Dark Chocolate Protein Mousse

Dark Chocolate Protein Mousse Under 200 Calories

I am a sucker for decadent chocolate desserts, but most of them pack a calorie punch straight to the midsection.  In my book, Choices Coach: Weight Loss Menu Guide, I share my 150-Calorie Mocha Protein Pudding recipe.  This is pretty much the same recipe, but I used Dark Chocolate Almond Milk instead of original to make it a little richer and more indulgent.  It's still pretty low-cal (under 200 calories), but if you make it for dinner guests they will think you spoiled them with a high-calorie treat.  Plus it is super fast and easy to make!

Ingredients

2 scoops (1/2 cup) Big Train Fit Frappe Mocha Protein Powder
1/2 cup Dark Chocolate Almond Milk
1/2 tsp. Instant Espresso Powder (optional)
1/4 cup Raspberries or Strawberries, fresh

Combine the protein powder, almond milk, and espresso powder in a blender. Mix until well blended. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge until ready to eat. Garnish with fresh berries or whipped cream.

Choices Coach Dark Chocolate Mousse 21.8g Protein

Nutrition Facts

Calories 195, Total Fat 5g, Total Carbohydrate 35g, Fiber 7.6g, Sugars 8.5g, Protein 21.8g

Fit > Skinny,

Sara

KalorieBox Review

 

 

First off I just have to confess that I didn't last very long as a pescatarian.  Since my husband can't eat fish it was really hard for us to have a meal together.  The good news is that I have significantly reduced my consumption of red meat.  I'm probably down to eating it once or twice a week at most.   I'm eating a lot more fish and poultry.  Now that I have that out of the way, on with the review.  

 

One of the perks of blogging is that occasionally people may offer you free products to review.  I officially received my first freebie.  The company KalorieBox offers a service where they ship you delicious low-calorie snacks to sample on a monthly basis.  They ship everywhere in the United States and Canada.  They sent me a box of snacks, and they were delicious.  The box they sent me contained a bottle of Hint water, Plentils crunchy lentil chips, 2 packages of Fit Frappe, 2 packages of Simply Snackin' Jerky, and a bottle of Stubb's Original Bar-B-Q Sauce.   

 

 

 

The Hint water is a refreshing, zero-calorie water that just has a hint of flavor.  The bottle they sent me was pomegranate-tangerine.  It's all natural with no sugar or artificial sweeteners.  Hint is a great alternative to soda or artificially sweetened beverages.  

 

 

 

When I first tried the Plentils I felt like they were just okay. However, I kept finding myself reaching back in the bag for more chips.  They totally grew on me, and I would definitely get them again.  Plentils are crunchy lentil chips that are gluten-free and free of the 8 common allergens (wheat, soy, tree nuts, egg, peanuts, shellfish, fish, and dairy).  They contain no artificial ingredients, no saturated fat, and no trans fat.  One package is only 100 calories.  

 

I'm probably the most excited about the Fit Frappe.  KalorieBox sent me two different flavors, Vanilla Latte and Mocha.  It comes in a powder form and you mix it with water.  A 16 oz. serving contains 20 g of protein and is only 130 calories.  It's gluten-free and full of vitamins and minerals.  It contains less than 1 g of sugar.  It also contains 5 g of fiber.  The Vanilla Latte didn't really taste like coffee so I added some instant espresso powder to it, and then it was quite good.  The Mocha was amazing.  It tasted just as good as an iced mocha from Starbucks.  I definitely recommend it.  I'm going to have to get more.

 

 

The Simply Snackin' jerky that came in my KalorieBox was 60 calories per serving.  I tried Teriyaki Dried Chicken Breast with Mangoes and Papaya and Teriyaki Dried Beef Sirloin with Pineapples.  I must tell you that I am not a big jerky fan.  However, this jerky was different.  It wasn't as tough as other jerky brands tend to be.  Also, it was almost kind of juicy for jerky if that makes any sense.

 

 

The second best item in the box was the Stubb's Original Bar-B-Q Sauce.  I live in Kansas City, and around here we take barbecue pretty seriously.  Stubb's is a Texas barbecue sauce, and Texans are serious about barbecue too.  This barbecue sauce was delicious!  The sauce is tangy, peppery, and has just the right amount of vinegar.  The best part is that it's only 30 calories for 2 tablespoons.  It would be great on pulled pork or leftover turkey..

I'd like to thank Michael from KalorieBox for asking me to review their service and for introducing me to these delicious low-calorie snacks.  I think the service is well worth the price.  I hadn't tried any of these products before, and I probably never would have heard of them if it wasn't for KalorieBox.

 

If you are interested in the service you can subscribe to one of 3 plans (monthly, 3 months, and 6 months). Plans start at $17/month for the 6 months, $21 for 3 months, and $25 for monthly. Once subscribed, they ship out your box on the 15th of each month. Each month, the box will contain a different set of low calorie options for you to try. And, for each box they send out, they donate a meal to a child in need. How nice is that!  For more information you can check out the How it Works page on their website (https://kaloriebox.com/HowitWorks) and FAQ Page (https://kaloriebox.com/FAQ). 

 

 

Easy 150 Calorie Desserts

Betty Crocker Warm Delights Minis

 
I must admit I do not always crave dessert, but when I do have a sweet tooth I indulge it during my mid-afternoon snack.  I always save around 150 calories for my snack.  Normally I try to make a smart choice that offers a balance of carbs, fat, protein, and fiber.  However, every once in awhile that goes completely out the window to satisfy a craving.

There are several portion-controlled, low-calorie dessert options available at the grocery store.  The following is a list of some of my favorite options.  If your grocer doesn't carry a product on the list that interests you, then make a request!  Be sure to share your favorite low-cal desserts in the comments.

The Betty Crocker Minis are generally located in the baking aisle.  They are super easy to make.  You just follow the instructions and nuke 'em.

Betty Crocker Warm Delights Minis Molten Chocolate Cake 150  My Favorite!!!!

Betty Crocker Warm Delights Minis Molten Caramel Cake 150

Betty Crocker Warm Delights Minis Decadent Dark Chocolate 150

The Skinny Cow and Smart Ones desserts are generally available in the frozen ice cream/dessert section.

Skinny Cow Ice Cream Snack Cups, Assorted Flavors 150 to 170

Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches, Assorted Flavors 140 to 160

Skinny Cow Ice Cream Cones, Assorted Flavors 150

Skinny Cow Ice Cream Bars, Assorted Flavors 100

Skinny Cow Mini Fudge Pops 40

Smart Ones Smart Delights Brownie A La Mode 130

Smart Ones Smart Delights Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Sundae 140

Smart Ones Smart Delights Chocolate Fudge Brownie Sundae 140

Smart Ones Smart Delights Key Lime Pie 150

Smart Ones Smart Delights Peanut Butter Cup Sundae 140

Smart Ones Smart Delights Strawberry Shortcake 120

Smart Ones Smart Delights Turtle Sundae 140

Bunches of Low-Calorie Snack Options

Purchase Chocolate Covered Strawberries

There are lots of 100-calorie snack packs out there, but a lot of them aren't very satisfying, because they are either high sugar or low on fiber carbohydrates.  I'm not saying you should not indulge in the occasional 100-calorie snack pack of sweets, however there are some other snack options that are more satiating.  The key to a satisfying snack is balance.  Look for high fiber options, protein, and the presence of a small amount of fat.  Here are a few of my ideas.  Please feel free to add on your low-calorie snack ideas in the comments.

1 Medium Chocolate Covered Strawberry    23
Low Carb Protein Shake    120
Total Calories    143


4 Medium Chocolate Covered Strawberries  92 Calories

8 Large Organic Strawberries    46
Sugar-Free Chocolate Pudding Cup    60
Total Calories    106
   
   
Yoplait Delights Chocolate Raspberry Parfait    100
10 Organic Raspberries    10
Total Calories    110
   
   
6 oz of Melon, fresh (on Avg.)    60
Yoplait Honey Vanilla Nonfat Greek Yogurt    100
Total Calories    160
   
   
1 Medium Organic Apple    95
2 tsp. Natural Creamy Peanut Butter    59
Total Calories    154
   
   
1 cup Pineapple, fresh    83
1 wedge Laughing Cow Light Swiss Cheese    35
Total Calories    118
   
   
1 Small Pear    81
6 Praline Pecans    85
Total Calories    166
   
   
7 Almonds, raw    49
Flavored Nonfat Yogurt (on Avg. 6 oz.)    100
Total Calories    149
   
   
Yoplait Delights Creme Caramel    100
1/2 Medium Organic Apple    47
Total Calories    147
   
   
Yoplait Delights Triple Berry Creme    100
1/2 Cup Organic Blueberries    41
Total Calories    141
   
   
Yoplait Delights Lemon Torte    100
1 Clementine    35
Total Calories    135
   
   
1 Medium Banana (about 4.2 oz)    105
1 tsp. Natural Creamy Peanut Butter    31
Total Calories    136
   
   
1 Cup Watermelon    46
Flavored Nonfat Yogurt (on Avg. 6 oz.)    100
Total Calories    146
   
   
2 Cups of Water Melon    92 Calories
   
   
1 Large Banana, 4.8 oz.    121
4 Almonds, raw    28
Total Calories    149
   
   
8 Cherries, fresh    41
0.5 oz of 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate    78
Total Calories    119
   
   
1 Cup Grapes    104
   
   
1 Cup Organic Mixed Berries, Frozen    70
2 Tbsp. Cool Whip Free    15
Total Calories    85
   
   
1 Medium Plum (3.5 oz)    45 Calories
     
   
1 Large Peach (6 oz.)    65
2 Tbsp. Cool Whip Free    15
1 tsp. Cinnamon   
Total Calories    80
   
   
1/2 cup Cucumber, raw with peel    8
1 oz. Feta, Crumbled    75
1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes, fresh, raw    13
1 Tbsp. Reduced Fat Italian Dressing or 10 sprays from a Spritzer    11
Total Calories    107
   
   
1 Cup Cauliflower, raw (3.5 oz)    25
3 oz. Baby Carrots, raw    30
2 Tbsp. Reduced-Fat Ranch Dressing    66
Total Calories    121
   
   
1 Cup Chopped Broccoli, raw (3.2 oz)    31
1 Cup Cauliflower, Raw (3.5 oz)    25
2 Tbsp. Reduced-Fat Ranch Dressing    66
Total Calories    122
   
   
3 oz. Baby Carrots, raw    30
1 Medium 12" Celery Stalk    9
2 Tbsp. Reduced-Fat Ranch Dressing    66
Total Calories    105
   
   
3 oz. Baby Carrots, raw    30
1 Medium 12" Celery Stalk    9
2 Tbsp Hummus    50
Total Calories    89
   
   
1 Small Whole Wheat Pita (4" diameter, 1 oz.)    74
2 Tbsp Hummus    50
Total Calories    124
   
   
1/2 cup Cucumber, raw with peel    8
1/2 Large Red or Yellow Pepper    21
3 Tbsp Hummus    75
Total Calories    104
   
   
1 Medium 12" Celery Stalk    9
1 Tbsp. Creamy Natural Peanut Butter    90
Total Calories    99
   
   
1 Medium 12" Celery Stalk    9
2 Tbsp. Whipped Cream Cheese    70
Total Calories    79
   
   
1 Whole Wheat Mini Bagel    120
1 Tbsp. Whipped Cream Cheese    35
Total Calories    155
   
   
2 Jalapenos (stuffed and baked with the following)    8.4
2 Tbsp. Whipped Cream Cheese    70
1 Tbsp. Real Bacon Bits (0.2 oz)    25
Total Calories    103.4
   
   
10 Edamame Pods, boiled    30
2 oz. Smoked Salmon    66
1 Tbsp. Soy Sauce for dipping    11
Wasabi Powder    1
Total Calories    108
   
   
2 oz. Roast Beef Deli Meat    90
1 tsp. Horseradish, jar    2
1 Tbsp Light Mayo    35
4 Asparagus Spears, blanched (wrap with the beef and sauce)    13
Total Calories    140
   
   
8 Tortilla Chips    105
2 Tbsp. Tostitos Salsa Con Queso, jar    40
Total Calories    145
   
   
12 Tortilla Chips    140
2 Tbsp. Salsa (on Avg.)    15
Total Calories    155
   
   
20 Baked Kettle Chips, Lightly salted    120 Calories
   
   
20 Baked Kettle Chips, Aged White Cheddar    120 Calories
   
   
20 Baked Kettle Chips, Hickory Honey Barbecue    120 Calories


1 wedge Laughing Cow Light Swiss Cheese    35
16 Reduced-fat Wheat Thins   130
Total Calories   165


1 Mini Babybel Light    50
1 Medium Organic Apple    95
Total Calories    145


1 Mini Babybel Light    50
8 Reduced-fat Wheat Thins    65
Total Calories    115