Skinny Chili Con Carne is a low-fat, very saucy, tasty dinner and is packed with vegetables – mild or hot – your choice!

Chili is another dish which I do not think of as a seasonal meal. In South-Africa we have Curry and Chili dishes throughout the year.

Since I started my diet in the beginning of April, I have already lost 1.2 kilograms ( 2 1/2 pounds ) during the first week.

I always take the first week seriously and am very strict with myself. But now in my second week I treated myself with one of my trusty old recipes, this Skinny Chili Con Carne !

The first time I was on a diet, was in the late 90’s and it went so well, I am and will always be a firm believer in the Weigh-Less diet program. Which if you do not know Weigh-Less is basically to eat healthy, low-fat foods and in moderation.

Just an FYI – I am not an affiliate for Weigh-Less.

This Chili recipe is also from one of their cook books I bought back then and have been making it since on a regular basis. My family also loves this dish, therefore it is at least one night I do not have to make two separate dinners.

I kept my goal weight for around 8 years, but then had a big slip when I was diagnosed with a chronic illness and some of the medications made me feel more hungry than usual. Not that I am looking for excuses for gaining weight, but it was most definitely one of the biggest factors.

Then my doctor had to step in and give me a wake-up call regarding my weight ! Either I lose weight or I can book my funeral – really ! It was bad.

So, late 2007 I attended Weigh-Less classes again and within 4 months had lost 24 kilograms ( 54 pounds ). I kept my goal weight for years after that.

Since I started blogging back in 2012, the weight has slowly but surely creeped up on me again. I am not attending classes, but am following the guide lines I used to when with Weigh-Less.

My tips for losing weight

Always eat breakfast !
Low-Fat is fine, but start out with anything Fat-Free (i.e. yogurt, milk etc)
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables raw when possible
Cut your sugar intake – use raw Honey, Maple Syrup, Stevia instead
Eat in portions – 6 portions works well for me – Breakfast in the morning, a Fruit and small yogurt around 11 am, Lunch between 1 and 2 pm, another fruit around 4 pm and Dinner followed by a small fruit salad or a sugar-free treat
Use a smaller plate for yourself when serving – I know, it’s a mental trick – and it works !
Do not skip a meal – not always possible, but do try to keep up with your meals
Last but not least (and not really a weight loss tip) – do not weigh yourself every day. Once a week, at the same time as last week, wearing more or less the same clothing.

I am not a dietician, these are my own personal true and trusted tips I follow when dieting. Remember, not everyone’s bodies are the same therefore do not compare yourself with a friend ‘s weight loss.

Once you have tasted this family favorite skinny Chili Con Carne, you will see that losing weight does not mean giving up on tasty meals.

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Brown rice is best to serve with the Chili, but I know, brown rice is not for everyone. I cook a large batch of brown rice for myself once a week, which I then keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator and use as needed.

My family most definitely prefer white rice, usually Basmati with this Chili.

Skinny Chili Con Carne

With A Blast

Skinny Chili Con Carne is a low-fat, very saucy, tasty dinner and is packed with vegetables - mild or hot - your choice !

5 from 4 votes

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Course Dinner

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings People

Ingredients

2 Onions chopped
2 t Fresh Garlic crushed
2 Green Bell Peppers chopped
1-2 Red Chilies finely chopped (optional)
450 g Lean Ground Beef ( 1 pound )
1 ½ cups Tomatoes chopped (see Note below)
2 cups Beef Stock low-sodium
2 Bay Leaves
1 ½ t Chili Powder or to taste
⅛ t Dried Basil
½ t Black Pepper
Salt to taste
1 can (410g) Red Kidney Beans drained and rinsed

Instructions

Using a large non-stick skillet stir-fry the Onions, Garlic, Green Bell Peppers and Chilies (if using) until soft
Stir in the Ground Beef and cook until done
Add all the remaining ingredients ( except the Kidney Beans ) and bring to the boil - reduce heat and simmer uncovered over medium heat until the sauce has reduced by half
Stir in the Kidney Beans and heat through