BUNLESS BBQ SEASON! Oh yeah!

Navigating through summer parties can be challenging. Either you decline all invitations until you lose all the weight or you enjoy yourself and simply avoid the breads, pasta salads, potato salads and junk food.

Last night I was at such a party and I had a great time! Before dinner I was surrounded by chips and dip and Cheetohs and crackers... I held out for two pieces of cheese without the cracker.

For dinner I enjoyed a beef burger patty, without the bun, a thin slice of smoked pork and a Mexican flavored salad composed of greens and ground venison (Bambi). Awesome. Did I feel deprived as I chatted with friends? Not at all?

I went to this party fully prepared. Earlier in the day I had a very hearty breakfast and a late lunch. Just before putting on my lipstick I ate 5 large black olives and I arrived at the party without an appetite. So the couple of hours usually spent nibbling on appetizers held no appeal for me. When dinner came I was a bit hungry but not ravenous, so my portion was very small and I was done.

I did indulge in a few cocktails, which while on the Induction Phase of the Atkins program is a no-no. However I didn't beat myself up over it..it was a lovely treat. Period. Life goes on.  :o)

Here's the recipe for the hearty lunch I made reference to:


TUNA MELT CASSEROLE
Serves 2
5.5 grams carbs
550 calories

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tins tuna
• 1 tbsp finely chopped onion
• 3 tbsp finely chopped celery (1 short stalk)
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• Non-stick spray
• Freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 tomato finely chopped (I like to remove the seeds)
• 2oz old cheddar
• 2 crisp bacon strips, crumbled

DIRECTIONS:

• In a bowl, mix together the tuna, onion, celery and mayonnaise.
• Spray 2 individual, ovenproof dishes with non-stick spray.
• Divide the tuna mixture evenly between the two dishes.
• Top with equal amounts of  tomato, cheese and bacon in that order.
• Bake at 325F for 20 minutes on middle rack of the oven.
• Broil for 3 minutes.

Enjoy.  My husband raved about it!
Atkins: The Complete Cookbook