HOW I LOST 60 POUNDS

I would like to be able to tell you that I woke up one morning and the weight had magically melted off during the night. A recent study has found that you lose more weight if you get more sleep, unfortunately, I’m an early riser. I saw an ad in a magazine that said if I took a little pill, the fat would disappear and I would not even have to change my poor eating habits. I was assured this had to be true because they couldn’t print it in a magazine or say it on television if it were not; tempting, but not for me. I didn’t spend $3 a meal on packaged food or purchase any torturous gadgets guaranteed to help you lose flab and inches. While all of the aforementioned methods are tempting, my secret is much more mundane; I have been disciplined and consistent for 7 months.

I have struggled with flab and yoyo weight loss my entire life. I cannot recall a time when it was not a constant “thorn” in my side. Even at the age of 5, I remember smiling people remarking to my mom about my “chubbiness.” I went for a school physical at the age of 6, only to hear the doctor talk about I was getting too fat. To this day I would rather suffer extreme pain than to hear the scorn in the physician’s voice as he tells me all my problems could be solved by losing a few pounds. In grade school all students were put through the mental torture of getting on the scale twice every year. I would pray that the rapture would take place as the line moved swiftly along and the school nurse announced each student’s weight. Obviously, God didn’t answer this fervent prayer. I went on my first diet in 6th grade by limiting myself to 1000 calories per day. It lasted until I lost about 15 pounds; the calories increased and so did my weight. The dieting continued off and on in 7th, 9th and 12th grade. During the 32 years I have been married, I have lost major amounts of weight 5 times. They have all lasted around 2 years and the weight would begin to creep back up until I would reach a top limit and start the process over.

In October, 2007, I turned 50 years old. I hated being fat and fifty. I wanted to exchange the “A” for an “I” and wake up fit and fifty. However, that was not enough motivation. I dreaded going to bed every night because I couldn’t rest due to the loud wheezing as I tried to breathe. I was sick to my stomach regardless of what I ate and popped purple pills followed by an alka seltzer chaser daily. That was not enough to spur me to change my lifestyle. The acid reflux irritated my esophagus so much that my throat was dry and scratchy, my voice was hoarse and I coughed constantly. Although I coughed at embarrassing moments and could no longer sing a complete solo or lead worship, I continued to find comfort in food.

What happened January 3, 2008 that was different than the other 50 New Years Days I have lived through? It took more than wanting to feel or look good, it took a complete surrender to the Will of God. I was filled with the Holy Ghost at the age of 9. I always had a desire to live for God but on my terms with me controlling the situation. When Steve felt a call into the ministry, I was resentful because it did not fit into MY plan. I played the dutiful minister’s wife, followed him to Dekalb, IL, Saginaw, MI, St. James, MN and back to Saginaw, MI. I lived in big houses and small apartments, pinched pennies and enjoyed years of plenty, taught Sunday School, organized church events and learned to play the piano. On the inside, all my activities were performed under protest. Then it happened, a couple of years ago, God placed a special call on my life. Maybe it was there all along buried under my own willfulness and I just refused to listen.

God worked on my attitude, my desires started to change and I began to have a burden and a love for lost, hurting people. The change didn’t happen all at once, it has been a process that is still not complete. Late last year, I began to plead with God to do a work through me to reach the lost. God spoke to my heart about two necessary changes; I needed to begin to write and I needed to discipline my body. The writing was easy because I have never lacked for something to say and blogging gave me the necessary platform. Bringing my body under subjection has been a different kind of battle. It really is a spiritual battle. Food appeals to every emotion I possess. It is a form of celebration and comfort, appeals to my eye and taste buds and feeding people is even my “love language.” The battle involves saying NO, avoiding certain places and situations and having a strategy to combat the never ending temptations. I haven’t won the war yet but I am winning one battle at a time.

After 7 months, the weight has come off. I no longer wheeze at night, my pills have changed to a daily vitamin and I have put almost 300 miles on a pair of tennis shoes. I feel strong, energetic and much more confident. God is still smoothing a few rough edges but I am ready to walk through every door He opens. In October, I will be 51 and FIT because I finally let go of my will and surrendered to His.

MAINTAINING YOUR STRIDE

I love to walk early on Saturday morning. There is very little traffic racing to start the work day, the houses are quiet with the drapes still drawn, the flowers are fresh and dew-kissed and if you listen very carefully you can hear all of nature sing praises to the Creator. It was one of those beautiful mornings that make you happy to be alive. The sky was blue, the birds were singing and a cool breeze blew softly through my hair. It was an absolutely perfect morning for a walk.

I laced up my favorite shoes and grabbed a bottle of water; with my favorite songs on the mp3 player I set off on a 3+ mile hike. About a quarter mile into my walk, I hit my stride, cruising to the beat at about 3.5 miles per hour. Once I hit cruising speed, my arms swing in a certain rhythm, my back is straight, shoulders relaxed, head back and eyes looking straight ahead. I have learned to observe and anticipate changes in my environment so that I can adjust for the unexpected without breaking my stride. It is important to be aware of uneven pavement, approaching pedestrian and bicycle traffic, intersections and cars who don’t respect crosswalks and of course the inevitable doggie deposits scattered here and there on the sidewalk.

Although Saginaw is mainly flat, there are rises and dips every once in awhile and adjustments have to be made. I know to lengthen my stride, lean forward and dig my heels a little deeper as I approach a rise and to shorten my stride at just the right time as I approach a curb or an uneven section of road. Usually the music on the mp3 player is all I need to help keep my focus, however, on this particular morning I was suddenly distracted. I’m not sure what caused the distraction. It could have been the truck at the intersection, the blare of music, the sound of voices or maybe a combination of all three. As I approached the intersection, I scanned the road for turning traffic, checked the traffic light and maintained my stride. Feeling confident, I crossed the street and stepped up on the curb. That’s when I lost focus. Misjudging the distance of the curb, I landed on the edge and stumbled. I felt a slight twinge in my ankle as I struggled to keep from falling. I couldn’t quit, my final destination was 2 miles ahead. Shaking and stretching my ankle, I continued on my journey and once again regained my stride.

So many times we are walking along life’s pathway. We have been praying, reading our Bible, going to every service and in general feeling very successful in our relationship with God. Suddenly, Satan throws up a distraction or places an unexpected obstacle in our path. If we do not keep our eyes on Jesus, we will stumble and sometimes fall. Although, we may feel a slight twinge, this is not the time to sit down and quit, our final destination is still ahead. We may have to stretch and shake ourselves to regain our focus and regain it we must. Get your eyes back on Jesus, continue doing all the right things you have been doing and find your stride once again.

By being consistent in my daily walks around the neighborhood, I have started to reap the benefits. I can breathe easier, my muscles have become stronger and more toned and the weight has come off at a much faster rate. If we continue on in our Christian walk, we are promised a benefit that eyes have not seen, ears have not heard and it has not even entered into our hearts what the Lord has prepared for us. Eternal life with Jesus Christ is the goal and Heaven is the prize. Don’t let Satan distract you, keep your focus and maintain your stride.

SOMEONE IS COUNTING ON YOU

It has now been FIVE full months!!! Healthy living has its rewards. I have lost over 45 pounds, wearing clothes I have not been able to wear in 3 years and have more energy than ever. Believe me, the energy required to chase after my one year old grandson is a huge reason to continue eating healthy and exercising daily.

I have to confess the hardest part was getting started. For the entire month of December I hated the way I felt, the way my clothes fit, and my appearance in the mirror. Negative feelings are not a good motivator for change. Despite the constant negativity, I continued to stuff cookies, candy and other rich holiday foods into my mouth. Finally, January 2, D-Day dawned. My husband had announced that beginning on that magical day, we were going to start eating healthy. I started off on the right foot with a healthy breakfast and progressed to a healthy lunch with Steve. So far, so good!!!! Then the long afternoon happened, I polished off some leftover holiday dessert, ate two or three pieces of chocolate crèmes and a handful of nuts. I prepared a nutritious supper so Steve wouldn’t know how “bad” I had been. He came home bragging about his “successful” day of dieting and I had a monumental revelation; SOMEONE WAS COUNTING ON ME. I was not on my own anymore; someone was depending on my dieting expertise and moral support. I could be hypocritical and lip sync the experience or I could become committed to the cause and gain the future rewards. I decided to quit fooling myself and become a real part of the team.

There are times we become discouraged. The “whole picture” is so overwhelming that we give up before we can even start. There have been times in my life that I have felt like giving up on my walk with God. One of the things that kept me hanging in there was my husband and kids. It was nothing they said or did because they were not even aware of my secret thoughts. No, what kept me going when I couldn’t make sense of anything was SOMEONE WAS COUNTING ON ME. Influencing someone else to give up on God or bringing a loved one down to my level was more horrible to contemplate then continuing to blindly plod along on an uneven path. Although to some it may seem hypocritical I continued to go to church and give lip-service praise. God rewarded my faithfulness to my family even when I waivered in my faithfulness to Him. The breakthrough finally came. One day I realized I was excited about the Sunday service; I wanted to pick up the Bible again; the tears began to flow as I raised my hands in worship; it had changed from a commitment to my family to a commitment to my God.

Psalms 61:1-5 Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings.5 For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.

Every one of us has someone in our life who is counting on our walk with God. It may be a family member, a co-worker, a neighbor or a friend. If you are in a situation where it seems like too much effort to fully commit, do it for them. As you continue doing the “right” things and making an effort when your strength is gone, God will join you on your journey. Soon you will find a little more strength and a little more joy. The path will become more clear and the burden lighter. SOMEONE IS COUNTING ON YOU; DO IT FOR THEM!!!

FAILING TO PLAN IS PLANNING TO FAIL

Every day we have an opportunity to succeed or fail. Many times we want to blame everything except ourselves for the end result. What it really comes down to is whether our plan is focused on success or failure and then executed properly. Situations and circumstances may change but the outcome is up to you. Failing to plan is planning to fail.

This principle can be applied to every area of your life, spirituality, dealing with difficult family members, your job, managing money, raising children and yes, even eating healthy. You got it!!! This is another update on my journey into healthy living. The most important aspect of staying focused in a life style change is creating a sensible plan, carrying out every minute detail and not allowing anything to lure you away from your vision of the results you desire. If it is a well thought out plan, it will provide for breaks in your usual routine, surprises and special occasions.

Last week, I went to visit my mother in Missouri, then to a church conference in Indiana. Both were great opportunities for failure. As a mother one of my greatest pleasures is to feed my children all their favorite dishes and a must for every Pentecostal is late night food and fellowship with friends after church. This trip contained both possibilities but I had a plan to succeed.

Packing smaller clothes reminded me that I’ve come too far too turn back now. That was enough motivation to help me execute my plan. First, I called my Mom, told her what we were eating and took some provisions just in case she “just couldn’t help but feed us.” I knew we would have birthday cake Saturday and Sunday so I worked in ½ piece of cake each day into my eating plan. Then came a glitch in the plan, my brother-in-law made home-made ice cream. I left off potatoes and bread at dinner, walked a mile and ate the ice cream. The next trap was meeting my sister and niece and nephew for lunch at a restaurant that has unlimited chips and salsa. I held the babies then ate soup and salad. Success!!!!

On to the conference and the second phase of my plan. First stop, Wal-Mart, where we purchased mini bagels, peanut butter, low fat, low calorie muffins, fruit cups and protein bars. Since I am an early riser I took advantage of the wonderful state-of the-art gym on the top floor of the hotel. After 40 minutes of exercise, I was ready for a bagel with peanut butter and a fruit cup. We enjoyed lunch with friends at various restaurants that offered delicious healthy choices. A protein bar before church prevented face-stuffing after church. A steaming bowl of vegetable soup offered a light, late night snack. Success!!!!

Our daily walk with God also offers opportunities for success or failure. There will be obstacles and temptations that may be unexpected, but we don’t have to be unprepared. The Bible gives us a plan for success. I Peter 3:15 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” II Timothy 2:15 tells us to “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." With a little planning you can walk in success daily. Communicate with your Heavenly Father on a daily basis, Hide His word in your heart, give Jesus Christ the highest priority in your life and like Timothy you can be instant in season and out of season.

Whether you are struggling with a healthy life style or a healthy relationship with God, it is never too late to Plan for Success. Remember, even if you have just begun, you’ve come too far to go back.

PROGRESSING TO THE NEXT LEVEL

We are now 16 weeks into 2008; one-third of the year is behind us. It is amazing how quickly time passes and we never notice unless we happen to look at a calendar. The funny thing about time is it continues regardless of what we do or don’t do, whether we are busy or idle, asleep or awake. During these 16 weeks I have be on a journey to a healthy life style. As expected, the time passed and I am 3 sizes smaller.

What is my secret? Commitment and Consistency. In the beginning, it was the commitment that helped me to stay consistent and say no to the many tasty temptations that have been presented. As time continues and the results become apparent, the commitment has turned into a lifestyle habit.

The first issue I had to conquer was my desire for unhealthy foods, especially sugar and chocolate. I cleared everything unhealthy out of my cupboards and refused to go down the “aisles of temptation” at the grocery store. I studied and modified recipes until I came up with healthy alternatives. Eating healthy has now become routine. I have my daily nutritional needs down to an easy science; 3 meals and 3 snacks. It is now time to progress to the next level.

A complete health makeover consists of two components; nutrition and exercise. It is much easier for me to eat healthy than to consistently exercise. I would rather read, research the internet, watch TV and I am busy with my house, my grandson, my husband, my church and volunteer work. You name it, I can turn it into an excuse.

For the last two weeks, I am happy to report, I am climbing to the next level. I need routine, so I have set up an exercise routine. If the weather cooperates, I walk at least 2 miles every day. My pedometer shows that I walk between 2 and 3 miles at a rate of 3.33 miles per hour. It’s not the 15 minute mile I would like but it is faster than a 20 minute mile and 3 of those days I am pushing a stroller with a 20 lb baby. Three days per week I lift light weights for 20 minutes and the other three days I exercise for 15 minutes on the stair stepper. My muscles ache, my feet hurt and I am tired but I am feeling stronger, breathing better and wearing smaller clothes. Consistency has its rewards.

In our walk with God, there are always new levels to conquer. Just about the time we feel we have overcome an obstacle, God has a new area He wants to work on in us. Like a healthy lifestyle, your spirituality is all about commitment and consistency. If Satan can steal your consistency, he will soon steal your commitment.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

When you are truly committed to walking with God, you will wait with anticipation the new direction your path will take. You have set a goal and each new level gets you closer to reaching that goal. There will be temptations and setbacks, sometimes your heart will ache and you will feel so tired that you think you can’t continue but believe me it IS worth it. If you will be consistent in reading God’s Word and communicating daily through prayer, you will experience great rewards. Soon you will gain spiritual strength, feel the breath of the Holy Spirit daily and life’s trials and tribulations will become much smaller. Be assured time will continue to march on and you will receive your greatest reward; Eternal Life.

PLATEAUS

According to the calendar, I have been on a journey to a healthy lifestyle for 12 weeks. It is a journey of discovery about me more than about food. I have always had a love affair with food. I celebrate, morn, de-stress, cure headaches, show kindness with; you name it, anything can be accomplished with the right food. At the present time, I have this obsession under control, but if I am not constantly on the look-out, anything can trigger a regression to old behaviors. It doesn’t matter that I look and feel better or that clothes from two years ago are becoming looser. If I don’t turn my head when I drive past the donut shop or hide the chocolate in a far corner of the cupboard, their delicious voices will call and the old me will re-emerge.

This week, for whatever reason, eating healthy has been more of a struggle. I think I have hit the DREADED PLATEAU. Being disciplined in our eating habits has such parallels with our Christian walk. The most dangerous time in our walk with God is when we hit a plateau. We feel stagnant, like nothing is happening and sometimes we can’t even feel God in our lives. This is the time Satan will throw every temptation at you and even cause you to doubt your salvation. If you are trying to live healthy, your favorite foods will be served at every event, friends you hadn’t heard from in months will invite you to lunch and you can practically smell the pizza over the television.

We have to realize that plateaus are not evil, but merely a time of rest before you move on and conquer the next mountain. You have detoxed your body, filled it with only healthy foods, stimulated muscles you had forgotten existed and moved into the right frame of mind. During the time of rest, your body re-adjusts to this new lifestyle, your muscles grow stronger as they heal and your mind gains a stronger resolve. This will only happen if you continue to eat right, exercise regularly, and continue to affirm your good choices. A spiritual plateau is also a time for growth. However, growth will only happen if you continue to feed on the Word of God, pray regularly and listen to the lesson that God is teaching.

Steve always reminds me that” Next month will come whether I eat right or stuff my face with junk. The only difference is I will be fatter or thinner.” This also holds true in our relationship with God. I can choose to say “it’s not worth it” and ignore all the progress God has made in me to this point or I can praise Him in the midst of my trial; knowing that He is faithful and working things out for my good. It is impossible to stay where you are today. You will either go forward or backward, that choice is up to you.

SHAKIN' 'N BAKIN'

I have survived 8 weeks; count them, 8 WEEKS, of healthy living. Actually surviving is understating my experience, the correct word is LIVING. I feel better, more energetic, more creative in the kitchen and for a pleasant side effect, my clothes are lying flatter. Actually, I have been able to fit into clothes that have been in my closet for a couple of years. One item still had the tags attached. Speaking of closets, I could open my own boutique. I have clothing in seven different sizes. Steve is thrilled at all the money he will save over the next few years as I go shopping in my own closet. Of course what he has forgotten is shoes cost money too and my foot has been and remains a size 8. My “new” wardrobe must be accessorized properly.

Speaking of creativity in the kitchen, I love finding ways to modify our favorite foods, creating new reduced fat, reduced calorie recipes. There are so many great healthy alternatives available now that changing your eating habits can no longer be called a diet. Many times I use common ingredients but eliminate butter or margarine. Remember Shake N Bake? When Steve and I were first married, I remember using the coating mix for pork chops. As my expertise in the kitchen increased, Shake ‘N Bake went by the wayside. This week I resurrected the spicy mix for a wonderful meal. Prepare your taste buds for a delightful experience.

Chicken Parmesan

4 skinless/ boneless chicken breasts 720 calories 16 ww pts
½ cup Spaghetti Sauce 90 calories 2 ww pts
½ cup Fat Free Mozzarella Cheese 90 calories 2 ww pts
1 pkg parmesan Shake ‘N Bake 280 calories 6 ww pts

Preheat oven 400 degrees. Coat 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray. Shake 1 chicken breast at a time in bag with coating mix and arrange in a single layer in pan. Bake uncovered 30 minutes. Divide spaghetti sauce evenly over coated chicken breasts, top with ff mozzarella cheese, cook an additional 10 minutes.

Total recipe 1180 calories 26 weight watcher points
Serves 4, per serving 295 calories 6.5 weight watcher points

Serve with large salad and steamed broccoli or other lo cal vegetables. Serve over ½ cup whole wheat pasta and ¼ cup of spaghetti sauce for an additional 135 calories and 2 pts.

Let’s get shakin’ N bakin’; your lips and hips will thank you.

7 WEEKS OF HEALTHY LIVING

How time flies!!! We are 7 weeks into 2008 and I have completed 7 weeks of healthy living. I feel better than I have in months and I am fitting into clothes that haven’t buttoned for over a year. There have been times of temptation but I’m getting better at saying NO. In my many years of dieting, I have discovered that setting a date on my calendar to eat one of my favorite, not-so-healthy foods, helps me to avoid them on a daily basis. For the super bowl we planned to eat pizza. I’m sorry to say the pizza was not as good as I had imagined it would be. We ordered online for pickup later in the day. I have a sneaking suspicion it had been cooked and sitting under a warming light for quite some time when we arrived at the appointed time. Lesson learned; make your own food for the Super bowl, order pizza on an off night. Our next “cheat” meal is scheduled for Sunday, March 2. Chinese Buffet, here we come.

Unfortunately, I have not been as consistent with the exercise as the healthy eating. I was on a roll until I had to take a break and go out of town to a funeral. I have never quite gotten back into the routine. I try to get some exercise in 3 days a week. There’s always something in the self-improvement line to work on.

Since pizza is one of our favorite foods and the real thing isn’t scheduled for quite some time, my recipe of the week is a great substitute.

HEALTHY LIVING PIZZA

1- 10 in. Boboli Thin Crust 850 calories 15 WW points
¾ cup pizza sauce 90 calories 2 WW points
4 Slices Extra Lean Ham 160 calories 4 WW points
1 Cup FF Mozzarella Cheese 180 calories 4 WW points
½ Cup Pineapple Tidbits 60 calories 1 WW point
Diced onion
Diced green pepper
Mushrooms

Bake assembled pizza at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until cheese has melted.
You may pile on as many different varieties of low calorie vegetables as you like. Very important that you use EXTRA LEAN ham and FAT FREE cheese.

4 servings 335 calories per serving and 6.5 WW points
1340 total calories for entire pizza and 26 WW points.

Serve with a low calorie salad of lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, FF Italian dressing for a delicious healthy living meal. Next week I am actually going to weigh!!!!

EATING HEALTHY; FEELING GOOD - WEEK 4

It will be FOUR WEEKS tomorrow since I began a new life style. It CAN be done!!!! It is all a matter of making up your mind, discipline and saying NO. Simple? Yes. Easy? NO. Last week I was only able to exercise 4 days, but that is an improvement over 0 days. I fixed food for my granddaughters that was not on my restricted food plan; I resisted the urge to taste or let down for just one day. YEAHHHH!!!!

Because it is a life style change rather than a diet, we have scheduled in certain favorite foods. Super Bowl Sunday is one of those scheduled days. The favorite food, Pizza. Not a low calorie pizza, oh no, the real thing. A pizza dripping with cheese, ground beef, bacon, green pepper, onion and pineapple. I intend to enjoy every bite I take with no guilt. During my many years of “dieting” I have found it is unrealistic to completely eliminate those things during the weight loss phase which you know will be the first things you go back to the minute you reach your goal. Part of discipline is understanding that these foods may be enjoyed once in awhile in moderation. So for the month of February this is the scheduled food.

Here is a great recipe for a cold, blustery day. It can be made the day before or frozen for another meal. It is easy, nutritious and comforting. So get cookin’ and enjoy.

SUSAN’S SUPER BOWL CHILI

1 lb 96% lean ground beef (Very important it is 96/4, a higher fat content will increase calories)
1 30 oz. Can Brooke’s Hot or Mild Chili Beans
1 10 ¾ oz Can Campbell’s Tomato Soup
1 14 ½ oz. Can Diced Tomatoes
1 small onion, diced
5 Cups or 40 oz. Water

Chili powder, salt and pepper to taste

Brown ground beef and diced onion, until ground beef is no longer pink. In a large pot combine cooked onion and beef mixture with remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, lower heat to medium and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve with a sprinkle of FF cheddar cheese and 6 saltines for 1 bread serving.

Total recipe 1765 calories 32 WW points
Per 1 cup 196 calories 3.5 WW points
6 Saltines 70 calories 2 WW points
1 Tblsp FF Cheese 20 calories 0 WW points

One month behind me, a lifetime to live.

STILL ON TRACK - WEEK 3

I MADE IT!!!! 3 weeks of eating healthy and exercising. Usually by this time, something has come up to break my resolve. Making sure that Steve is eating healthy and exercising along with me is helping tremendously. We’ve started putting the allotted portions on our plate with only salad and green beans served free style. So far neither one of us has overdosed on vegetables. Meals are really much more enjoyable when you are hungry and it’s great to not feel totally stuffed.

My recipes for the week are some of my favorite healthy snacks.

Vegetables and Dip

Dip Recipe (Provides low-fat, low calorie protein)
16 oz carton Cottage cheese, low fat or non-fat
½ envelope of dry non-fat Ranch Dressing Mix

Spoon ingredients into food processor, process until smooth.
Serve with assorted raw vegetables.

Celery with non-fat cream cheese

Yogurt-Gelatin Dessert

1 pkg of your favorite flavor sugar-free Jello
1 6 -8 oz carton of complimentary flavor of nonfat, diet yogurt (no more than 100 cal)

Mix Jello according to package directions. Chill in refrigerator for 1 hour. Gelatin will still be runny. Wisk in yogurt until smooth. Chill at least 1 hour longer or until Gelatin is completely set. Serve with a tblsp. of Cool Whip. ( Entire recipe without cool whip equals 100-140 calories depending on yogurt used. I usually divide it into about 3 servings)

100 calorie mini bags of microwave popcorn (You get the whole bag by yourself)

25 calorie Swiss Miss Diet Hot Chocolate (a wonderful mid-afternoon treat, once Caleb is asleep or something to warm you up before bedtime)

I mix one envelope into the biggest mug of steaming water I can find, then add a dollop of cool whip for extra richness and creaminess.

I now begin my 4th week. I’ll have a new report next week.

NEW LIFE STYLE-WEEK 2

I have to confess I haven’t been perfect on writing the date. Yes, last week I wrote 2007 on the check and sealed the envelope. I’m sure the electric company will still get their money. The new eating and exercise plan are going surprisingly well. It is amazing what can happen when you get the right mindset. When I really get in the groove, I can never understand what has been so hard about eating healthy and exercising regularly. Today we went to the Olive Garden. While it isn’t the best place for the health-conscious, I ordered what I wanted, left off the breadsticks, complimentary chocolate mint, and took half the meal home. SUCCESS!!!

Another first for me, changing my relationship with the scale. After analyzing all my reasons for changing my life style, I realized that only one had anything to do with the scale. Therefore, I have decided not to weigh in before starting my new plan. I will weigh on the last day of every month and put the scale back in its place until the next month has passed. Have I lost weight? I hope so. My clothes fit better, I don’t feel overloaded constantly, I am actually hungry at meal times, I am able to add minutes every couple of days to my exercise routine and best of all daily doses of antacids have went to few and far between.

Here is a recipe that I found very tasty this week.

GROUND BEEF VEGETABLE STROGANOFF

1 lb. extra lean ground beef (90/10 or 94/6)
1 can Campbell’s condensed vegetable soup
1 can Campbell’s condensed 98% FF cream of mushroom soup
½ cup FF beef broth

Brown ground beef, drain. Stir in vegetable soup, cream of mushroom soup and beef broth.
Simmer 5 minutes.

Serving size: ½ cup beef over ½ cup brown rice
Add a large garden salad w/ff dressing, your choice of steamed vegetables and you’ve got a meal.

New update next week