Ep 3. Lighten Up

In The Pioneer Woman season 7 episode 3, titled "Lighten Up," host Ree Drummond sets out to create lighter and healthier versions of some of her favorite dishes. She starts by making a colorful and refreshing salad with roasted chicken, black beans, corn, and avocado, tossed with a spicy lime dressing.

Next, Ree turns to an old favorite comfort food - spaghetti and meatballs - but with a healthy twist. Instead of using ground beef for the meatballs, she opts for ground turkey and adds plenty of spinach and parmesan cheese for extra flavor. She serves the meatballs over spaghetti squash for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

For a snack, Ree whips up a quick and easy homemade hummus with chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic, and tahini. She serves it with fresh vegetables for a tasty and nutritious snack.

Finally, for dessert, Ree bakes a batch of delicious oatmeal cookies with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips. She swaps out some of the butter for Greek yogurt to reduce the fat, and uses whole wheat flour for added fiber.

Throughout the episode, Ree shares tips and tricks for making simple swaps in recipes to lighten them up without sacrificing flavor. She also emphasizes the importance of balance and moderation, encouraging viewers to enjoy their favorite foods in moderation while also incorporating healthy options into their diets.

With her signature warmth and humor, Ree inspires viewers to get creative in the kitchen and try new things, all while promoting a healthy and happy lifestyle.