The calories are already counted

Back in the old days, going on a diet meant counting calories.

Forget fat grams or low-carb, the only way we knew to lose weight was to set a calorie limit and exercise.

My mom was always on one diet or another, even though she never weighed more than 120 pounds in her whole life, except when she was pregnant with me.

I remember a grapefruit diet and a cottage cheese diet and she also used to buy those little cans of Metracal diet food. Yuk!

I can remember my grandpa, Dr. Dillon, making fun of her diets-he even made her a sign to put on the refrigerator that said "EAT LESS - EXERCISE MORE."

These low-calorie recipes are from an old recipe book from 1961. They're substantial enough to taste good, not like "diet food."

Baked Stuffed Mushrooms Parmesan

12 large white mushrooms

1 t. vegetable oil

1 onion, peeled and minced

1 t. salt

1/8 t. black pepper

2 rounded T. grated Parmesan cheese

1 T. parsley, finely chopped

Clean mushrooms and remove stems. Chop stems fine and sauté with onion in vegetable oil 15 minutes or so. Stir in salt, pepper, cheese and parsley and remove from heat. Stuff the mushroom caps and place, stuffed side up, on an oiled baking dish. Bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Serves 6 at 80 calories per serving.

Stuffed Lettuce

1 firm head of lettuce, cored, washed and well-drained

1/2 c. low-calorie sour cream

3 T. mashed bleu cheese

1 T. minced green pepper

1 t. chopped parsley

1 T. chili sauce

1/2 t. salt

Dash or two of black pepper

Blend all stuffing ingredients (everything but the lettuce) and pack into lettuce spaces and crevices. Wrap the stuffed lettuce tightly with plastic wrap and chill overnight. Just before serving, cut slices for individual servings. Pass low-calorie French dressing at the table. Serves 8 at 45 calories per serving.