You have to try my Coq! – 510 Cal
Before you wonder if you’ve hit a porn site, the line comes from the hit series “Emily in Paris” where Chef Gabrielle invites the young American upstart to try his Coq. Lots of laughter from the innuendo but it inspired me to search for my own Coq au Vin recipe that wasn’t overly caloric. In…
Read MoreChicken Francese – 466 cal
It’s an Italian-American lemon chicken classic with a twist. And even though it’s high in calories, offset the meal by a side of lettuce and vinegar dressing. The potatoes add about 100 so if you had a low lunch, you’ll be okay with the meal as pictures. The twist is that the egg is on…
Read MoreHalloumi Treat – 316 cal
Okay, so Halloumi Cheese isn’t the best thing when you’re on a diet. Any cheese is going to be high in fat, and therefore, high in calories. But if you partake carefully and combine it with a simple salad, you could get away with it for a perfect snack. I love this salty, chewy, slow…
Read MorePork Medallions in Mushroom Gravy – 387 cal
Veal Medallions is a popular dish for higher-end restaurants, especially Italian ones. Using Pork is a cheaper way to achieve a similar taste without losing the texture associated with veal. Pork is also low in calories and as a result, this rich, saucy dish is actually quite low and is, therefore, perfect for those on…
Read MoreFish Filet – 293 cal
Once in a while when I’m driving and feel like treating myself, I’ll grab a Filet Fish from that famous fast food joint. But at 400 calories, it’s a killer for the Dad’s Diet. It’s also unhealthy, having as much fat and other ingredients as a Big Mac. So, if I really feel the…
Read MoreGrilled Aubergine, with Burrata, Balsamic, & Anchovy -159 cal
Okay, so in Canada, we call it eggplant but if you use the larger ones for this recipe, “Aubergine” just seems to suit it better. I was amazed at how the fresh burrata and sharp anchovies offset the dry (albeit balsamic soaked) aubergine. If you’re not into anchovy, that’s okay. Personally, I think you’re missing…
Read MoreCoquilles Saint Jacques – 374 Cal
Can you have an exotic French dish like Coquilles Saint Jacques while on Dad’s Diet? Of course! One seashell serving is 374 and although it’s not filling alone, combined with a nice salad and maybe 50z of white wine, you’ve got a meal worthy of a romance novel for under 550. That’s perfect for one…
Read MoreCreamy Tuscan Shrimp and Scallops – 366 Cal
There is no better way to eat cocktail shrimp and pre-packaged sea scallops this dish. It’s even better the next day when leftovers are mixed with pasta. And even with a creamy sauce, this dish comes in well under 400 calories, so you can top it off with a little paremsan or even dip a…
Read MoreChicken Cordon Bleu & Scalloped Potatoes – 398 Cal
When I tell people they can have Cordon Bleu on a diet, they usually laugh. The secret is portion size and a little cheating. In this version, each piece is 1/2 a chicken breast flattened; a small piece of off-the-bone ham (not processed); shredded cheese; and an amazing sauce. It’s not only delicious but a…
Read MoreBasa Fish Taco’s – 298 Cal
Most Mexicans cringe at what we call Fish Tacos but hey, it tastes good and all the big franchises have popularized it, so why not? In my recipe for those on Dad’s Diet, I use just one filet of frozen basa (obviously fresh is better but frozen works fine). I don’t bread it in the…
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