The Dessert-a-Day Diet

Dinner Choices (about 500 calories)

1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 1-inch slice ginger, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 ounces firm tofu, cubed
1 cup frozen stir-fry vegetables
1/3 cup light coconut milk
2 tablespoons cashews, chopped
1/2 cup microwavable brown rice
Make it: Heat oil, ginger and garlic in skillet for 1 minute. Add tofu and saute for 8 minutes, turning once or twice. Add vegetables, coconut milk and cashews; cover and cook another 8 minutes. Microwave brown rice, then top with tofu and veggie mixture.

2 ounces uncooked whole wheat pasta
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups bite-size pieces asparagus (about 10 spears)
1/4 cup canned white beans, rinsed and drained
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Make it: Cook pasta. In a pan, saute oil, garlic, and asparagus for 4 minutes. Add beans and cook for 4 more minutes. Toss pasta with bean mixture and parmesan.

Cooking spray
1 1/2 cups baby spinach
2 eggs plus 2 egg whites, whisked together
1/3 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
Dash of salt and pepper
2 cups romaine lettuce
2 tablespoons pine nuts
2 tablespoons low-fat Italian dressing
Make it: Spray skillet with cooking spray and saute spinach for 2 minutes, until wilted. Stir in eggs, ricotta, and salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat without stirring for 4 minutes; then flip frittata and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Serve with lettuce tossed with pine nuts and dressing.

3 ounces frozen uncooked shrimp, thawed under running water for 5 minutes
1 teaspoon olive oil
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup quinoa
1/4 teaspoon curry powder
1 tablespoon dried cranberries
1 cup chopped cucumbers
2 scallions, chopped
Make it: Toss shrimp with oil. Grill for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping once. Bring water and quinoa to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in curry, cranberries, cucumbers, and scallions. Top with shrimp.

From Chili's:
Guiltless Chicken Sandwich Meal (with black beans and steamed seasonal veggies)

From Ruby Tuesday:
Petite Sirloin
Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
Fresh Tomato and Mozzarella Salad