Not Your Average Happy Meal

This one makes me happy.

Here's how I recreated the childhood treat of the quintessential Happy Meal, without all of the saturated fat, greasy paper bag, unfriendly cashier, upset stomach and (sadly), sans toy.

The Happy Meal Bacon Cheeseburger

• I used an Amy's Cheddar Veggie Burger (8 grams protein, 3 grams fiber, but 440 mg sodium... eek!) atop a whole grain hamburger roll. Lucky for you, Amy's released a NEW Cheddar veggie burger with only 250 mg sodium per burger. Thank you Amy! Beware of the sodium content in some of these vegetarian alternatives. The Amy's Quarter Pound Veggie Burger has 600 mg per serving!
• I used a toasted whole wheat hamburger roll and Janel's recipe gleaned from Vegetarian Times to lay on some bacon. Finally, instead of a slice of cheese or dollop of mayo, I spread a nice layer of avocado mixed with cilantro and lime juice. Mashed avocado substitutes well for mayo or melted cheese.

The Supersized French Fries

• Instead of greased up, deep-fried potatoes, I cut two sweet potatoes into evenly sliced rounds, tossed with some EVOO, salt, and pepper and roasted in the oven.

The Supersized Soda

• Instead of drinking my calories, I'd much rather eat them. Sometimes I crave the fizz, so I mix 1 cup of seltzer with a splash of 100% blueberry juice.

No Apple Pie Here

• Instead of a baked apple pie for dessert, I chose sliced up strawberries. At 250 calories a pop and 13 grams of fat, I think I'll stick with the much more delicious cup of sliced strawberries for only 50 calories and zero fat.

I'm Lovin' It.