stop at just one!)
per 22g serv - 2SP



SuperValu BBQ Smokey bacon mini ribs
(each pack serve two)
per 185g pack - 15SP
Per 92.5g half- pack - 8SP


SuperValu, Indian selection 
onion bhajis, per 12g - 1SP
vegetable samosas, per 15g - 1SP



I spotted this at the party ... lads, the ultimate cheesecake... a cake made of cheese!!! *drools* 



Some new fishy 'Creations'...

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Something new and fishy from John West... You can have them hot or cold but for those who love fish and maybe want dinner in a hurry this is all in one bag! 

Anyone tried them yet?
x



John West Salmon with giant couscous & lentils, harissa spices
per 180g portion - 16SP



John West Tuna with wild rice & lentils, indian style
per 180g portion - 13SP



John West Salmon with bulgur wheat & chickpeas moroccan style
per 180g portion - 17SP



A 'LIDL' bit of Christmas!

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Lots and lots of Christmas goodies in Lidl, it's a long post!

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Snowy Lodge, Luxury Mince Pies
per 66g pie - 11SP



Snowy Lodge, Belgian Chocolate sponge with shimmering cherry centre
per 125g (quarter) - 21SP



Deluxe, Luxury Christmas pudding with cherry & pecan topping
per 113.5g portion - 18SP



Favorina, Christmas pudding
per 100g pudding - 14SP



Snowy Lodge, Luxury Rich Fruit Cake
per 75.6g slice (one-twelfth) - 12SP



Snowy Lodge, 6 month matured Christmas pudding
per 113.5 portion (one-quarter) - 17SP



Snowy Lodge, Luxury salted caramel bombe
per 113.5 portion (half) - 18SP



Snowy Lodge, Luxury 18 month matured Christmas pudding 
per 113g portion (one-eighth) - 17SP



Favorina, Top Iced Christmas Cake
per 75.6g slice (one-twelfth) - 14SP



Favorina, Panettone Cioccolato
per 100g cake - 18SP



Deluxe, Seasoning mix for Steak with vanilla
per 50g pot - 5SP



Deluxe, Seasoning mix for poultry with orange oil
per 70g pot - 6SP



Deluxe, Seasoning mix for game
per 55g pot - 5SP 



Deluxe, roasted garlic & cracked black pepper mayonnaise
per 15g tbsp - 4SP



Deluxe, drinking chocolate amazonas 
per 25g serving - 7SP



Deluxe, mini butter pastries 
per 6.7g pastry (without any filling) - 2SP



Deluxe, Lime Chocolate Tartlets with a lime filling
per 20g tartlet - 6SP



Deluxe, Chocolate Tartlets with chocolate creme filling
per 19.5g tartlet - 6SP



Deluxe, Mini Butter Shortbread with real lemons
per 3 shortbreads 24g - 5SP



Deluxe, Treacle All Butter Cookies
per 16.7g cookie - 4SP



Deluxe, Baklava assortment
per 20g serving - 4SP



Deluxe, Butter Fudge with Christmas spices, raisins & cherries
per 25g - 6SP



Deluxe, Butter Fudge with caramel & cornish sea salt
per 25g - 6SP



Deluxe, Irish Cream Liqueur Truffles
per 11.4g truffle - 3SP



Alesto, Cranberry & macadamia nut mix
per 70g pot - 15SP



Alesto, Berry, seed & nut mix
per 70g pot - 12SP



Alesto, Nut mix
per 70g pot - 14SP



Deluxe, Walnut cheese spread
per 25g - 3SP
per 150g tub - 19SP



Deluxe, Capelin Caviar, fine grained
per 100g pot - 7SP



Deluxe, Salmon Caviar
per 50g pot - 1SP



Deluxe, Balsamic Preserve
per 15g tbsp - 2SP



Deluxe, Mini Bavarois, Lemon, Raspberry & Passion fruit
per 30g pot - 4SP



Deluxe, Mini Bavarois Chocolate 
per 30g pot - 6SP



Favorina, Butter biscuits with dark chocolate
per 25g serving - 6SP



Favorina, Christmas biscuits
per 25g serving - 6SP



Favorina,Vanilla Kipferl (shortbread biccies)
per 18g serving - 4SP



Favorina, 'Choco lolly'
per 15g lolly - 4SP



Favorina, Spiced biscuits with almonds
per 3 biscuits 30g - 6SP



Favorina, Spekulatius Spiced biscuits
per 35g serving - 7SP



Favorina, Lebkuchen Hearts with apricot & dark chocolate
per 45g serving - 8SP



Favorina, Butter Almond Stollen
per 100g - 17SP
per 750g cake - 131


Favorina, Assorted glazed Lebkuchen 
per 2 biscuits, 23g - 4SP


Favorina, Glazed Lebkuchen, part coated in dark chocolate
per 2 biscuits, 24g - 4SP



Favorina, chocolate Santa...
per 200g santa - 57SP
(NOT A TYPO!)



Favorina, Swirls with caramel sauce
per 13.5g caramel - 3SP



Favorina, Christmas bells with pistachio filling
per 12g bell - 3SP



Favorina, Hearts with praline filling
per 10.5g heart - 3SP


Favorina, Holly leaves with milk chocolate
per 10g holly leaf - 3SP


Favorina, Santa Claus with vanilla creme filling
per 13g Santa - 3SP



Partytime, Breaded cream cheese jalapeños
per half pack (4) - 14SP


Partytime, Duck mini spring rolls
per 18g spring roll - 2SP


Partytime, Mini pepperoni pizzas
per 27g mini pizza - 2SP


Partytime, Cheese & onion potato skins
per 62g potato skin - 3SP


Partytime, Chicken Satay skewers
per 15.5g skewer - 1SP



Partytime, Pigs in blankets
per 21g piggie - 2SP



Time for HUGS!

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Regular readers will know that I champion local products and Irish businesses all the way... 
I'm a true believer in supporting home grown products, wherever you are on the planet! 


Recently 'Hugs' came into my life... 

Healthy Unique Gorgeous Stuff
H.U.G.S!

Now whilst SmartPoints aren't very choccie friendly, these little boxes of loveliness are! All natural ingredients, dairy free, gluten free with now refined sugars are friendly to Vegans these little boxes are PERFECT stocking fillers for the festive season! Each one packs a punch of flavour so you're not going to want to eat the lot in one mouthful... they're 2SP per sweetie but check out the diet maths per box! Don't question the magic ok!


For the Wexicans who are on here, you lucky lot can pick them up in your local SuperValu and they are in Slievemore Pharmacy in Stillorgan and Wilde & Green in Miltown for the Dubliners! They are also going to be at the Clontarf Christmas Fair in St. Anthony's Hall this Sunday if you're out and about! €10 for the 3 boxes! But keep your eyes peeled as they get more stockists over the next few months! 

x




HUGS Chocolate, orange, date & nut sweets
per 10g sweet - 2SP
per 50g box (5 sweets) - 8SP



HUGS Coconut, date & nut sweets
per 10g sweet - 2SP
per 50g box (5 sweets) - 9SP


HUGS Chocolate, lime, date & nut sweets
per 10g sweet - 2SP
per 50g box (5 sweets) - 8SP



LOW LIE THE FIELDS OF ATHENRRRYYYYY...

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You all know I'm a rugby fan at this stage so the title shouldn't come as a surprise to my Irish followers! 

Today it's another Irish company and their Xmas goodies which I found in my local SuperValu store! A range that's gluten, dairy and wheat free and some are suitable for vegans too! 

Note: To my UK, USA and Aussie followers it's a national rugby song in these parts and these xmas goodies are created in the very spot the song is about! 

x


The Foods of Athenry Very Fruity Starry Mince Pies
per pie - 11SP



The Foods of Athenry A Very Delicious Christmas Pudding
per 50g serv - 8SP



The Foods of Athenry A Truly Heavenly Christmas Cake
per 50g serv - 8SP
per 600g cake - 96SP


The Foods of Athenry A Truly Joyous Chocolate Biscuit Celebration Cake
per 50g serv - 9SP


The Foods of Athenry A Very Fruity Mincemeat
per 15g tbsp - 2SP
per 320g jar - 48SP



Mr. Kiplings' Christmas...

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Festive offerings from the Master Baker himself! Mr. K and his Christmas goodies!

I was asked the other day why I bother SmartPointing all these Christmas things... my number one reason is, if I'm at someones' house and they offer me a mince pie, slice of cake, choccie or other munchie with a cuppa... I only have to say 'oh that's lovely! Where's it from?' and I know how many points I can use even if I only eat half!' I told you my points are like money!

x



Mr. Kipling Winter Whirls
per 28g whirl - 6SP




Mr. Kipling Elf Slices
per 27g slice - 5SP



Mr. Kipling Festive Bakewells
per 44g tart - 9SP



Mr. Kipling Deep Filled Mince Pies
per 60g pie - 10SP



Festive treats...

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A few other festive treats you might be tempted with when visiting the relations!

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Cadbury Festive Flake cakes
per 25g cake - 6SP


Cadbury Festive Mini Yule logs
per 27g Yulelog - 6SP



Cadbury Festive Cake Bars
per 30g cake bar - 7SP



Cadbury Festive Rudolph cakes 
per 30g cake - 7SP



Lindt Christmas Teddy Bears
 per 10g bear - 3SP
per 50g pack - 14SP



per 3 triangles (20g) - 6SP
per 60g pack - 17SP



Rose Confectionary 'Rudolph's Red Noses' Strawberry popcorn
per 100g tub - 17SP




Christmas with M&S...

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Last one before it all kicks off! If you're offered a treat and it's from M&S here's the SmartPoints for you! Gotta love M&S though... Prosecco Crisps.. Genius!

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M&S, Lattice Topped Mince Pies
per 50g pie - 9SP



M&S, All Butter Mince Pies
per 58g pie - 11SP



M&S, All Butter Mini Mince Pies
per 19g pie - 4SP


M&S, The Collection, Star Mince Pies


per 53g pie - 9SP



M&S, Made without Wheat, Christmas Pudding
per 100g mini pudding - 15SP



M&S, Classic Recipe, Christmas Pudding 
per 100g serv - 16SP



M&S, Made without Wheat, Intensely Fruity Christmas Pudding
per quarter pudding 114g - 17SP



M&S, Intensely Fruity Christmas Pudding
per 100g mini pudding - 15SP



M&S, Christmas Top Iced Holly Fruit Cake
per 76g slice (one-twelfth) - 12SP



M&S, Christmas Iced Fruit Cake Slices
per 42g slice - 8SP



M&S, The Collection, Vintage Fruit Cake
per 92g slice (one-quarter) - 16SP



M&S, The Collection, Festive Stollen Slices
per 40g slice - 6SP



per 100g (half box) - 19SP
per 200g box - 38SP





M&S, Turkey Feast Soup
300g (half pot) - 4SP



M&S Turkey & Pigs in Blankets
per 180g pack - 15SP



M&S, Dessert Menu, Mini Macaroons
per 12g Macaroon - 2SP



M&S, Chocolate Fruit Cups
per 16g cup - 2SP



M&S, Posh Profiteroles
per 65g serv - 12SP
per profiterole - 4SP



M&S, Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups
per 17.5g cookie cup - 4SP



M&S, Passion Fruit Profiteroles
per 23g profiterole - 4SP



M&S, Mini Melting Middle Puddings
per 35g pudding - 6SP


M&S, Maple Bacon Tortilla Rolls
per 30g serv - 5SP
per 190g bag - 30SP


M&S, Salted Caramel Snowflakes
per 30g serv - 4SP
per 275g bag - 36SP



M&S, The Collection, Bucks Fizz Potato Crisps
Per 30g (one-fifth pack) - 5SP
Per 150g bag - 24SP


M&S, The Collection, Winter Berries & Prosecco Potato Crisps
Per 30g (one-fifth pack) - 5SP
Per 150g bag - 24SP




Super Soupfulls

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I spotted these the other day in my local SuperValu on a pop up stand and thought I'd point them to see how Super they really were! I've tried the spicy butternut & red pepper one and it was really nice!

I know you can make it yourself for 0SP but there are so many people who don't have the time or even like making soup, so this could be a good alternative! The pouches are 350g so it's a good size portion, if you had it over 2 days was part of your lunch your lunch it would certainly keep you fuller for longer on these wintery days!

Anyone tried them yet?

x


Erin, Super Soupfulls, Spicy Butternut & Red Pepper
per 350g pouch - 4SP


Erin, Super Soupfulls, Chicken & Ancient Grains
per 350g pouch - 5SP


Erin, Super Soupfulls, Tomato & Three Bean 
per 350g pouch  - 5SP


Bowl-a-granola!

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Granola and muesli get a bad rap on SmartPoints because they're have a lot of dried fruit... If I'm not having porridge in the morning, I like a bit of fruit and yoghurt...
With fruit being 0SP I like to spend the points on a bit of crunch in the morning! I've tried the 'Just Honey' version of this brand and it's really nice! 2SP for a 15g tbsp adds a bit of crunch to a breakkie that can get a bit dull... 

This range is Irish and handmade in Galway, you'll find it in SuperValu! 

x


Bowl-a-Granola, Honey & Ginger
per 45g serv - 7SP


Bowl-a-Muesli
per 45g serv - 6SP


Bowl-a-Granola, Honey & Cinnamon
per 45g serv - 7SP



Bowl-a-Granola, Just Honey, Honey!
per 45g serv - 7SP
per 15g - 2SP



Kale Crunchies!

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For the savoury munchers amongst us (By the way, I'm on your team, they can keep their chocolate!)
Healthy crisps! These are handy enough to make but getting the flavouring right can be a bit hit or miss, also I've found making them it can literally be seconds between 'done' and charcoal! So these little 15g bags of crunchies are only 2SP! BARGAIN! I've tried the Spicy tomato favour and really liked them! Spotted in SuperValu! 

x


Natashas Kale Crunchies, Lemon & Pepper
per 15g bag - 2SP


Natashas Kale Crunchies, Spicy Tomato
per 15g bag - 2SP


Sweet sticky chilli chicken!

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This has by far been the most popular recipe on the blog ever... so I thought I'd re-do it with the SmartPoints values all worked out (it's hard to get the time to do ALL the recipes but this one is a good 'un!) This recipe that was doing the rounds on FB and I knew I wanted to try it out! It's from Home Cooking Adventure Channel on YouTube ... >>> HERE <<<  

I've tried to make my version a little more SmartPoint friendly... and got 6 ramekin size portions because I like to pick'n'mix when it comes to chinese food... ALL about the sharing... so a ramekin size is perfect to pick from or you could have it as a main with rice! (don't forget to SmartPoint your rice!) AND it is SUPER fast to make and all in one pot! 


Whats in it?

500g of diced chicken - 5SP
50g of Panko Bread Crumbs - 5SP for 50g
  I used these because they are REALLY crunchy when they're baked. Fantastic
  on Prawns too you could also use breadcrumbs, polenta or crushed cornflakes 
  just remember to SmartPoint them.

1 tbsp of oil - 4SP  I used chilli oil to give it a bit of extra kick...
1 tbsp of sweet chilli sauce - 2SP  The recipe says chilli paste but this works fine...
6 tbsp of light soy sauce - 4SP 'Light' as in colour not light as in calories!
4 tbsp Sweet freedom - 9SP  They use honey in the recipe - 1SP per tsp, 4tbsp - 14SP
1 tbsp sesame seeds - 2SP



ZERO HEROS
Spray oil 
2 tbsp of egg white  
2 cloves of garlic
1 tsp ginger
120ml of stock/water
4 tbsp of Canderel
60ml of vinegar
4 tbsp of Splenda
Chilli flakes or a chopped chilli
Spring onion
Salt'n'pepper



Total ProPoints - 31SP
Total ProPoints per portion - 8SP for 4 mains, 5SP for 6 starters - diet maths eh?

How?




500g of diced chicken... 



weigh out your bread crumb topping... 







put it on a flat plate, season with salt and pepper and a few chilli flakes... 



add 2 tbsp of egg white to a bowl... 



dunk your chicken in the egg white... then the seasoned bread crumbs...



 and put on a baking tray... and spray lightly with oil...  



Bake in a pre heated oven at 180c / Gas 4 / 350F for 30 mins 



In a saucepan place... 



1 tbsp of chilli oil



1 tbsp of sweet chilli sauce



add crushed garlic... 



and the ginger.. 



I'm a bit of a wuss when it comes to grating ginger so I always cheat with this... 



Stir it on the hob till it starts to sizzle...



add your water (or stock)... 



... then the sweet freedom or honey



... 60m of vinegar ... 



and 4tbsp of 'sugar'... I used Canderel... 



chuck in a few chilli flakes or even a chopped chilli if you love a bit of heat... 
turn the heat down and let it simmer whilst you... 



CHECK YOUR CHICKEN!!! 



Pop the chicken into a bowl ... 



and drizzle your sauce over once it has reduced... 



give it a good stir so every bit of chicken is coated... 



...then dish it up! 



Sprinkle some spring onion and sesame seeds over and try not to hoover it! 



Both the 'main' and the 'starter' portion!

If you're a savoury person like me you will LOVE this! 


Choc Pot...

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OK, so I know this is already in some stores in the UK but it's not everywhere yet so sit tight! 
Before Christmas I entered a competition on the Sweet Freedom Newsletter to win a jar of their new Choc Pot that was being launched and I won! Now most of you know I'm a savoury fan but I do fall off the choccie wagon every now and then... If you've followed me on here for a while, you'll know I'm a big Choc Shot fan... it gives you that choccie fix without crying with guilt over a Kit Kat Chunky (which is 12SP FYI!)... I usually add Choc Shot to my banana pancakes, >>> HERE<<< and when I'm thinking pancakes, I'm usually craving sweet stuff and it really does the job, also drizzle a bit of the Orange Spice one over your meringue and fizzy jelly, you won't look back! Lots of people bake successfully with them too, great to add in the breakfast baked oat muffins! 



5g - 1SP
10g - 1SP
15g - 2SP
20g - 3SP
25g - 4SP
30g - 4SP



Right, the new kid on the block... so the jar is 250g so it's going to last you forever! (It keeps for 6 weeks in the fridge)... Unless you have a real addiction and then it's a different kinda meeting for YOU!





When I opened the jar there was a strong smell of cocoa... it's that lovely dark bitter chocolate smell and as I was working out the SmartPoints I left it open on my desk... moths to a flame I tell ya! It spreads easily, I even checked it again this morning from the fridge and it doesn't go rock hard when it's stored...and it melts easily (see crumpet below! yum!) ... its not the kinda spread you would sit and eat with a spoon and keep going if that makes any sense because it's such condensed flavour, and the portion size is 5g which when you taste it you'll see is plenty for that chocolate flavour... AND It's out in time for pancake season.. YAY! 




This was a 5g portion spread over a standard size crumpet and there was plenty...



For those with allergies... 



and the ingredients... 


It's already out in some stores but for my UK friends it's in ASDA from 20th Feb and in the health sections of larger Boots stores from April 3rd, but it's coming to all the major supermarkets! 

For my Irish friends its going to be stocked in Holland & Barrett and Tesco to start with, and will then filter everywhere you can get the original Choc Shot now... 



Now I know people will try to compare it to this bad boy but they're very different in taste and the thing is with WW if you want this, you can have it, just point it, simples... it's all down to how you want to spend your SmartPoints and personally I'd rather spend mine on another pancake and still get my choccie fix!  So how do the SPs work out on it? Well I've compared the two just to show the difference because there's no processed sugar in it... 



5g - 1SP
10g - 1SP
15g - 2SP
20g - 3SP
30g - 4SP



5g - 1SP
10g - 3SP
15g - 4SP
20g - 5SP
30g - 8SP


Like I said, I won this (sign up to the Sweet Freedom newsletter, they are always doing little giveaways!) and I'm just sharing the SP love! If you're a choccie fan it might be the thing that saves you driving to the 24hr garage at midnight for a Wispa (11SP) ... just me?! sigh...


How many SmartPoints in a chinese takeaway?

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Dear god if I had a euro for every time I've been asked this question I could afford lipo, a tummy tuck and a pool boy!


On the right hand side of this blog there is a column with pages listing all the the foods that I love (and you really love too!) SmartPointed... I've also left the original ProPoints lists, as I got so many requests not to delete them, so if you scroll down you'll find them there too... In these ProPoint lists are the values of takeaways... as they were given by Weight Watchers way back when ProPoints where the thing and sugar wasn't factor in the WW plan, but these were guidelines... good old common sense was to be used too!

Here's the bottom line on takeaways in my opinion, YOU are responsible for what you put in your mouth, YOU... and if you want to eat a double portion of chicken curry and claim 'Well her blog says it's 18SP and I'm still up this week so she's wrong not me' or 'my leader says it's 15SP' I'm not going to argue with you.... in fact I'm happy that you talked to you leader about it! But if you want someone to blame, then you're looking for the holy grail of losing weight by not having to work hard for it... good luck with that...




Now, before the SmartPoint police ride into town, I'm not saying you can't have a takeaway... I love a my chinese food... (I love all kinda of food, so that's my problem!)...Sweet chilli chicken is my FAV, and I've learned how to make that now and it's WAY nicer than any takeaway! >>> HERE<<<  and gimme a skewered chicken satay from my local Thai place every night of the week but you see, I'm fat! I have struggle with an eating disorder since my teens and I still  have 5/6 stone to lose  and whilst I can have it if I want, I save takeaways for treats and I have to work out the SP values based on what I see! It's the same in any restaurant... pizza in an Italian restaurant will be different to a Dominos or one you'd make yourself... a portion of battered cod will vary from chip shop to chip shop...



I usually order chicken chow mein and the first night I ordered this when SmartPoints started, I took my chow mein apart, literally... I weighed the chicken and the noodles... I was honest about how many noodles were in there no guessing and I probably did overestimate the amount of sauce but when I order it now, I whip 20SP off my weeklies... I make mayfield curry sauce whilst the delivery is on the way and have some broghies as prawn crackers and I'm happy out! But that's just my local chinese and the skewered satay from one is VASTLY different to another I order from, loads more sauce but smaller skewers and there's 3 in their portion not 2, so again I have to use common sense... they couldn't possibly both be the same SmartPoints...

So here's the low down on takeaways and why there's no definitive list of SmartPoint values for it!


1. Portion size... 

I live in the city and 3 chinese takeaways near my house, all deliver the food in different shaped boxes... there's the foil kind with the paper lid, the plastic 'I'm gonna save this and use it as a lunch box' kind (FYI these never see a sandwich, let alone your desk!) and the paper boxes 'we think we live in New York and are on an episode of Friends' kind... these all vary in size, so saying a chicken curry from all of them would be the same SmartPoints, just doesn't make ME smart to be honest... Not only does each takeaway vary but the box the rice comes in can be slightly larger or smaller that the box the curry comes in (see pic below!)... Most chinese takeaway portions are for two people but you'll only know that if YOU ask them...





2. and Portion size... 



Spring roll on the left - 2SP 
Spring roll on the right - 1SP

Exhibit 'A' your honour.... Here's two spring rolls... I know the SmartPoint values of these because I bought them in a shop with the nutritional values on the pack but HOW the ones in YOUR local chinese are cooked and what they're cooked in, can be different to these which are just baked in the oven... EG: One of my local takeaways sends 2 large veggie spring rolls and another send 3 smaller ones with duck in them... No way they could both be the same SmartPoint value... It's up to me to work out the SmartPoints in them... 



Diggers mini chicken spring roll 15g per roll - 
1 mini roll - 1 SP
2 mini rolls - 3SP
3 mini rolls - 4SP
4 mini rolls - 6SP 


Oriental Kitchen Vegetable Spring Rolls
per 50g roll - 2SP
2 veggie rolls - 4SP

3. How the food is prepared... 

This yummy bag of hot, spicy, flavoured food arrives to your front door, smelling like heaven and you never had to chop an onion... you can dish it out on plates or tuck straight into the cartons and do a DIY service! BUT who cooked it? and how? Did they use rapeseed oil? Olive oil? Did they spray the wok lightly before stir frying your food? What's the batter made from? Is everything deep fried? Is it deep fried in vegetable oil? Are there any additives in it? MSG?  How much sugar is added to your sweet & sour sauce or does it come from somewhere else that the takeaway wouldn't even know the answer to that question? These are all variables as to why each takeaway is different...

When you make a stir fry at home YOU are in control... you can add all the free veggies you like to bulk it up, you can control the amount of sauce you add and you can weigh out your protein... that doesn't happen in a takeaway... they fill up the tub from food that has been prepared and off it scoots to your house as fast as it can. and even faster into our bellies... anyone else just hoover a takeaway?! Just me?! 



I read that Weight Watchers did some research on this exact topic taking 2 different Sweet & Sour chicken dishes from 2 different takeaways... one worked out at 13SP, the other 31SP! Purely because of how it was cooked, the ingredients used and the portion sizes... Once you start making your own chinese and pizzas, nothing from a takeaway tastes as good... it's amazing how your palate changes as you eat more healthily and everything just tastes greasy... I also feel the same way about full fat milk! bleurgh...

So the answer to that age old question... 

How many SmartPoints are in a chinese takeaway?
The only person who knows is you! 



Again, for the record your honour,  I'm not against takeaways, and I'm not picking on chinese food either, no way not me... but YOU have to use your common sense when you order food and if you want the works, order it! Get chopsticks and eat it slowly to enjoy every single mouthful! You are responsible for your weight loss, so if you're like me, pick your fav takeaway... take the time to work out your fav dish and then the next time you order it you can relax knowing that you can have it and enjoy it and know you're staying within your SmartPoints!



That's a wrap!

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I love a good wrap! I do! You can mix things up very easily with different fillings and dressings, last nights dinner can be 'wrapped up' for lunch... you can toast them, use them as pizza bases or make them into 'skinny nachos' ... There's a good variety out there to choose from too but the Weight Watchers ones aren't to be found any where near my camp I'm afraid... Top tip, if you're going to freeze them, slip a piece of greaseproof paper between each one and they'll slip out of the freezer one a time very easily, only takes a couple of minutes to defrost! x



East To West Artisan Bakery, Wholemeal Flatbread Wraps
per 46g wrap - 4SP



East To West Artisan Bakery, 'Soft double later' white flatbread wraps
per 46g wrap - 4SP



Mission Deli, Original Mini wraps
per 32g wrap - 3SP



Mission Deli, Wheat & white mini wraps
per 32g wrap - 3SP



Mission Deli, Wholemeal wraps (full size)
per wrap - 6SP



LIDL, Rowan Hill Bakery, Mediterranean herb wraps
per 64g wrap - 5SP



LIDL, Rowan Hill Bakery, Plain wraps
per 64g wrap - 6SP



Tesco, White tortilla wraps
64g wrap - 6SP



Tesco, Multiseed tortilla wraps
64g wrap - 6SP



Tesco, Mediterranean herb tortilla wraps
64g wrap - 6SP



Fitzgeralds Bakery, Multiseed & cereal wraps
per 37g wrap - 4SP



Country Kitched Bakery (Now Fitzgeralds bakery) 
Multigrain wraps 
per 62g wrap - 7SP


Country Kitchen Bakery, Tomato & basil wraps
My fav for home made pizza bases! 
per 62g wrap - 6SP



Country Kitchen Bakery, Plain wraps
per 62g wrap - 6SP



Country Kitchen Bakery, Wholemeal wraps
per 62g wrap - 5SP



BFree, Multigrain wraps
per 42g wrap - 3SP



BFree, Quinoa & chia seed wraps
per 42g wrap - 3SP



BFree, Sweet potato wraps
per 42g wrap - 3SP



Country Kitchen Bakery, Kids wraps
per 40g wrap - 4SP



Dunnes Stores, Plain Tortilla wraps
per 62g wrap - 6SP



ALDI, Simply Deli-cious, Wholemeal wraps
per 64g wrap - 5SP



ALDI, Simply Deli-cious, Original wraps

per 64g wrap - 6SP



ALDI, Simply Deli-cious, Garlic wraps

per 64g wrap - 6SP



ALDI, Simply Deli-cious, 'Both in One' wraps
per 64g wrap - 6SP



Marks & Spencer, Plain tortilla wraps
per 58g wrap - 5SP




Marks & Spencer, soft tacos
per 34g taco  - 3SP



Glorious Soups

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I'm a big fan of making my own soup, I love the combinations I 'accidentally come up with when I'm clearing out the veggie drawer in the freezer... but sometimes you just get sick of the same old thing and you that old saying 'variety etc...' and you just really fancy something different... if you're not a fan of making soup, here's range worth a try, I spotted them in the fridge section in Dunnes... The tubs are 400g, so you'd get two lunches with a low SP wrap... x



Glorious SkinnyLicious Soup, Sicilian tomato & balsamic soup
per 400g tub - 6SP



Glorious SkinnyLicious Soup, New England Butternut squash
per 400g tub - 6SP



Glorious Super Soup, Brazilian Super Grain
per 400g tub - 7SP



Glorious Super Soup, Mexican Super bean & sweet potato 
per 400g tub - 6SP


Stop... and then Start!

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Get a pen and paper ... and write down everything you don't like about yourself! Go on... you're probably eye rolling thinking 'there's not enough paper in the world for THAT list!' ... we ALL hate something about ourselves... our wobbly thighs... our jelly bellies... our fat ankles... but breaking news... EVERYONE on the planet has wobbly thighs... our skin is only designed to hold all our bits inside... so everyone has them... some are just a lil bit more wobbly than others... 

But let's just think of those dreadful wobbly thighs... what did they actually do for you today today? Apart from being AWFUL to look at, and the world knowing they're there hiding under your clothes... They jumped out of bed in the middle of the night to scare the monsters from under someones bed... they got you downstairs to make breakfast for you and your loved ones... they ran around looking for that missing shoe/phone charger/set of keys... they marched you to the school gates to wave goodbye for the day... they got you to the car to get your groceries and helped you push them around the supermarket aisle after aisle... They got you some fresh air round the park with the dog... they might have run 5 miles for you this morning..  and they'll spend all day working to get you where you need to be today and hopefully do it all again tomorrow... so are they really THAT bad?! Sure they'll appreciate the rest when you get the chance but at the first drop of rain they'll get you out to the line fast... So don't be so hard on them or on you... you're amazing... and jelly bellies, fat ankles or bingo wings aside, you do amazing things so give yourself a bit of love today! 

It's Valentines week so it's a love fest out there people... brace yourselves... but start with you... be grateful for all the amazing things you can do... and show yourself a bit of lurve... 


Can you do it?

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It's that whingy time of year isn't it? Christmas is LONG gone... summer seems like ages away and the motivation we had on January 1st seems to have gone back into hibernation! This is the time of year when a lot of people give up and think they' can't do it... It's too cold to go for a walk... it's raining, honestly if you live in Ireland and the rain is a surprise there's no hope for you... I'll just have one scone / biscuit / bag of crisps and I'll start again tomorrow... 

Give yourself the benefit of the doubt and keep trying... this time DON'T say I CAN'T do it... 

You CAN! You already did of the first month of 2017, but because you're not a size 10 and at goal already your mind is telling you to quit and give up on your health, stamina, confidence... 
Keep trying!

Believe in you and you'll get there because you CAN! 



Pancake day!

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We're on the home run for pancake day! *squeals* If you've no time to make them, if you're not handy with a frying pan or just can't be bothered making batter... here's some of the ready made pancakes (most are the American style ones not the crepe ones) you'll spot out and about in the shops... remember these don't include your fav toppings!




Gráinne's Tea Room, large pancakes
per 62g pancake - 6SP



Gráinne's Tea Room, Pancakes
per 35g pancake - 3SP



ALDI, Dessert Menu, Sweet Pancakes
per 63g pancake - 7SP



LIDL, Connell Bakery, Buttermilk pancakes 
per 35g pancake - 3SP
2 x  - 6SP



LIDL, Connell Bakery, Buttermilk Mini Pancakes
per 20g mini pancake - 2SP
2 x pancakes - 3SP
3 x pancakes - 5SP
4 x pancakes - 6SP



LIDL, Just Free, Gluten free pancakes  
per 40g pancake - 4SP



Tesco Own brand pancakes 
per 40g pancake - 4SP
2 x 40g pancakes - 8SP
3 x 40g pancakes - 13SP



Tesco, Mini Pancakes
per 16g pancake - 2 SP
2 x 16g pancakes - 3SP
3 x 16g pancakes - 5SP
4 x 16g pancakes - 7SP



Hovis Pancakes 
per 38g pancake - 4SP



Pat The Baker Pancakes
per pancake - 4SP


Sunblest, Pancakes
per pancake - 4SP




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