Low-Cal Doritos Locos Inspired Tostadas

August 14, 2012
At the start of this year, I claimed that I would try and keep a balance in all things in my life as a sort of motto for 2012. I am here to tell you, sadly, I failed.
Somewhere between feeling so happy in my first year of marriage and putting all my energy into my newly discovered passion for food blogging, I forgot about the most important thing…. Taking care of myself!
I have found in my life that I am either totally happy in my personal life and miserable over my self-image and appearance, or I am stuck in a dead end, soul-sucking job and feeling great about the way I look.
A lot of people know you need to feel good about yourself first before you can have any kind of success in other aspects in your life.  But you’ve got to remember to continue to focus on keeping that personal happiness and balance. Sometimes it can get away from you. I think it’s gotten away from me a little. I recently looked back at some wedding pictures and felt that rush of self-doubt over letting my weight escalate again.
I know that everybody struggles with these issues, man or woman, young or old, we all feel it. I am not talking about fitting into a certain size or matching a certain standard of fit/skinny. It is just a matter of feeling comfortable in your own skin.
I have a ton of other things to be happy about and feel proud of in my personal and professional life, so now it is time to do the hard work I did so many times before. This time I just need to put in place a system that makes sure I don’t go through this whole up and down thing again.
In order to do so, I need to look back and see what got me here. I will real talk you on this one. It was late night boozing, snacking, and ordering fast food way too many times this summer. I thought I could do things I couldn’t, like handle a Doritos Locos taco at midnight, like I could have in my younger days. The truth is, I am older now. The damage I do to myself kicks in rather quickly and unfortunately takes more effort to undo.
So, instead of giving into those late night tendencies, I am making a healthy, gluten-free option for myself at home and taking my butt to a class or two or on a walk more often. Oh, and I also am going to start my first ever juice cleanse to try and get this renewal process off on the right foot. I can’t wait to share in this journey to a balanced happiness in all aspects of my life with you.
Ingredients (Makes 2 Tostadas)
½ Cup Reduced-Fat Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese
1 Tablespoon Taco Seasoning
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine the shredded cheese and the taco seasoning in a small mixing bowl.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread about ¼ of the seasoned cheese out in a small flat circle, approximately 4 inches wide. Make another small flat circle out of the rest of the seasoned cheese.
Bake the tostadas for about seven to ten minutes, until golden and crispy. Let them cool on the baking sheet for another five minutes while you gather some toppings.
Each tostada is only about 80 calories depending on what kind of cheese blend you purchase. I used Sargento. Top with shredded romaine, grilled chicken, black beans, and some pico de gallo for an easy, healthy, fast food inspired meal.

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  • Heide M.
    March 4, 2013 at 12:37 am

    How creative, such a cool idea!

  • Angie
    February 28, 2013 at 1:28 am

    This is disgusting. Melted, toasted, greasy cheese serving as tostadas? Shameful.

    • Stefanie
      February 28, 2013 at 11:48 am

      Angie, I am sorry you feel that way. Thank you for your input.

  • Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl
    February 27, 2013 at 11:49 am

    How seriously clever are these?? They sound so delicious, too! 🙂

  • Karla @ Foodologie
    August 14, 2012 at 1:16 pm

    I totally feel you on being comfortable in your own skin. This post came at a good time. I woke up not feeling too great. But thanks for the health reminder 🙂

    • Stefanie
      August 14, 2012 at 4:36 pm

      I am sorry you were feeling that way today. I guess we all go through it right?

  • DB-The Foodie Stuntman
    August 14, 2012 at 12:22 pm

    That should’ve read NY Times, not MY Times

  • DB-The Foodie Stuntman
    August 14, 2012 at 12:21 pm

    Yep. For all the challenging food I prepare and try to have it look pretty for my website, I’m guilty of the occasional drive-thru burger too. Oh, and if you read this MY Times article, you hopefully wont feel as bad.

    BTW, still having problems posting to my website?

    • Stefanie
      August 14, 2012 at 4:35 pm

      That is a really interesting article. Gives me some perspective.

  • Julie
    August 14, 2012 at 9:01 am

    Download My Fitness Pal on your phone (or online at myfitnesspal.com). It’s great! My husband and I have been using it for the past few months and it’s really helped keep us accountable for what we are eating. Let’s be real–it’s all about taking in fewer calories than we burn off. Good luck! You can do it, and discover a new way to cook that is better for you in the long run. Meanwhile, these look very tasty!!

    • Stefanie
      August 14, 2012 at 9:19 am

      Downloading it right now! Thanks Julie. I used to walk a lot, so if I can just get back to that I should be on the right track. Sounds so easy right?

      • Julie
        August 14, 2012 at 10:01 am

        Well, the desire to really do it helps a lot, but walking is a definite help! You can track your exercise on the site,too. Too bad we live in the lovely state of IL where walking in the winter is a bit difficult. I found some pilates DVDs that have helped me. You’re young, and that helps too! You will do great.