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.