The Big Secret -- a diet tip a day ...

Motivational Sayings for Your Cookie Jar

2010-09-01T06:05:00.001-05:00

Here are some little motivational sayings that you can stash in your cookie jar, tape to your bathroom mirror, stuff in low-fat fortune cookies, use to help out a struggling diet buddy, keep in a bowl on your desk at work, print out and paste on a collage ...--You're the best, but you're going to get better.-- Sometimes the paths we take are long and hard, but those are the ones that lead to

Go Ahead -- Reach Into that Cookie Jar!

2010-08-31T06:25:00.001-05:00

What do you keep in your cookie jar when you're dieting? Not cookies, I hope! The temptation is too close and it's too easy, in a weak moment, to reach in and pull out a treat -- a treat you probably didn't really want anyway. So why not fill that cookie jar with motivational sayings, close and easy to reach, for those weak moments when you otherwise would have reached in and pulled out

What Would You Do For a Flatter Tummy?

2010-08-30T06:13:00.001-05:00

A study published in The International Journal of Obesity suggests that adding yogurt to your diet may cause the body to burn fat with more efficiency, speed weight loss, and trim your tummy.Researchers found that overweight adults who ate three servings of plain fat-free yogurt a day (as part of a reduced-calorie diet) lost 22% more weight and 61% more body fat than those who simply cut

A Million Lemons Cake

2010-08-29T06:01:00.001-05:00

A Million Lemons Cake ... because it's so lemony and delicious.1 box Pillsbury Reduced Sugar Lemon Cake Mix10 ounces diet Sprite1 egg white1 small box sugar-free lemon gelatin7 ounces fat-free sweetened condensed milk8 ounces Cool Whip Free2 teaspoons lemon extractMix Lemon cake mix, egg white and diet soda. Grease a 9x13 pan with non-stick spray. Pour cake batter into pan. Bake at 375 degrees

Mix 'n Match Your Snacks

2010-08-28T06:56:00.001-05:00

Decide how many calories you want your snack to be, then mix and match from this list to your heart's content. Each item on the list is 10 calories. You can use all of your calories for a larger amount of 1 food, or pick smaller portions of several foods. Adjust your favorite snack foods into 10 calorie increments and add them to list to have a source for an endless variety of snacks.1 1/2

1-Point Monkey Pops

2010-08-27T10:10:00.001-05:00

Monkey Pops1 envelope (four 1/2-cup serving size) reduced-cal instant vanilla pudding mix2 cups skim milk2 bananas -- peeled and cut -- into 4 chunks eachPrepare pudding with milk, following package directions. Push 1 wooden ice-cream stick into each banana chunk; place each one in a 5 oz. drinking cup. Pour pudding into cup, filling each 2/3 full.Freeze at least 4 hours.Serving Size : 81 point/

QUICK 0-Point Soup

2010-08-26T06:00:00.001-05:00

WW 0-point veggie soup has prevented many a binge for me. It's great to have around for those mindless eating episodes. I usually start with the basic recipe and add several other kinds of veggies. At the end, I'll add one can of pintos or garbanzos. Yes, they have points, but the pot of soup is so big that I end with just a few beans in each cup of soup. So few that I don't count them. Why?

Have a Zucchini. And Another. And Another ...

2010-08-25T06:06:00.001-05:00

A tasty way to use the tomatoes and zucchini that are tumbling out of your garden (or supermarket). Serve hot or cold.Tomato and Zucchini Melange2 ripe tomatoes, halved and cut into 1/4 inch slices1 large zucchini, sliced3 tablespoons salsa1/2 bell pepper, seeded and sliced 3 tablespoons water1/2 teaspoon dried oregano1/4 teaspoon dried basilsalt and pepper to tasteIn a small saucepan, mix

How Do You Feel About YOU?

2010-08-24T06:16:00.001-05:00

How do you feel about YOU? Do you 'beat yourself up' because you're overweight (or think you're overweight)? Do you ever say or think, "I hate myself"? Do you hope you'll succeed, but know you'll fail?If any of these sound like you, you're not alone. Many women have self-esteem issues stemming from their weight. But how are you going to be good to your body if you hate it?To lose

Spud News

2010-08-23T06:01:00.001-05:00

The good news is that fat free sour cream as a baked potato topping is a real calorie bargain. A half cup of fat free sour cream has about 80 calories, compared to low-fat at 165 calories and full-fat at 240 calories. The bad news is it doesn't taste very good. More good news! Sour cream, fat-free and otherwise, can be jazzed up in a lot of different ways, many of them very low in

Self vs. Self

2010-08-22T06:25:00.001-05:00

Everyday I have good intentions to walk outside or on the treadmill, but everyday I have as many excuses not to as I do good intentions. So my walking schedule is pretty hit or miss. I've learned over time, though, that I can 'trick' myself into walking or exercising. Sometimes my sneakiness works and sometimes it doesn't, but it may be worth a try for you if you have a hard time getting yourself

"I-Was-Wrong" Turkey Burgers

2010-08-21T06:30:00.001-05:00

In one of my earlier entries, I compared ground turkey and ground beef. Somewhere within, I came to the conclusion that because ground turkey breast (as opposed to simply "ground turkey," which includes both light and dark meat) is so dry and somewhat flavorless, it's best used in dishes like chili and casseroles where it can be spiced up. Not so good as a burger, on the other hand.One night last

Sinfully Rich Side Dish

2010-08-20T06:47:00.001-05:00

Oven Baked Asparagus with Mustard Sauce(Makes 4 Servings)2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed (other favorite veggies could probably be substituted, although adjustments may need to be made in cooking times)Pam olive oil or butter flavored oilsalt & pepper to tasteSauce:1/2 cup non-fat sour cream1 tablespoon red wine or balsamic vinegar1 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard1 teaspoon sugar, or your

Hawaii on the Grill

2010-08-19T06:51:00.001-05:00

Last night was a grill night and one of my favorite parts was the grilled pineapple. There are a lot of recipes out there that involve honey, sugar, rum, butter, etc. But ours was simply cut into spears and threaded on bamboo skewers, then cooked until it was brown around the edges. It was so, so good. If you haven't tried it yet, you'll be amazed how sweet and summery and sort of

Big Enough For 2 2-point Margarita

2010-08-18T06:13:00.003-05:00

Big Enough For 2 2-point Margarita1 can diet Sprite or Sierra Mist1 oz (2 TBS) lime juice1 ½ oz (1 jigger) Tequila2 tsp Crystal Light Lemonade Mix1 cup iceMix and shake. 1 serving: 100 calories; 2 points.2 servings: 50 calories; 1 point.

Fish Fry!!!

2010-08-17T06:17:00.001-05:00

I love fried fish, but who doesn't? I'll tell you who -- anyone who wants to eat healthy and manage their weight. But you don't have to give it up for good -- here's a recipe that satisfies the craving without ruining a good day (or week).1 pound fish filets of choice (orange roughy, or other mild white fish)1 egg white2 cups fat-free crackers, processed to fine crumbs (or fat-free bread crumbs)1

Small Change

2010-08-16T06:51:00.001-05:00

Do you know you need to make some major changes in your eating habits but, for one reason or another, just don't feel up to it now? Perhaps you're swamped at work or you have an emotional issue you're dealing with. Something is going on in your life that has you so consumed that you're pretty certain any attempt to improve your diet is doomed to fail.We all go through times like that but stewing

No Pain, No Gain?

2010-08-15T06:20:00.001-05:00

You hear it all the time -- "No pain, no gain." But is it really true?Nope, not at all. Your mind and your body and your spirit are all working together, so if you want to stick with your exercise, you need to be getting some enjoyment out of it. Choose an activity you've always loved -- hiking, biking, playing tennis -- whatever brings a glow to your skin and a smile to your face. Be smart about

In a Pickle?

2010-08-14T06:37:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Mt. Olive, sweet pickles and relish are now a (practically) calorie free food, with their no sugar added products. The relish is especially useful in making tuna salad, tartar sauce (mix with ff or lf mayo and some minced onion), deviled eggs, and on hot dogs and hamburgers.Look for the blue label in the Mt. Olive section of your grocery store.(If you want low calorie relish but can't

Little Low Calorie Craving Buster

2010-08-13T06:42:00.001-05:00

Are you yearning for something sweet and gooey, but only have a point or two to spare? A few toasted marshmallows will really hit the spot.They're about 20 calories each; not much for such a rich treat! Roast them over the stove (or grill or fire if you happen to be picnicking) until they're golden brown, sugary, and gooey. Savor each bite.

It's Raining Veggies!

2010-08-12T06:34:00.001-05:00

These golden nuggets are delicious, low in fat, low in calories, and can be a healthy part of your diet. One serving of these goes a long way in getting in your vegetables for the day. Dip is salsa, light or low calorie ranch dressing, or other low calorie dip, if desired. 3 cups of grated vegetables2 egg whitessalt & pepper to personal tastedash or two of your favorite seasoning - totally

Deep Within the Confines of Costco (Cue "Jaws" Theme)

2010-08-11T06:19:00.001-05:00

Your family reunion is two days away and you're off to your favorite warehouse store to buy ingredients for your big, but healthy, picnic dinner. But did you know that hidden within the confines of your favorite Costco-like store is someone who is determined to tempt you mercilessly and destroy your good eating intentions before the big event even arrives?Yes, we're talking about ... the sample

But It's a Tradition!

2010-08-10T06:30:00.001-05:00

When your significant other and/or kids have a favorite family meal, it's hard to ban it from your menu list. But family favorites, such as chicken and dumplings or lasagna, are often high in fat and calories. What to do? You don't have to give it up altogether. Let your family enjoy their favorites and treat yourself to a smaller serving of the main dish. Add a large serving of vegetables and a

From Doughnut Girl to Diet Superstar

2010-08-09T06:34:00.001-05:00

The first time I ever went to a WW meeting, there was a superstar there. Those of you who do WW know about superstars -- they're someone who, through hard work and perserverence, have lost a huge amount of weight. They look fantastic and they've earned and deserve their superstar title. It's obvious they're feeling great about themselves. The rest of us are in awe of them.Before she started WW,

Plan B

2010-08-08T06:50:00.001-05:00

Dividing up boxed or bagged snacks (such as low-fat cookies and chips) into single point/serving bags is a helpful WW (and dieter's) strategy, and researchers at Cornell University have proven it. They served a group of students a large bag of crackers and a second group a large bag containing 4 smaller bags of crackers. The group that got the large bag consumed 50% more than their counterparts