Papa’s Grilled Cheese French Toast (Don't worry...there's no syrup!)

The We Walk the World Challenge is cranking along and our latest count has the total at over 17 million steps!!! Congratulations to all of you that are making positive choices for you and your families. Keep up the great work. Remember to send us your step counts on Twitter or Facebook (pictures and comments are even better!)

We received several good tips on our last nutrition post. In case you didn’t see them here’s a recap.

@JodiRd says: The closer something is to its natural state, the healthier it is! (So true! Enjoy nature’s bounty as it was intended to be!)

@DinDinsFood recommends: Model good eating habits for your children (No doubt. It’s hard to encourage your kids to eat well when you’re eating chips and candy.)

@RMNutrition says: Keep few (if any) calorie-containing beverages in your house, except milk. Get your fruit servings from fruit, not juice. And eat together as a family as often as possible, even if you're just sitting down together to peanut butter sandwiches or leftovers! (Those are such fantastic tips! Not only are kids that eat together as a family usually healthier eaters, but the bonding time you gain gives you many benefits beyond your waistlines.)

Our last response was from @ElisaZied and she sent a recipe from her book Feed Your Family Right! This is one that the whole family can enjoy (making and eating) and we certainly hope that your family does.

We made these sandwiches last weekend and beyond filling our kitchen with the most divine scent of eggs and cheese, they filled our stomachs with happiness. We can’t wait to hear what you think of it, so don’t forget to post your responses.

Papa’s Grilled Cheese French Toast
When my dad, otherwise known as Papa, comes for a weekend visit, he makes this recipe for his grandsons, Spencer and Eli, who devour it. Not only does it taste delicious, but it’s a great way to incorporate high-quality protein (from the eggs), not to mention fiber and whole grains from the whole-wheat bread.

Nonstick cooking spray
2 eggs (1 yolk removed)
2 teaspoons trans fat-free margarine or vegetable oil spread
4 slices whole-wheat bread
2 slices American cheese

Spray a griddle with the nonstick cooking spray. Set on medium heat. Crack the eggs into a medium bowl, remove one yolk, and beat. Spread the margarine on one side of each slice of bread. Then dip the bread, one slice at a time, until completely coated with egg. When the griddle is hot, place the bread on it. After about 2 minutes (flipping sides to cook), add 1 slice of cheese to two of the slices on the griddle. Take the two pieces of bread without the cheese and flip them onto each slice of cheese to make two sandwiches. Cook for 2 more minutes and flip until both sides of each sandwich are light brown. Cut them into fours and serve.

Cook’s Tip: For even more flavor, you can use cheddar cheese instead of American cheese. This dish tastes great with a cup of skim milk. It can also be served for lunch with a side of fruit salad.

Total preparation and cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes 2 servings.

Nutrition information per serving:
Calories: 290
Fat: 14 g
Saturated fat: 5 g
Cholesterol: 125 mg
Sodium: 740 mg
Carbohydrate: 28 g
Fiber :4 g
Sugar: 4 g
Protein: 15 g

Source: Feed Your Family Right! How to Make Smart Food and Fitness Choices for a Healthy Lifestyle (Wiley, 2007), by Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN with Ruth Winter. For more information, go to elisazied.com; Feed Your Family Right! available at http://amzn.to/9aEP7X or wherever books are sold.

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Mary Owen - Founder - Fit Factor Kids - Kids Exercise DVD