Your Low-Calorie Meal Plan for September
Updated: Sep. 20, 2023Yes, you can indulge in fall comfort food and eat healthy. Help yourself to a month's worth of cozy entrees, all under 300 calories each.
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Day 1: Apple Chicken Stew
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 284 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 533mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
1 cup: 284 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 533mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
My husband and I enjoy visiting the apple orchards in nearby Nebraska City. We always make sure to buy extra cider to use in this sensational slow-cooked stew. —Carol Mathias, Lincoln, Nebraska
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Day 2: Turkey Tenderloin and Root Veggie Sheet-Pan Supper
Nutrition Facts
3 ounces cooked turkey with 2/3 cup vegetables: 238 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
3 ounces cooked turkey with 2/3 cup vegetables: 238 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
My family loves this turkey sheet-pan dinner. I used ingredients I had on hand, including bacon, which lends a nice smoky flavor. It's so quick and easy to prepare. —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
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Day 3: Baked Chicken Chimichangas
Nutrition Facts
1 chimichanga: 269 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 613mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
1 chimichanga: 269 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 613mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
I developed this quick and easy recipe through trial and error. I used to garnish it with sour cream, too, but I eliminated it in order to lighten the recipe. My friends all love it when I cook these chimichangas, and they're much healthier than deep-fried. —Rickey Madden, Clinton, South Carolina
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Day 4: Meatless Chili Mac
Nutrition Facts
1-1/4 cups: 206 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
1-1/4 cups: 206 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
I came across this recipe in a newspaper years ago and it’s been a hit at our house ever since. It’s fast and flavorful, and it appeals to all ages. —Cindy Ragan, North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
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Day 5: Slow-Cooker Country Captain Chicken
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 298 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
1 cup: 298 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
Legend has it that the recipe for country captain chicken was brought to Georgia in the early 1800s by a British sea captain. Although it's traditional to serve this over rice, it's also delicious with noodles or mashed potatoes. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
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Day 6: Fall Vegetable Sloppy Joes
Nutrition Facts
1 sandwich: 275 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 526mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
1 sandwich: 275 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 526mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
I make this dish in the fall and sneak grated vegetables into the sloppy joe mixture, which is especially good for children who don’t like to eat their vegetables! Just walk away and let the slow cooker do all the work. Top the filling with a little shredded cheese before serving. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
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Day 7: Maple Mustard Chicken
Nutrition Facts
1 chicken breast half: 289 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 296mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein.
1 chicken breast half: 289 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 296mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein.
My husband loves this chicken dish. It calls for only five ingredients, and we try to have them all on hand for a delicious and cozy dinner anytime. —Jennifer Seidel, Midland, Michigan
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Day 8: Sassy Pot Roast
Nutrition Facts
3 ounces cooked beef: 243 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 443mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
3 ounces cooked beef: 243 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 443mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
I love walking into my home after a long day and smelling this lovely pot roast. You can add potatoes and carrots to round out the meal, and the leftover meat makes a comforting soup for the next night. —Susan Burkett, Monroeville, Pennsylvania
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Day 9: Chunky Chicken Cacciatore
Nutrition Facts
1 serving: 285 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 507mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
1 serving: 285 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 507mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
This healthy pasta recipe is so versatile! Look in your fridge for anything else you want to throw in, like red pepper, mushrooms, extra zucchini—you name it. And if you're a vegetarian, go ahead and leave out the chicken. —Stephanie Loaiza, Layton, Utah
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Day 10: Italian Mushroom Meat Loaf
Nutrition Facts
1 piece: 261 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 509mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
1 piece: 261 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 509mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
Healthful oats and flaxseed amp up the nutrition in this tasty meat loaf. —Kylie Werning, Candler, North Carolina
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Day 11: Chicken Jambalaya
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 285 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 654mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat.
1 cup: 285 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 654mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat.
This is a great easy chicken jambalaya recipe. It's great to serve at parties and it reheats well after! —Lynn Desjardins, Atkinson, New Hampshire
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Day 12: Broccoli Tuna Casserole
Nutrition Facts
1-1/4 cups: 271 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
1-1/4 cups: 271 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
When I was in the Navy, a co-worker's wife shared this recipe with me. I’ve tweaked it over the years, but it still brings back memories of my "family" away from home. —Yvonne Cook, Haskins, Ohio
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Day 13: Chicken Mushroom Stew
Nutrition Facts
1-1/3 cups: 237 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 82mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
1-1/3 cups: 237 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 82mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
The flavors blend beautifully in this pot of chicken, vegetables and herbs as it simmers slowly. —Kenny Van Rheenen, Mendota, Illinois
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Day 14: All-Day Red Beans & Rice
Nutrition Facts
2/3 cup bean mixture with 2/3 cup rice: 297 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 441mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 12g fiber), 17g protein
2/3 cup bean mixture with 2/3 cup rice: 297 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 441mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 12g fiber), 17g protein
My family loves New Orleans-style cooking, so I make this authentic dish often. I appreciate how uncomplicated it is. And its smoky ham flavor is scrumptious. —Celinda Dahlgren, Napa, California
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Day 15: Apple-Dijon Pork Roast
Nutrition Facts
3 ounces cooked pork with about 2 tablespoons gravy: 197 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 413mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
3 ounces cooked pork with about 2 tablespoons gravy: 197 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 413mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
This recipe takes just minutes to assemble and is delicious. I like to serve the roast with rice, then use the tangy sauce as a gravy for both. —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
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Day 16: Tender Salsa Beef
Nutrition Facts
1/2 cup beef mixture with 1/2 cup rice : 259 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
1/2 cup beef mixture with 1/2 cup rice : 259 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
This is my Mexican-style twist on comfort food. To keep it kid-friendly, use mild salsa. —Stacie Stamper, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina
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Day 17: Pressure-Cooker Pork Chops
Nutrition Facts
1 pork chop with 1/3 cup gravy: 257 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 606mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1.500 fat, 0.500 starch.
1 pork chop with 1/3 cup gravy: 257 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 606mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1.500 fat, 0.500 starch.
Everyone will enjoy these fork-tender pork chops with a creamy, light gravy. Serve with a green vegetable, mashed potatoes or a salad. —Sue Bingham, Madisonville, Tennessee
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Day 18: Chicken and Vegetable Curry Couscous
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 273 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
1 cup: 273 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
For my busy family, a semi-homemade one-pot meal is the best way to get dinner done in a hurry. Use your favorite blend of frozen veggies and serve this dish with toasted pita bread for smiles all around. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba
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Day 19: Sneaky Turkey Meatballs
Nutrition Facts
2 meatballs: 125 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 370mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat.
2 meatballs: 125 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 370mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat.
Like most kids, mine refuse to eat certain veggies. In order to feed them healthy foods, I have to be sneaky sometimes. The veggies give these meatballs a pleasing texture while providing valuable nutrients—and I’m happy to say my kids love ’em. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
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Day 20: Apricot Crab Stuffed Acorn Squash
Nutrition Facts
1 serving: 217 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 794mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
1 serving: 217 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 794mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
This light squash recipe is quick, simple and bursting with rich flavors. It looks so elegant when served on a lovely platter. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
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Day 21: Shredded Green Chile Beef
Nutrition Facts
1 cup beef mixture: 278 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
1 cup beef mixture: 278 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
This Tex-Mex pulled beef roast is tender, slightly spicy, juicy and so delicious served over mashed potatoes or rice. The beef also makes the best soft tacos you’ve ever had. Save any leftover pulled beef in the liquid to prevent it from drying out. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
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Day 22: Spicy Shrimp with Rice
Nutrition Facts
1 serving: 273 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 425mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
1 serving: 273 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 425mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
No one will doubt that “light” cooking can be tasty when you put a helping of this zippy shrimp in front of them. The seafood is seasoned just right with garlic, pepper and hot sauce. —Jeannie Klugh, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
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Day 23: Couscous Meatball Soup
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 202 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 583mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
1 cup: 202 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 583mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
This soup will warm you up and takes just 25 minutes of prep time, making it a perfect weeknight meal. —Jonathan Pace, San Francisco, California
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Day 24: Tuscan Pork Stew
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 235 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 548mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 0.500 fat.
1 cup: 235 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 548mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 0.500 fat.
Tender chunks of pork slowly cook in a nicely seasoned, wine-infused sauce. Add some crushed red pepper flakes to this pork stew for a little extra kick. —Penny Hawkins, Mebane, North Carolina
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Day 25: Glazed Rosemary Pork
Nutrition Facts
4 ounces cooked pork: 255 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 194mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 4 lean meat, 1 fat.
4 ounces cooked pork: 255 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 194mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 4 lean meat, 1 fat.
A honey-rosemary glaze delicately seasons pork tenderloin in this delightful entree. As elegant as it is easy, the main course is ideal for weekend dinner parties and weeknight suppers alike. —Barbara Sistrunk, Fultondale, Alabama
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Day 26: East Coast Shrimp and Lentil Bowls
Nutrition Facts
1 serving: 289 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 645mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
1 serving: 289 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 645mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
If you have frozen shrimp, a few seasoning ingredients, bagged spinach and lentils on hand, you can make this dish in no time. It’s so delicious—nobody needs to know that it’s healthy too! —Mary Kay LaBrie, Clermont, Florida
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Day 27: Fiery Stuffed Poblanos
Nutrition Facts
1 stuffed pepper: 223 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 579mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
1 stuffed pepper: 223 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 579mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
I love Southwest-inspired cuisine, but the dishes are often unhealthy. As a dietitian, I try to come up with nutritious twists on recipes, which is how my stuffed peppers dish was born. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
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Day 28: Roast Pork Soup
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 206 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 meat, 1 vegetable.
1 cup: 206 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 meat, 1 vegetable.
This well-seasoned, satisfying soup has a rich, full-bodied broth brimming with potatoes, navy beans and tender chunks of pork. It’s been a family favorite for years. Served with cornbread, it’s one of our comfort foods in winter. —Sue Gulledge, Springville, Alabama
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Day 30: Pastry-Topped Turkey Casserole
Nutrition Facts
1 serving: 280 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 696mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
1 serving: 280 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 696mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
My friends tell me this is the best potpie they've ever had. Hearty and full-flavored, my comforting classic never lets on that it’s also low in fat and a good source of fiber. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Originally Published: August 11, 2020
