I know what you are thinking when you look at the picture – Where’s the cheese? Cheese is not the dieter’s friend. Mostly it is really high in fat. So the amount of cheese I’ve eaten in the last year is minuscule. I’ve had to ask myself, what is it that cheese adds to a dish that I like. And the answer is salty flavor. So instead of using actual parmesan, I just sprinkle some salt on top. Zero calories.

John made the chicken in his usual way searing both sides and the edges and then popping it in a low oven until it read 155 degrees on the thermapen. I doctored up some jarred sauce with some fresh oregano and red pepper flakes. I also put the pepper flakes and the fresh oregano in the broccoli. We boiled up a few ounces of whole wheat penne and assembled the dish.

I am trying to make this week more interesting. Fish tacos, chicken parmesan and, tonight, chili. After being on this diet for 50 weeks, I am getting tired of the same old thing. Hopefully these dinners will keep me on track.

Chicken parmesan, penne and broccoli

My portion size was three ounces of chicken, 2 oz. (uncooked) of penne, 1/2 cup of sauce, and 1+ cups of broccoli.