African Peanut Soup

This recipe is for Dorris. She said she ate this and couldn't find a recipe. I was looking and I found one that seemed easy to create:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/African-Peanut-Soup/Detail.aspx

I've never tried this, so this will be up to Dorris to make for us all to taste.

Enjoy!
~~C.

8 Foods that Fight Stress on Yahoo! Health

8 Foods that Fight Stress on Yahoo! Health: "It to Beat It
We all know that tension can"

Here's a few tips about eating healthy and it goes with our Flat Belly Diet program. Just a little more encouragement for WHY we should eat healthy!
~~C.

Goulash, but not really.

Goulash, but not really.

Hey Mary! I found a recipe that is a lo-cal version that I think would be good to try. Sounds similar to what you made. YUM!

INSPIRED BY FOOD? YES, WE ARE!!

This week we were unable to weigh in or take body measurements. Why? Michael was not at the church to unlock the office for us to retrieve our files/charts/tape measure or scale. Need week, prepare to show off how much you’ve lost…both in weight and in inches.

Since we didn’t have the ability to check our status by weigh in, we talked about recipes this week. One of the dishes we tried this past week was the Tilapia with almonds. The response was that this was a good dish and we would make it again.

Other recipes included Mary’s version of a family favorite—homemade goulash prepared with whole wheat noodles. She used ground beef and ground turkey to keep the yummy familiar flavors but with a leaner calorie profile. Her family was happy to eat this—no surprise you might say? That’s because she’s feeding men! (Insert laughter here, please) but I haven’t met a man who doesn’t enjoy it when a lady cooks for them. Keeping it lean and healthy was the extra bonus for all her ‘eaters’.

We welcome Holly G. to our group. Holly has been reducing calories and losing weight for some time now--with over 50 pounds lost!! She is joining our group to stay on track and continue the work she began on her own.

I passed out handouts that have snacks with 100 calories or less. If you need additional copies, please ask at our next meeting. If you are ever in doubt about what to eat as a snack here are a few quick picks: half an apple with 2 teaspoons of peanut butter, ½ frozen orange juice—frozen and eaten as sorbet, 9 Tootsie Roll Midgets (chocolate craving), 29 pistachios, and 60 Pepperidge Farm Baby Goldfish crackers.

On Wednesday morning I was watching the Rachel Ray Show. She had Dr. Ian Smith on talking about a few ways to trick ourselves and to stay on the path to healthy life changes. You can link to Rachel Ray’s page to read more: http:// www.rachaelrayshow.com


Here are Dr. Ian’s reminders and you can find the link to his Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-Ian-Smith/66447777852

Use the plate as a guide to decrease your portions. "Keep an inch between your food and the edge of the plate and make sure the food is not more than an inch high," he suggests. "Or use a salad plate as your entree plate."

Drink a glass of water before and after each meal to fill your stomach. "The water stretches your stomach. It sends a signal to your brain saying, 'I'm full, no more!'" he explains. "Now you're stretching the stomach to its maximum but on fewer calories!"

Use the color of the food as a guide to make the healthiest choices. "The best colors are the rainbow - so orange, blue, reds and greens are the best colors with all the vital nutrients that you need and the vitamins and minerals. The next best would be the browns, the whole grains and multi-grains," Dr. Ian says. "The worst of course are the whites, the enriched flowers."

Eat different foods and vary your menus. "If you change your diet every four days you prevent food boredom, and you burn off more calories because your body never gets adjusted to eating the same foods."

Here’s a recipe for each of you who are tired of drinking Sassy Water every day and want something warm to sip on.

It’s Soothing Ginger Tea from the Martha Stewart publication of http://www.wholeliving.com/

Step 1. Remove the skin from an inch of fresh ginger using a paring knife. Chop the ginger and measure a tablespoon per cup of tea. Step 2. Add ginger to a saucepan with water, 8 oz. per cup. Bring it to a boil, then simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Pour into a teapot. Step 3. Remove the strainer from the teapot and discard the ginger. Add honey if desired. Tea can be refrigerated for up to a day; warm to serve.

Finally, DON’T FORGET TO EXERCISE! Take a walk. Dance while cooking. Rake the yard. Just get up and get moving. I think we should track our exercise time as well as our calories.

Have a Happy Weekend and eat Healthy!

~~C.

DEFEAT? NOPE, NOT NO-HOW, NOT NO-WAY, NOT US!!!

This week seemed to be difficult for each of our participants. We each had reasons (or excuses) for becoming de-railed by food cravings. I don’t believe that it was the food we are eating, because we all enjoy what we are eating on the Flat Belly program, but it seems those ‘outside factors’ contributed to our lack of diligence. So…we are determined to do better this next week.

“Being defeated is often temporary, giving up makes it permanent.”

We are making permanent changes in our lives—and that includes health and weight-loss. We are not defeated! We are strong. So here are our weekly stats with only 4 of us, in attendance, this week: 2 of us lost a little and 2 of us gained a little. We CAN do better.

Some of the topics discussed at this week’s weigh in:

Mary and Roy made turkey burgers (all white meat) and put a chunky avocado and salsa mixture on top. Got their MUFAs and lots of flavor!

I used the George Foreman for fat free grilling. While talking about this, Mary reminded us of a recipe that incorporates chunky salsa into your hamburger meat before cooking. This sounds scrumptious to me. Next time I grill MY burgers, I’ll be trying this.

Mary brought her recipe file of favorite lo-cal dishes. It is decided that we are going to try the Almond Crusted Tilapia from the September 2008 Good Housekeeping magazine. Here’s the link: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipefinder/almond-crusted-tilapia-recipe?click=main_sr   By next week we should have time to try it and then give report on either thumbs up or thumbs down.

Here’s a smoothie recipe that Dorris wants to try:

Pina Colada Smoothie

½ cups fresh pineapple chunks

2 tsps. fresh lime juice

½ tsp. coconut extract

½ tbsp. sugar or Splenda granular

¾ cup nonfat plain yogurt

3-4 ice cubes

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth.

Calories: 174, Calcium: 372 mg, Counts as 2 dairy serving and 1 fruit serving

Here are a couple more links for you to check out:

Mary provided us with a homemade hummus recipe. Blend all these ingredients together and serve with assorted vegetables or pita chips.

1 can chick peas, drained

1 cup roasted red peppers

1 lemon, juice only

Cinnamon, just a pinch

Salt & pepper, to season

And I found another: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Easy-Roasted-Red-Pepper-Hummus/Detail.aspx

I researched a web page that was on one of the recipe pages.  It is a book called Our Lady of Weight Loss by Janice Taylor. There is a lot beneficial information that can help each of us. Take a little time and see what she has on her web pages, and check out the books. She, like us, has been on this “healthy adventure”. Maybe we can learn a few things from her life. http://www.ourladyofweightloss.com/motivation/kick/index2010.asp

Well, that’s all for this week. Stay focused, stay positive and eat a little dark chocolate every day! ~~C.  Don't forget--we take measurements next week.

Healthy Chocolate Recipes and Tips

Healthy Chocolate Recipes and Tips

WEIGH IN PLEEZ! UGH!

Well, for some of our group this is the 3rd week of weigh in and self-discipline. For others, like me, this was my second week in the program. I was worried (only a little, mind you) that since I had cheated a little and because I didn’t accomplish the whole 4 days beginning program that I wouldn’t have lost anything. But….YIPPEE!!! I did lose weight. I lost 2.8 pounds! There is nothing better than when a woman gets on a scale and finds that she’s lost weight. It is amazing what it does for you! I just kept saying YIPPEE (in my head) but still ecstatic that I lost SOMETHING. Now…I know other gals in our group lost also! They, like me, were thrilled for our accomplishment.  Congratulations!

I’ve included a few links for you to click on. There is one on artificial sweeteners, 4 on how to take our measurements—which we all realize is of the utmost importance, right? :-))

Also, we discussed other ways that we can curb and manage how to eat less and feel full.

Dorris said that Scott and White Medical Group has a tip: Prepare your plate, eat ½ of what is on it and then put your fork down, leave the meal alone for 10 minutes and then resume eating. It is thought that by stopping mid-point that your body thinks it’s done eating, thereby causing you to eat smaller portion or less food. Note: I tried to find this particular diet on the Scott and White links, but didn’t find it. Similarly, that reminded me of a tip about cutting one bite at a time, putting fork and knife down and chewing your food completely before picking up your utensils again. Both are good tips and have value. Just try it and see how it may make a difference. Most people eat way too fast, so this is a good way to slow down, enjoy the meals and curb out tendencies to overeat. http://longevity.about.com/od/healthyeatingtips/qt/tips_slowdown.htm

Another additive was brought up by our friend Joan. She talked about MSG and what it does to our bodies and the bad effects. She did not have the web page links readily available for me to post, but I did find one shttp://www.msgtruth.org/whatisit.htmite that I felt pretty well summed it up. The sad part? IT’S IN ALOT OF FOODS WE CONSUME. http://www.msgtruth.org/whatisit.html

So Friends, it pays for each of us to be conscientious consumers, as well as keeping an eye on our portions. The more I read, the more I like the idea of eating natural, whole fruits and vegetables and natural grain products. I never thought of myself as becoming a Vegan, but it seems like it might be one of our safest options.

Have a GREAT WEIGHTLOSS WEEK! And don’t forget, if you don’t lose, you have to put money “in the kitty”.

Artificial Sweeteners: http://hubpages.com/hub/Artificial-Sweeteners--Natural-Sweeteners

Female Body Measurements: http://www.jedphoenix.com/easy-access/how-to-measure/womens-measurements

How To Take Accurate Body Measurements: http://www.thechicfashionista.com/body-measurements.html

How Do I Take My Measurements by iVillage: http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/diet-fitness/how-do-take-my-measurements.html

How To Take Body Measurements In 5 Easy Steps: http://www.curvycounselor.com/how-to-take-body-measurements.html

From my scale to yours,


Your “joyful dieter”~~ C.

CRAVINGS? LOVE CHOCOLATE?

Yesterday was a day that I was craving something sweet--all day.  Now, I know some might say that I didn't have enough to eat, or that I didn't eat the right things, but I did.  This is where the boredom factor comes in.  I eat when I'm bored or stressed.  Yesterday was one of those boring days for me.  Instead of getting off my posterior, I decided to veg-out watching TV movies on the Lifetime Channel and taking cat naps. 

Here is a wonderful option for about 100 calories (I think a capful of these is actually 150 calories--the cap double as a measure cup). 

Only thing is--- I didn't have any of these in the house either.  These little almonds are a wonderful compromise for our Chocolate Craving.  Yes, it's high in FAT content, but it's one of our approved fats--on our MUFA list.  They also come in snack size packaging--100 calorie packets.  Perfect to put in your purse of tote or school bag. 

So, you are now wondering what I did because I was craving chocolate??? I cheated on my diet.  I found I had a little bit of chocoate left over from my Valentine candy.  It was a gift!! so, it had to be eaten at some point, right?   Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!    I'm not going to beat myself up. I'll just do better today.  I have a goal to attain.  For me that's feeling better, getting fit and the payoff?  getting slimmer! 

Have a wonderful Monday, and it's a new week!  ~~C.

P.S.  If you want to know more about Emerald Brand nuts, click the word almond.

BREAD, GLORIOUS BREAD

I like bread! I want to say that again—I like bread!! I like the smell of a fresh loaf as I walk into the entrance of the nearest Wal-Mart or HEB grocery store. I like it even better when I have a nice schmeer of butter on it. Okay, so I like that warm bread plain—just tear off a hunk on the way home from the store and shove it into my mouth. Well, now that we agree about our bread craving, let’s find a way to still enjoy bread and not feel deprived. Here’s one of the ways that I’ve found this week to help with this:

There are products called slim breads. It seems they are everywhere and in every store—but they are pricey. I bought one package to try. My first brand is Nature’s Own brand.
This is the first slim bread. I like it! Hmm, maybe there is hope for me to “have my cake and eat it too”. My first sandwich was made with deli turkey, tomato, lots of lettuce and mustard. There is hope. I will survive.
Nature's Own Bread

Today I stopped by the Mrs. Baird’s bread store with my friend Juls. They have other varieties of whole grain breads (the good ones), plus Thomas’ Bakeries makes a new Bagel Thin. One of the workers there said his wife counts carbs and this is an approved and really good tasting alternative. He said “try it”, so I brought home 2 packages. (2 different varieties) They are now in the freezer until next week. The other bread was my Oroweat brand. Each company has a variety of flavors such as wheat, whole grain, honey wheat and multi-grain.

Because of my love of bread, I had to find a way to enjoy it and still stay on track for my weight loss program. You’ll find recipes on this site. Click the link for more information, plus the nutritional guides.
Arnold Breads

As I was looking at the bread nutrition guides, I realized that Bimbo Bakeries is the parent company for a lot of the bread brands that we daily see, buy and consume. Check it out and find the bread that you will love to lunch on! Here’s the link for their bread site: Bimbo Bakeries

Eat! Enjoy! But...Eat Slim!

Learning the Cha-Cha-Cha

Mary says "dancing is the best exercise".  Previously she taught dance and today she attempted to teach us the basics of the cha-cha-cha.  I have two left feet and very little sense of rhythm, but tonight I found several videos on YouTube with an easy instructor.  Hopefully, you'll do better than me!  I dance like I have two wooden legs (insert your own personal laughter here), but I did try tonight to accomplish this basic step. 

Here is the information regarding the instructor/demonstrator: Beginner Cha-Cha-Cha
He does have another 6 or 7 lessons to accompany this beginners video.  This is the instructor information: Expert: Franco Peraza & Valerie Levine, Contact: http://www.steppingoutstudios.com/,
Bio: Franco Peraza & Valerie Levine

Have fun!   No, really go ahead and have fun!

Welcome to Belli Laffs!

Getting started is the hardest part of any plan, right?

Well, we've started now--and there is no turning back.

It's time to get fit!!!

Who are we?

A group of friends gathering together at the

Canyon Creek Church of Christ in Temple, Texas

When do we meet?

Every Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 p.m.

Where do we meet?

4902 S. 31st Street, Temple, TX 76502

254.771.3712

Why do we meet?

To honor Christ by becoming healthier, slimmer and more fit.

What do we do?

We get together to weigh in, encourage each other, share recipes, encourage each other, exercise, did I say encourage each other?--and have fun!!!

Our "Slim for Him Class" coordinators are Roy and Mary Nelson.

We are following the Flat Belly Diet by Liz Vaccariello,

Editor-in-Chief of Prevention Magazine.

So...come on...join us...and let's have a few 'belli laffs',

~~Cynthia

PESTO

Here's the recipe from Prevention for Pesto: Enjoy!

Prep Time: 5 minsCook Time: 0 minsServes: 6Average Rating: 0/5This dip freezes well. Just pack it in a freezer-quality plastic container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then process briefly in a blender or food processor to restore its creamy texture.
Ingredients
2 cups chopped fresh basil 1 cup dry bread crumbs 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons chopped almonds 2 cloves garlic 1/4 cup nonfat mayonnaise 1/4 cup nonfat sour cream Directions
1.In a blender or food processor, combine the basil, bread crumbs, Parmesan, almonds, and garlic. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides of the container as necessary. Add the mayonnaise and sour cream. Process briefly to combine.


Print From Rodale 3/4/2010 ALL RIGHT RESERVED © 2008 Rodale