Summertime is Great for Healthy Living

Out with the carb-laden stews, toasty-warm breads, and hot fat-or-sugar-saturated desserts that winter brings, and in with the fresh fruits and vege's, grilled meats, and ice-cold pure water.

Where I live the temperatures are climbing and the air-conditioners are in full motion, so summer is definitely here. And what better time to reassess your health than now. Actually, everyday is a great time to take stock of where you're at, and where you want to be, but the beginning of summer just seems to offer a little extra boost. With outdoor pools open, welcoming you to swim for exercise when walking in the humidity just won't do, and with all those fresh veges and fruits available for healthy eating, summer is the perfect time to strive for optimal health.

The multitude of summer physical activities to do is mind-boggling. Consider challenging yourself to try something new this season. Perhaps set a goal to swim with your kids three times a week and build the number of laps you all can do. Or plan to play basketball and bounce on your trampoline (or the neighbors if they're generous) with a loved one or two on a regular basis.

While you're building your physical activity, try aligning your meals in the same healthy way. Grill lean meats, substitute fresh salads for the winter breads. Not every hamburger needs to become a sandwich. Try a patty nude. You might discover it has more taste without the covering. For dessert, a chilled bowl of fresh fruit and berries, no need to add sugar, will finish the meal off right, and with a healthy twist that won't get you down.

I hope you'll take this new season as an opportunity to begin afresh and really consider what would be good for your health. Get your family involved so that you can all benefit, both relationship wise and health wise.


Surrendering to Him,

Eileen

Orange Peppers, Yes, but Purple, too?

It seems that each year I'm introduced to some new food. I remember one year it was broccoflower, then purple cauliflower, and this year it's Purple Sweet Peppers. Only they taste more watery than sweet, in my opinion. Who comes up with these twists on the basic fruits and vege's, anyway?

I suspect it's all for presentation.

Either way, although the purple peppers haven't hit home with me, I certainly am enjoying the abundance of yellow, orange, and red sweet peppers. No dip required with these colourful, taste-pleasing vege's, and that's a good thing. Dips are sneaky. It's difficult to measure what you're consuming when you are just dipping into a non-measured container. Inevitably you take in way more dip than you had planned. Who can blame you? It's so rich and creamy. Right?

Well, to be safe, I say lose the dip. Enjoy the raw vege's in their simplicity, and get all the health benefits without the added calories.

Happy Munching Everyone!

Eileen

Slow Cookers

The smell of my pork roast simmering in the crock pot sent me here. It occurred to me that slow cookers are not only time-savers, but they are also economical, in a monetary and calorie sense.

One concept of the slow cooker is to tenderize meats that usually come out tough from the conventional oven method of cooking. Those meat cuts are ones with minimal fat, and can also be the cheapest cuts.

Be sure not to add broths loaded with salt, though, while cooking your cheaper roasts. Instead, rely on a little water, home seasoned with garlic, pepper, grated celery, carrots and onions, and stick to your allotted portion of protein. Bulk up on the vegetables, and drink lots of water. Enjoy!

Oh, I'm loving the smell of my roast. This cooler weather is starting to feel welcome, after all.

Blessings,

Eileen

Happy Mother's Day!

Hi, All:

For all you Mothers out there, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, early, from me! May you have some wonderful bonding time with your families and may they be supportive of your weight loss endeavors by not presenting you with any forbidden goodies.

But just in case they aren't on the same thought process as you, maybe you should prepare for such a gift by behaving really well until the big day. That way you can enjoy their surprise and not disappoint them with little guilt on your part.

That's what I'm doing. I'm sticking to the straight and narrow until Sunday when my family intends to celebrate my part in their world. I have no idea what food they are planning, but I do know my hubby did some internet searches for meal planning for the day and that has always meant one enjoyable meal in the future for me. My girls seem excited to be joining their dad in the preparation, so this should be a fun Sunday for them all and me too, since I won't have to cook.

I pray all mothers will feel special on this day of recognition!

Blessings to all,

Eileen