In honor of Friday, I want to do a bit of a “throwback” to what made my blog popular back in the beginning (circa 2011).
If you read my blog the first time around, you may see a bit of a difference. Now that I’m living the “real world life” with a nice little kitchen and house, I’m cooking “real meals.” Those meals usually contain a lot of fresh ingredients and a lot less processed foods than before.
Back in NYC, sometimes it was just easier to go the processed, pre-packaged route. When you’re getting home at 10:00 at night from work, the last thing you want to do is make a nice little homemade meal. You want something quick, tasty and easy. That’s where the concept of Wacky Food Combos came from. Throw a couple of unlikely foods together and BAM, you’ve got yourself a meal or snack.
As horrible as the photography was, and as weird as the combinations were, my first Wacky Food Combos post was a hit. I was surprised at how many bloggers related to the post, but now I understand. As healthy living bloggers, we’re constantly testing the boundaries of food, experimenting to see what healthy combinations we can throw together and still make good food.
So, today, I’m going to feature some of my favorite Wacky Food Combos, and I hope that in turn, you’ll share yours with me. Let’s start a “culinary revolution!” (others might call it something else…but let’s go with it). As a bonus, I’ve also got a crazy Kickboxing + Strength 15 Minute Combo workout to share with you. Step 1: Try one of these Wacky Food Combos. Step 2: Burn it off with this wacky workout!
Wacky Food Combo #1: Greek Yogurt + Pudding Mix = Decadent Mousse
Perfect For: Convincing yourself or kids that you’re eating a healthy desert.
So wrong but it feels so right…
This is one of my all-time favorites. Simply combine greek yogurt with some pudding mix, and voila, you’ve got a nice, dense protein-packed dessert. Use as little or as much flavoring as you want. If you’re anti-chemicals, I get it. Use the full sugar stuff – it works the same. You can use any greek yogurt, but Fage is the creamiest one on the market, so it’s the best for this combo. Serve it to your kids and fool them into thinking they are eating something super decadent.
Instant pistachio and chocolate mousse…with a protein punch!
Wacky Food Combo #2: Pumpkin + Brownie Mix = 100 Calorie Fudgy Brownies
Perfect For: The chocolate lover who doesn’t want to stop at one brownie
It can’t be this easy…
I’ve known this trick for years. Simply mix 1 box brownie mix of your choice (the BF likes dark chocolate) with 1 can of pure pumpkin. Spoon evenly into a 9X9 pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool in the fridge for a bout 10 minutes, and you’ve got yourself some tasty brownies, which when cut about the size you see in this picture, will be about 100 calories. They’ll be much denser than regular brownies, and the pumpkin will eat up a little bit of that chocolate flavor. BUT, they’re a damn good alternative to regular brownies, which generally have about 270 – 300 calories and 8 – 10 grahams of fat.
100 calorie brownies, comin’ right up!
Wacky Food Combo #3: Canned Peaches + Oatmeal = 3 Minute Peach Cobbler
Perfect For: When you’re desperate for a treat during a late night at the office, and you’re digging through your snack drawer…
Let’s make some late night magic happen!
This Wacky Food Combo was definitely born out of 1 to many late nights at an NYC PR Firm. I always had oatmeal at my desk, and I also went through a phase where I loved canned peaches. The microwave was actually closer to my office than the kitchen with the full sink. SO, one crazy night, feeling lazy and not wanting to go to the other side of the office for some water to make oatmeal, I combined the peaches with about 1/4 cup of oatmeal. A few minutes later, I pulled it out of the microwave, and I was shocked! I had unintentionally made myself an instant peach cobbler.
Oh, so many brilliant ideas came out of my late nights at the office.
You can top with whipped cream…I won’t tell anyone!
Wacky Food Combo #4: Pretzels + Cream Cheese = Better than Mustard
Perfect For: If you’re tired of the ol’ mustard/pretzel combo
Come on fishies…swim to your cream cheese!
Pretzels have always been and will always be my favorite snack (though currently Pretzel Goldfish have topped Rold Gold). When you eat something nearly every day of your life, you start to experiment. Over the years, I’ve probably dipped pretzels in everything from ranch dressing (ew) to ketchup (eh), hummus (yum) and everything in between. However, nothing ever tastes as good as dipping my little pretzels in a tub of cream cheese. The creaminess combines with the salty carbs for a combo that can’t be beat.
I don’t normally immerse the fishies in the cream cheese. It was just for the picture!
Wacky Food Combo #5: Broccoli Slaw + Honey Mustard + Greek Yogurt = Sweet n’ Savory Faux Slaw
Perfect For: Last minute picnic dish; lazy lunch
Well…what do we have here?
Pre-packaged broccoli slaw is absolutely delicious. If you haven’t tried it, you should. It doesn’t have quite the “bite” of cabbage, so when you mix it with condiments and spices, the flavors really come through. Combine about 1/4 cup honey mustard (or more if you like it sweet) 1 small greek yogurt and the slaw. Add in a little salt, pepper and any other spices (I love curry) to taste. This slaw makes great picnic fare -you can even add in some tuna or egg whites for more of a protein kick.
Made with love…indeed!
Wacky Food Combo #6: Jello + Cottage Cheese = Fruity Protein Delight
Perfect For: A night home watching Real Housewives of some city
Oh, no you didn’t…
I saved the weirdest for last…just in case I scared you away. If you’re still around, then this probably won’t phase you. I’ve always loved cottage cheese and put it on practically everything: potatoes, salads, even soups! Again, I went through a phase where I loved Jello. One of the many nights I spent on my couch watching a shameless reality tv marathon, I decided to combine the two. I had no idea it would be so delicious! The creaminess of the cottage cheese complements the fruitiness of the jello, and it’s a very filling desert. I’m not saying it’s the healthiest thing ever. I have no idea what they ACTUALLY put in Jello, but it’s sure a lot better than housing a pint of Ben and Jerry’s ya’ll.
Oh, yes I DID!
Wacky Food Combo #7: Caramel Rice Cakes + Light Butter + Light Syrup = Gluten Free Pancakes
Perfect For: The unconventional Sometimes Healthy Girl
All the makings of a tasty treat…
I brought this one back from the original Wacky Food Combos, but I modified the I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Spray for light butter. I know I once raved about this stuff her on the SHLB, but after reading the ingredients closely, I really couldn’t justify eating it. See, I DO have my limits. Anyway, if ever you want a snack that tastes like pancakes and is relatively healthy, then this combo is for you. Top the rice cakes with about 1 tbsp of butter and about 1 tbsp of syrup. Zap in the microwave for 30 seconds and top with Reddi Whip if you’re crazy like me. You know how pancakes absorb the syrup and taste all sweet and delicious? Well, the rice cakes do the same thing. Plus, they’re gluten free, which is so hot right now.
Not bad for a 30 second snack.
So, there ya have it!
If you’re all about “eating clean,” then these combos probably aren’t for you. But, if you’re not afraid of a couple of pre-packaged foods, then these delightful goodies might just blow your mind. At the end of the day, whether you’re working a demanding job, caring for three children or simply pursuing your dreams, we’re all busy. And, sometimes, we need some quick and easy solutions for throwing together some good food. For those times, there are Wacky Food Combos.
Since you’re probably going to eat all of these treats after reading this post, I thought I would supply you with my latest and greatest workout. I’m very excited about this full body workout, as it combines both kickboxing AND strength training. AND, in the spirit of crazy combinations, each strength training move involves a combination, so you’ll always be on your toes. With all of the kicking, punching and combos, these 15 minutes will just fly by!
If you need any help understanding the moves, check out the blog, Blonde Ponytail. She’s a fellow Nebraskan and certified personal trainer who does a great job of breaking down workouts.
Well, I’m pretty sure I’ve given you more than enough to “chew” on this dreary Friday. It’s pouring here in the Hudson Valley, so I’m headed to the gym. Let me know if you use this workout – hope you liked it as much as I did.
YOUR TURN:
Share your favorite WACKY FOOD COMBO!! Remember, this is a safe space. You can share anything, and I won’t judge 🙂
I am LOVING the sound of that brownie/pumpkin combo! That is genius and sounds SO easy. I cannot wait to try that!
Yay! Hope ya like it 🙂
LOVE the Pumpkin + Brownie Mix idea .. I think I might give it a try when I get home from work tonight actually! I also think the combo of Greek Yogurt + Pudding Mix is awesome! 🙂
I promise neither combo will disappoint. So simple and delicious.
I love your genius food combos! Ah, wish you were in NE–would be fun to connect!!
I agree- hopefully one time when I visit, we can meet up. I LOVE your blog.
LOVE this! You should work for Hungry Girl lol!
hahaha I used to really enjoy her site. Still do, but some of the stuff is a bit too processed for me!
I’m the queen of the “wacky food” combos!! My family cringes at the sight of half of the things I eat. Fruit with sunbutter, weird ingredient scrambles, the list goes on and on.
Know the feeling. Just need to embrace it, girlfriend. haha
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I really like your professional meals combos! Thanks foe discuss….