About
GreenLiteBites is all about my adventures in cooking low fat, high fiber, whole foods for my family (and sometimes just me). I strive to limit sugar and avoid processed flours while including as many fruits and veggies as possible.
I’ve been posting “food ideas” on my weight loss blog for some time now. The ideas started out very vague, really being, just, well, ideas! Slowly I became more detailed (and obsessed) about measuring ingredients, calculating nutritional information and taking photographs. Food was taking over my blog!
So I decided to expand. My plan for GreenLiteBites is to post all my food related posts, recipes I have tested a few times, photographed and calculated the nutritional information for, plus my food finds and produce picks. Sometimes I will know what I’m talking about and sometimes I’ll be asking you questions. Overall this blog is my experiences with FOOD!
Why don’t you just write a cookbook?
Good Question! Well, for one, I am a complete amateur in the kitchen and behind the camera BUT I live on the web! See, in my “real life” job I teach web development at a local community college. So I decided to use the medium I know to share my ideas. It’s just easier for me.
One day, maybe, I’ll take the leap to the printed book world but until then you are stuck with me on the good old information super highway.
How do you come up with your ideas?
I’m not sure. It’s probably a combination of family tradition, what I see on the Foodnetwork and read in cookbooks. I’m an experimenter. I try to stock my pantry with lots of good healthy stuff and then just see what I can come up with. It is really a creative outlet for me (as is the site and photos.)
Who are ‘the Toddler’ and ‘the Husband’?
Well I guess it’s pretty self explanatory but I’ll give you a bit of background.
The Husband: I am married to the world’s pickiest eater. For years, the only vegetables he would eat were corn and broccoli. If it were up to him, macaroni & cheese, burgers and chips would be his staples. Sometimes he likes what I make, sometimes he doesn’t and sometimes I don’t even bother. :~)
The Toddler: I had the toddler in 2005. Well, he was “the baby” back then. He was my ultimate inspiration and motivation to change my life and eating habits. The toddler eats and tries just about anything I make, although he is starting to say “I don’t like it” more and more!
How do you calculate the Nutritional Information for you recipes?
I use a combination of websites, nutritiondata.com, fitday.com, and sometimes sparkpeople.com. I measure everything on my handy dandy electronic scale and tally up the totals. It’s really not that hard, just time consuming.
and tally up the totals. It’s really not that hard, just time consuming. 
Hey Roni! I check your other site every day for recipes, hints and advice, and just wanted to say congrats on getting the food blog going, it looks great, and I love the layout and colors!!!!
Roni, I love your new web site congratulations on a job well done and good luck with this new enterprise.
Love MOM
Hi! I love this new site. I’ve followed your weight watchen blog religiously since a friend turned me on to it. Congrats on all your accomplishments. You’re inspirational! And I LOVE your recipes!
I have to lean towards the hubby’s side… I think my wife and you could debate about which one of us is the pickiest eater. (I eat only corn on the cob and plain salads.)
With this being said though I have been trying to eat better in the last few years and I am really looking forward to reading more about the recipes you have up here. I recently bought that book on hiding vegetables in food and hoping this will be a good way to help me start in on the veggie path.
Congrats on everything Roni, you are really a great inspiration!
Hi, just wanted to offer my 2 cents. With the toddler not liking things. I noticed that if anyone at the table says they don’t like something, neither does my daughter. Normally she’ll eat anything you put in front of her, no questions asked. I don’t know if anyone in your house will say that in front of the toddler, but you might try not saying those words, and see if he says “I don’t like it”.
By the way your sites and recipes are ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!!! I check your site everyday! I’m addicted…
Thanks for the recipes…
Hi Roni- I have been totally enjoying both of your sites, and I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you putting yourself out there for us. I love reading your weight watchen blog, and have gotten in the habit of checking it daily! Your recipes are really good, and I love the way you write, it sounds like you are talking, not writing, and we readers feel like we have gotten to know you.
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that there are a ton of people who read but never comment, (including me, until now). You have a lot of fans, and you are doing a GREAT job!
Roni,
I’ve been using a new product, PB2, that you might be interested in. PB2 is powdered peanut butter, 54 calories in a 2 TB serving and 74% less fat than regular PB.
You mix 2TB with 1 TB water and it mixes up to a thick cream. I’ve been using it for dipping apples or spreading on whole wheat crackers. Makes a decent PBJ sandwich as well.
Here’s the website:
http://www.bellplantation.com
There’s a holiday special price – minimum order is 4 jars. I ordered a box and split with a friend.
I bet you could really create some great recipes with this product.
Roni,
I love, love your sites. I visit them both often, I have tried most of your recipe’s, and they are all delish. I wanted to ask you if you have used the FridgeSmart line in Tupperware. It is the best for storing veggie’s, fruits, etc. Everything stays so much fresher, and lasts longer, and it is a great reminder to have in your fridge for re-stocking purposes. If you haven’t used them, I want to send you some as a gift! I owe you at least this, for all your help.
Love,
Holly Ito
Tupperware Consultant/Mom
Figured this was a good spot to post this…
the other day while reading some of the threads on the core ww board, there was a question about sites w/core recipes. someone mentioned your site as a good place to get recipe ideas! congrats!
Thanks everyone!
kja – LOL that’s hysterical! Only because I totally forget about core! Maybe I should add a category for it. I’m such a flex girl!
You’re rockin’, Girlfriend! SO proud of you…here’s to a spectacular 2008 for you and your family and for Green Lite Bites. Woo Hoo! xo
Ann
Roni,
Congrats on your website! I just started WW (5th day) and was feeling a little overwhelmed until I found your site! Now I know that I don’t have to eat the same things day after day. I also feel like I have a new friend. Thanks for the putting it all out there so we can be encouraged!!!!!
Malissa
Hi Roni,
I stumbled onto your website today and wanted to tell you that your recipes look so delicious that I printed off a few of them and plan to try this weekend. Thanks for providing so many options on this website. I am also WW girl who just made lifetime and you have put out many variations for such low points. Wish you nothing but the best and keep those recipes and menus coming.
M
Hey Roni,
Your page is awesome! I especially love all of your pictures. I was wondering what kind of digital camera you have, because it takes really great pics. Anyway, if you have the time I would love to know!
Thanks
Kate –
I use an older (4 year old) Kodak EasyShare. I don’t thinks it’s available anymore. I’m actually thinking of getting a new one soon.
The secret is not using the flash and trying to get good natural light.
Hey there. I am not too sure how I wound up here at your site, but I did, and I like it. I enjoy reading about someone who struggles much as I am now. And I enjoy knowing that the goals are attainable, though the end never comes. I have started blogging myself, and putting into words the recipes I create and use. Thanks for what you put into your site and your recipes….they look superb!
Hi Roni.
I first started WW last year, lost 30 and I’m back to lose another 20-30. I found weightwatchen.com last year and GLB about 2 months ago. I think they are great. I come back for inspiration and ideas.
Thanks for sharing your story and for all the effort you put into your sites.
BTW – “The Toddler” in your video blogs don’t bother me one bit. I too have a toddler at home and know that it is almost impossible to do anything without him participating.
Anywho, I can’t wait to try more of your recipes and I look forward to more video blogs.
Thanks!
-DaMora
Roni,
Suggestion: Add a “Print” button to the recipe pages that will reformat the page, sans ads, etc., so it can be printed on a regular piece of paper.
:)
Keep up the fantastic work.
Dale,
Actually if you print them they should print just fine. Have you tried? I have what’s called a print style sheet, so it’s automatic. Or at least it should be, please let me know!
Roni,
I absolutely love your sites! Congratulations on a job well done, as well as the weight loss! I am a 30ish mom of two boys…one is a very, very picky eater!! Luckily my hubby and other son will eat almost anything I make…within reason. I cant wait to try some of your fabulous recipes on them!! They look scrumptious!! I joined together with a group of women from my church to start a healthy eating/weight loss journey. We got the idea from the “Biggest Loser”. We have 6 teams of two women each and two physical trainers. We weigh in every Tuesday and support one another 100%!! We even have monthly physical challenges. We are always looking for fabulous recipes, so I cant wait to tell them about your sites!! Keep up the great work!! You are an inspiration to us all!! Thank you!
Holly
Roni,
I just found your sites today and I cannot tell you how happy I am that I did! I am a medical student who is very short on time, money and energy…and I still think I can pull off at least 3/4 of your recipes.
I lost almost 30 pounds a couple years ago and was in great shape. Med school came and knocked me off my feet, workout wise, and really shook up my diet. Now, 35 pounds later I am realizing how miserable I am being out of control with my food choices and relative lack of exercise.
I am hoping that your blogs will keep inspiring me to do better in my daily choices. You would think as a med student and almost-doctor that I would “know better” than to overeat and underexercise. And I do, in my head. But I still feel exhausted at the end of the day like everyone else…so keep the blogs going so I can stay motivated :)
Thanks!
Hi – was so impressed by this site, I added a link from my own ‘blog’.
After joining up with 4 ‘major sites’, I find this one EXACTLY what I’d have preferred finding; a SUCCESS STORY – a ‘game-plan’, A LOVELY GENEROUS LADY, and nothing ‘popping’ up in my face except GREAT INFORMATION AND INCREDIBLE HELP!
I commend you on making your ‘journey’ something that while you took it, you shared and helped others along the way.
Diane
I was wondering if you would consider making your site phone browser friendly? I was in the grocery store today and remembered something about a Cinnabon cereal that I thought I had seen here, so I came here and went to the search feature but on my Treo there is no button on the screen layout to activate the search. I know more and more sites are offering a “wap” view option. I love your site and could see myself referencing it all the time when grocery shopping.
Thanks for the consideration.
p.s. I just got done chopping up a butternut squash “Roni style”. It WAS much easier than my method, and I came out with no injuries to boot! My “fries” are soaking in water until the time comes for me to make them (some time during the week).
A quick follow up. I love love love roasted butternut squash. Didn’t even know it. Thank you.
I’m not sure if you accept challenges. But here’s what happened…I was in the grocery store and they had these very large white mushrooms on sale (I’m talking big…but not as big as a portobella). I also have a package of Laughing Cow Light French Onion cheese (I love this stuff). And I picked up 93% ground turkey (the 20 ounce package). So I’m envisioning stuffed mushrooms for dinner one night with a salad. I’m envisioning the turkey browned, the laughing cow on top and melted then broiled. I’m envisioning using the stems from the mushrooms in the stuffing mix. Where I come up empty is how to spice the turkey. Because as you are very familiar, it will be very bland without some serious spicing up.
What spices would you recommend? I actually like sausage stuffed mushrooms, so maybe I should be searching out a sausage recipe…
Yummmm this sounds interesting.
You can go really simple I think. Some fresh onion and garlic (or powders if you want). think if you saute some fresh onion, garlic, the mushroom stems, bell peppers, even zucchini with a bit of Salt and peppers you’ll be golden!
Great idea!!
PS Still working on the device testing – its on my to do list!
What a great discovery your site is, its been placed in my FAVORITE links websites! Thankyou for all your great ideas.
I am so excited to have found your site!! I cook with the same philosophy as you and it all adds up to eating healthy and well. Cooking delicious and nutritious meals for my family has become my passion! My boys actually look forward to the new and interesting foods that I introduce to them. The bonus…significant weight loss and I am in the best shape of my life. Thanks for all that you do and please keep up the good work!!!
Hi Roni, I love your website, good job & thanks for all your great ideas. I made the “7 layer mexican casserole” for dinner tonight and my husband & Mom loved it. Thanks& keep up the good work!
I want to leave a comment… What a great idea and I love how you and your littleone (at the time) enteracted and had fun with the watermellon. How sweet that was.
I also enjoyed about how easy to cook the spagetti squase in microwave.
I have become a vegitarian in the last week and a half.
I lost 75 lbs. a year and a half ago, but I ended regaining back 50 lbs. I lost on low carb, but one bad bite and off I went until I gained most of my loss back.
I did get back on low carb and lost 10lbs, but I missed my fruit, so after seeing about what we do to our animals, I decided to read up on vegitarian. And I like it. I’m not the vegan one, but taking it slow.
Anyway I feel your ideas will help me to stay out of a eatting rut… SO>>>>THANKYOU!!!!
Judy
Hi Roni,
I’ve just discovered (and bookmarked) your site for two reasons, both of which will make you smile. One: I love food and your ways of cooking matches my own (whole foods, nutritionally sound, creative, etc.) Two: the site itself is lovely! I am an assistant professor of English who teaches multimedia, so I was delighted to find your site (AND to see that you teach web development at a CC!!) So, hi! Thanks for having this out there :)
Suzy
I joined WW 4 months ago and have lost about 25 pounds so far. I have quite a way to go and am always looking for good, healthy recipes. I googled whole wheat pizza dough and browsed to your site. What a find!! I bookmarked your site (which is lovely) and will no doubt come back daily. I plan on passing it along to friends at work and meetings! Thanks for taking the time to calculate nutritional info and POINTS!!
Hi Roni,
I just stumbled accross your web site and now it is listed in my favorites. I struggle with my weight and am on a pretty strict program that works well, but I am always searching for new ideas for thing to cook. I need flour and sugar to be listed 5th or lower on the ingredients label, so many of your recipes work for me, and others I can tweak so they will work. Keep up the good work, I LOVE your site – Colors, Layout and Information are all GREAT….
Thanks,
Linda
Somehow I found your site yesterday morning and have been so inspired and motivated by your WW jouney, your recipes. I’ve lost over 40 lbs since Jan 08 going to WW meetings and needed to get re-motivated and I think you have done that for me. I have another 40-50 lbs to go and I’m glad I have your site to check out each day. I don’t have any little one anymore mine is 27! Your toddler is a cutie.
Thanks Dee! Glad you help! :~)
Hello there,
I came across your blog & it’s wonderful..I can’t even say how much I like it. You made me feel miserable because I’m on vacation & I miss my kitchen. I’d come back for some of these gorgeous recipes.
Keep it up!
My best to you & your family.
A food blogger next door :)
Hi! I just found your blog through Workout Mommy and I am so glad I did. I have already copied several recipes and I subscribed by e-mail!
Hi Roni,
I have just started my blog today to document my weightloss journey. You sound like a very healthy and happy person and your journey is an inspiration. I am a chef so if you ever have any questions I may even be able to help you out ;) hehehehehehe. I will definitely be frequenting both your blogs for inspiration.
Hi Roni,
Hopefully this link works.
Ps Your recipes are great!! :)
[...] thought this week. My next has to do with the husband. Now you guys know I talk about him a lot. I make fun of his eating habits on GreenLiteBites. I even use him as an example in posts because he’s "naturally thin". It’s [...]
[...] thought this week. My next has to do with the husband. Now you guys know I talk about him a lot. I make fun of his eating habits on GreenLiteBites. I even use him as an example in posts because he’s "naturally thin". It’s [...]
[...] thought this week. My next has to do with the husband. Now you guys know I talk about him a lot. I make fun of his eating habits on GreenLiteBites. I even use him as an example in posts because he’s "naturally thin". It’s [...]
Hello, I found you on fatfightertv.com and im new to it and loving it. Everything you spoke about is exactly me to the T, including “the husband”. I laughed at that cause mine is the same way…Thank you so much for sharing what you have, it will help me on my journey. I am not a big girl but I need to lose 40lbs. I try so many thing but just have trouble sticking to it. You just have to get to that fed up point and really go full force and with your help i think im ready. If you need anything, help with the site, if i can donate I will…I love the food network and make at least 2 recipes per week from there. Thanks for all you do.
Cathy
I am still waiting for my developer to design my blog but I just decided to record my recipes online so I could more easily find them.
I just discovered your website today through sordid path: a link on SparkRecipes to a twitter post by whatdaisyeats. I am very encouraged by your posts – thank you!
Have a great day :)
Brooke
Hello,
You have a very interesting site and we would like to cooperate with you.
Using your content you can increase daily amount of visitors by 10-20%.
It’s a free service. All you need is to place our news feed informer. It doesn’t matter where it’s positioned, even at the very bottom of the page.
To bring you new visitors we will make links to the news on your site.
Looking forward to your reply.
Hello! I have both Green Lite Bites and your weight loss blog on my bookmark bar. They are attractive, and full of good ideas and the recipes are scrumptious looking.
May I please correct one little thing I noticed? I hope you will take this in the helpful spirit in which it is intended, and not be offended.
I was reading a recipe where you said you “marinaded” a chicken. Marinade (noun) is what you put the chicken in. Marinate (verb) is what you do to the chicken.
Thank you.
Pat (retired professional secretary with an automatic spell checker and grammar checker in her head)
Hi Pat! Feel free to correct away… I’m old enough to admit my spelling and grammar “problem”
One day I’ll have an editor. :~P
Will change to Marinate! Learn something knew every day!!
Thanks!!
Wow, Roni I just read your story and it’s very inspirational. I hope your actions will teach people that eating right and excercising should be part of every american’s daily life. Ive never been overweight as I always have been an active person, but I still can relate to someones struggle with weight. P.S. You are one hot mom! MILF MILF MILF sorry for my language but dang WOOF WOOF WOOF
Just read about you about cnn and was thrilled to see that you’re from my neck of the woods. I’m a college student living with my fiance in Towson, MD (grew up in Harford County) and am currently finishing my degree at Towson U. Hoping to shed some lbs. before my wedding and want all the info I can get.
This is fabulous. Thanks so much for all your hard work I follow a G.I. diet and these recipes fit right in
Gini
Found your blog by way of the CNN article about you. Fantastic site and you are very inspiring! :)
Awesome website!!! I found you through a CNN article. I cannot wait to start trying your recipes. I’ve been wanting to lose weight and it seemed such an enormous task. Your site inspires me and is fun — losing weight is not such a daunting task to me now. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work.
Just found your site on a CNN link. What a great site! Ok, I REALLY think I have the pickiest husband (in terms of eating)… so nice to hear you have the same struggle. AND I have three young kids…and I need to drop 30+ lbs… you’re an inspiration :) Thanks~
I just read your story on the main page of CNN! Wow! Congratulations on your weight loss success and thanks for sharing your strategy about “what works!” I was really happy to learn that you have a blog, with recipes, and other tips. Thank you!
Hi Roni!-
Just wanted to let you know finding your website really just changed my life! I am a huge heath freak but also a sophomore in college… and I am constantly surrounded by pizza, calories, and saturated fats! Thanks so much for creating this (btw tried your pumpkin spice bread tonight… amazing!!)
Thank you!
Kiley :)
I love your recipes. I made this today because I was already tired of Thanksgiving leftovers. I used Red and White quinoa to get ready for the holiday season.
Citrus Quinoa, Mixed Bean, and Blueberry Salad
1/4 cup white quinoa
1/4 cup red quinoa
1/4 cup mixed dry beans
1/4 cup grape tomatoes
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 tsp yellow curry powder
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 cup chicken broth
juice of 1/2 orange
juice of 1 lime
Water
Re-hydrate beans by soaking beans for 12 hours. Rinse re-hydrated beans, put in sauce pan, add water to 2 inches above beans. Heat to boiling and cook for three minutes. Remove from head to finish cooking (approx. 30 minutes). When finished, drain and set aside.
Rinse quinoa well, put in sauce pan, add 1 cup chicken broth, and heat to a boil. Turn off heat and let sit for 15 minutes to absorb broth.
Cut orange into quarters and lime in half. Microwave 2 orange quarters and both lime halves for 30 to 60 seconds. (Will be able to squeeze out more juice after microwaving.)
Cut grape tomatoes in quarters.
Rinse blueberries.
In sealable container, add quinoa, beans, curry powder, chili powder, tomatoes, and blueberries. Hand squeeze citrus pieces into mixture.
Seal container and gently tumble ingredients to mix curry, chili, and juices throughout.
Chill and serve.
Serves 8.
Note: Could add diced green, red, and yellow sweet pepper for added color and more crunch.
Stumbled across your blog while looking for a tilapia recipe. I’m also a blogger with a kid born in 2005 and a super picky eater for a husband. He was the youngest of nine children and his next oldest sibling was 4 years older, so he was catered to. I love your description on your about me page of cooking for you husband – exactly the same way here – sometimes I just cook for myself and my two girls and if he doesn’t like it, then too darn bad !!! Looking forward to reading more !
Hi Roni,
I found you on youtube while looking for crock pot recipes.
I have to say you are absolutely cute and delightful.
Your philosophy on life in general is inspiring.
Good luck to you. I think you should be on tv.
Until then, I have your site bookmarked for future reference.
Thanks again for the good ideas and tips. The husband is a lucky guy.
Hey Roni! I want to THANK YOU for your website. I have used a few of your recipes, but that’s not why I’m so thankful. By reading your recipes, and seeing your ingredients, I have realized that you come up with food/meals (usually) by what’s around. You’ve really inspired me and I have been able to make multiple dishes by cleaning out the cupboard/refrigerator. In fact, I have mexican-stlye-something-or-other on the stove now!
Oh! and your weight loss is an inspiration too! I think I’m going to be at my first goal weight next Monday :]
Anyways, thank you. Keep up the good work and the pictures of your wee-one. He’s a cutie.