August 31

2 Thessalonians 3:16 - NLT
May the Lord of peace himself always give you his peace no matter what happens.  The Lord be with you all.

Ted felt the material rip the moment he bent over. Funny, that never happened a few years ago. Either his clothes were all shrinking or he was filling out a bit. There was just one thing to do about it: He was going to have to lose a few pounds. He'd done it before; he could do it again. A little willpower, a little patience, and a few prayers for strength. Ted was a man who knew his God and believed He would help out. He had never doubted Him, and God had never let him down. It was nice to feel so confident about some-thing. Dieting was easy when you were positive that God would help you work things out.

Today's Thought: I'm going to wear clothes I haven't fit into in years!

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Today's Tip:  Don't Skip Meals

Why not? Because you'll get hungry.
Result? Hunger will crush your willpower to lose weight.
And you'll binge on cookies!

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New-Fashioned Coleslaw

1 cup plain nonfat yogurt
2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 small head green cabbage ( 1-1/4 pounds), shredded
4 carrots, shredded
1 red bell pepper, cut into matchstick strips

1. Spoon the yogurt into a fine-mesh sieve or a coffee filter cone and drain off excess liquid.

2. In large bowl, whisk together yogurt and mayonnaise until smooth. Add lemon juice, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper and whisk to combine. Add cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper; toss to combine.

3. Refrigerate at least one hour before serving.

August 30

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 - NLT
May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loved us and in his special favor gave us  everlasting comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you do and say.

Another diet. Carla had tried so many times, and she had never come close to succeeding. She wasn't even sure why she was trying again. She knew it would be good for her to lose weight, but she felt beaten before she even began. What would make this time any different from the rest? What makes one attempt different from others is this: confidence. We really have to believe that we can do it. It should help us immensely to know that God believes in us. He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He has equipped us with everything we need to succeed. All we have to do is learn to believe.

Today's Thought: What I lack in confidence, I make up for with faith!

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Today's Tip:  A Healthier Pizza.
To mind your waist and enjoy the taste and texture of melted mozzarella, order a no-cheese slice topped with vegetables to go, then sprinkle a little cheese at home and reheat.

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Broccoli Mandarin Orange Salad

Colorful and full of crunch, this salad will please even the non-veggie people.

5 cups broccoli flowerets
2 tbsp. almonds
2 cans (11 oz. each) of mandarin orange sections, well drained
1 orange, grated peel and juice
5 green onions, chopped
3 tbsp. white vinegar
1 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. olive oil

Steam broccoli in covered saucepan for 3 min. Remove and rinse with cold running water until broccoli is no longer warm. Do not cook further. Place in serving bowl and chill, covered.

Meanwhile, in a medium-sized bowl, combine almonds, drained mandarin oranges, grated peel and juice from orange, green onions, and remaining ingredients.   Toss gently and allow to stand at room temperature for about 15 to 30 minutes.

Pour marinated orange mixture on chilled broccoli and toss.

August 29

Ephesians 3:16 - NLT
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.

Herm couldn't figure out why he wasn't losing weight. He knew he wasn't eating as much as he had before he retired. When he was on the road, he ate like a horse. Now that he was home around the house all the time, he ate a lot less. Something definitely wasn't right. Losing weight requires much more than just changing our eating habits. We need to change our whole outlook on things. Sometimes we need to cut back on food while increasing the amount of exercise we get. Other times we need to give up certain foods altogether. We need to evaluate deep inside how we live out our lives, and make adjustments necessary to succeed in losing weight.

Today's Thought: Dieting doesn't happen on its own. It takes a conscious effort!

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Today's Tip:  Be scrupulously honest with yourself!

You need to be honest about your willingness to change habits for life. You need to be honest about what you are actually eating. This is where a food diary comes in handy.

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Kashi Fudge Brownies with Heart

1 1/2 cups Kashi Heart to Heart Cereal, crushed*
1/3 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 ounces non-fat yogurt
1/2 cup pure honey
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

In a medium sized bowl, combine Kashi Heart to Heart cereal, cocoa powder, flour, walnuts, baking powder and salt. Mix well. Set Aside. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, honey, applesauce and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Using a spatula, add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mix until well blended. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until knife comes out clean. Let cool and serve.

* Place Kashi Heart to Heart cereal in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin into coarse flour.

August 28

Jeremiah 30:22
So you will be my people,
    and I will be your God.

The covenant that God made was quite simple: He would be God to a group of people who would accept Him and honor Him. God's promises are always simple and straight-forward. There are never strings attached. God will do everything He can to help us deal with this life. He wants to see His children happy and fulfilled. That is why He will help us when we need His comforting strength. Alone, we just don't have what it takes to make it. With God, however, there is no force on Earth great enough to keep us from our goal. Remember God, and truly He will remember you in time of need.

Today's Thought:  My willpower comes from the strongest power source around!

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TODAY'S TIP:

Allergies And Asthma Affect Work

A recent survey of 300 adults with asthma and/or nasal allergies suggests that these conditions may cause people to take more sick days from work and have decreased work effectiveness. Results of the survey, which were published in the June issue of the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, showed that those with asthma were more likely to take full days off from work while those with nasal allergies alone were more likely to take partial days off. If you suffer from either asthma or allergies, talk to your physician to discuss treatment options. With proper treatment, you'll be working at your best!

- M. Ellman

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Honey Mustard Pasta Salad

1/2 lb. macaroni, or other shell pasta
3/4 cup honey mustard dressing
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1/2 lb. smoked ham, diced
1 cup canned peas, drained
1-1/2 tsp. dill weed

Cook pasta in boiling salted water 8-10 minutes or until al-dente. Drain and cool. Combine with remaining ingredients. Toss. Chill before serving.

August 27

Ephesians 2:14-15
For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups.

As wrong as it was, Rachel had to admit that being thin helped her fit in. She really wasn't a different person now that she was thin, but people sure treated her that way. It was unbelievable that people were so biased against those who were fat. Rachel sighed a prayer of thankfulness to God that He had helped her lose weight. It was hard, being on the outside. Nobody likes being ostracized. She also prayed that God might make people see how unfair it was to judge others based on their appearance. If God could help Rachel lose weight, perhaps He could change the bigotry of some concerning obesity.

Today's Thought:  Fat or skinny, I'm the same person inside!

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Today's Tip:
Pack low fat yogurts in your kids’ lunch boxes, and small boxes of low fat milk, or bottles of water, instead of sugary drinks. Always pack at least one fruit offering in your kids' lunches—dried or fresh, and preferably not immersed in syrup.

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Banana-Peach Smoothie Pie

1 2/3 packages vanilla pudding mix, 3.12 oz each or one 5.1 oz box
2 c fat-free milk
2 med peaches, chop one and set the other aside
1 large banana, sliced
6 oz reduced-fat graham cracker pie-crust
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Prepare pudding according to package directions, using fat-free milk. Set aside to cool. Purée chopped peach in a food processor and stir into cooled pudding.

Lay banana slices in bottom of pie-crust and cover with pudding. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour. Just before serving, thinly slice remaining peach and decorate top of pie with peach slices. Sprinkle with nutmeg, slice into 10 pieces and serve.

August 26

2 Timothy 4:18
Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.

Wes looked at the sign on the refrigerator door: God is watching! What a thought! Everything he did was under God's watchful eye. A slight groan escaped his lips as he thought of the times he'd cheated through the week. He hoped it was worth it. Actually, Wes kind of liked the sign. It made him think, and once he got to thinking, his diet wasn't so bad. God had helped him avoid a lot of unnecessary snacks. There were worse things to have happen to you than to have God watching every move you made. Wes felt pretty confident. With God's help, he was really going to make it through this thing!

Today's Thought:  God's steering me clear of the fat traps!

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Today's Tip:

Exercising just 30 min. each day may help lower your cholesterol, according to a study published in the May 15, 2002 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology.

Researchers examined 21 men and 6 women with heart disease who were already on a cholesterol-lowering diet. Over half of the participants were taking prescription cholesterol-lowering medications, but kept their dose constant during the study period. The participants then started a daily exercise regimen of moderate exercise such as brisk walking or using an exercise bike for an average of 30 minutes each day three to six times per week. Six months later, 89% of the participants had lowered their LDL, or "bad," cholesterol to "acceptable" levels. Most participants also had a reduction in triglycerides, another "bad" compound found in the blood. This research provides yet another reason why a nutritious diet and regular exercise can keep you healthy.

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BAKED POTATO & COTTAGE CHEESE  

1 baked potato
cottage cheese
Salsa

Warm potato in the microwave.  Top with cottage cheese & salsa.  Add salt and pepper.

August 25

Luke 6:37 - NLT
Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.

Kelly was unbearable. She had lost thirty pounds with relative ease, so she ridiculed anyone who couldn't do it as easily as she had. Kelly wasn't being fair. Every person is different. It didn't mean that others weren't as committed or as  dedicated as Kelly had been. It was frustrating to try so hard and then have Kelly make fun of you for it. Why couldn't she have a little compassion? After all, she had been obese once! After losing weight, we should be more compassionate than anyone else. It is important to remember how hard losing weight really is. We have a wonderful opportunity to help others when we keep in mind what we've come through.

Today's Thought:  I hope I can lose my weight without losing my sensitivity toward others!

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Tip for Today:

Want to make some weatherproof plant labels for your garden? Try using plastic knives. With a permanent marker, write the name of the plant on the blade of the knife and poke the handle into the soil. The job is done.

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Really Fast Meatless Taco Salad

2      cups          chili, vegetarian
1      can           tomatoes with green chilis
1      cup           corn, frozen
1      teaspoon      chili powder
1      teaspoon      cumin powder
8      cups          lettuce
20      pieces        tortilla, low fat
1      cup           healthy choice fat free cheese -- cheddar

In a skillet or saucepan, combine chili, tomatoes, corn, chili powder and cumin.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.  Spread a layer of lettuce on each of 4 dinner plates.  Top each with 5 tortilla chips, broken into medium pieces.  Spoon bean mixture on top; sprinkle each with 1/4 cup cheese.  Serve.

August 24

Philemon 7 - NLT
I myself have gained much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because your kindness has so often refreshed the hearts of God's people.

Phil had a lousy self-image. He felt unwanted and unloved. He looked at himself in the mirror and saw an enormous slob. No one could love that. Dieting didn't even make sense. It was useless. Nothing would ever change. Poor Phil honestly believed he was unloved. He had no reason to change because he saw no hope for his future. How sad that Phil didn't know the love of God. We can proceed with our diets knowing that we are loved and that we are lovable. Just knowing that makes it all worthwhile. We draw strength from the comfort that comes from being loved. That strength ensures that we can lose the weight we want to lose.

Today's Thought: Special people can do anything they set their mind to, and I am a special person!

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Today's Tip: Primo Pasta!
Feel like pasta dinners are putting your calories over the edge? Simply steam some vegetables and mix at least a cup into your pasta, and you'll need a much smaller serving to feel full.

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Baked Sweet Potato Fries

4 med sweet potatoes or yams, peeled and sliced into ½"-thick wedges
1 Tbsp olive oil
¼ tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray.

2. Combine potatoes, oil, salt, and pepper in bowl and toss well.

3. Arrange potatoes in single layer on baking sheet. Bake 25 minutes, turning halfway through. Serve immediately.

August 23

Romans 8:35, 37 - NLT
Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love?  Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or are hungry or cold or in danger or threatened with death?  No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

Christ makes us conquerors. He offers us unimaginable power through the Holy Spirit. Nothing can separate us from that love and power. That power enabled Jesus Christ to conquer death. It allowed the apostle Paul to conquer his afflictions. It allowed Peter to overcome his doubts and fears. If the Holy Spirit could do that for those great men, then why shouldn't we be able to believe that the Spirit will help us lose weight? Indeed, we can even conquer obesity through the divine power of God. Nothing can stop us from achieving our goal, because the power of God is with us.

Today's Thought: I will burn up calories in the fire of the Holy Spirit!

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Today's Tip:  Health and Diet
What’s for dinner? Most people answer this question when it’s just about time to eat. If you were scheduled for a flight would you wait until just before leaving the house to pack your suitcase? Plan your meals ahead of time! You’re more likely to stick to healthful eating by developing this habit! In many cases, you can also cut up the vegetables ahead of time, essentially reducing your prep time.

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Roasted Sugar Snap Peas

1 lb sugar snap peas
1 tbs extra-virgin olive oil
Coarse salt
2 tbs chopped fresh chives

Preheat broiler. Line a large baking sheet with foil. Toss peas with olive oil on prepared baking sheet. Spread peas in a single layer. Broil 2 minutes or just until crisp-tender and they are beginning to brown in spots, stirring once. Remove from oven and transfer to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with coarse salt, then chives, and serve.

August 22

Titus 3:4-5 - NLT
But then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love.  He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy.  He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit.

It was a miraculous metamorphosis. Darleen had lost one hundred pounds. Though everyone encouraged her as much as possible, no one really believed she could do it. The proof was before their eyes: Darleen looked great. Someone asked her how she had done it, and she told them that a crisis in her life had made her realize she didn't just need to lose weight, she needed to be saved from her own body. She fell in her kitchen and had not been able to get up again. Through her pain and frustration, she believed she was being taught a valuable lesson. She thanked God that He had gotten through to her before it was too late.

Today's thought: Save me from being a prisoner to obesity!

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Today's Tip:  Picking the Best Canned Soup.

Keep your eye on the total fat -- it should be no more than 3 grams. Some canned cream soups pack a whopping 25 grams. Others pour almost an entire day's worth of sodium in one can; if a can has more than 500mg of sodium, put it back.

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Easy Strawberry Orange Salad

2 (3 oz.) pkg. strawberry-flavored gelatin
2 c boiling water
1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen strawberries, thawed, drained, reserve juice
1/3 c orange juice
1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained
1/3 c sour cream

Place gelatin in bowl. Add boiling water; stir until dissolved. Combine reserved strawberry juice and orange juice; stir into gelatin. Reserve 1 tbs. mixture; set aside.  Cover gelatin mixture; refrigerate until slightly thickened. Gently stir in strawberries and orange segments.  Cover; refrigerate until set.  Combine sour cream and reserved gelatin mixture until well mixed.  Cover; refrigerate until serving time. Serve sour cream mixture with salad.

August 21

If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
II Timothy 2:21

Gary couldn't believe what he was hearing!  He hadn't been selected for the mission because he was just a few pounds overweight.  Harrison was trimmer, but that didn't mean he was any better as a pilot.  How could they turn him down because of a few pounds? Often, being fit is determined by how trim and slim we are.  It may not be fair, but it shows the value that is put on keeping in shape.  God wants us to be in shape, so we can enjoy this life we have been given to the fullest.  He intends that we should always be ready to experience all that life has to offer.  We can only do that when we take proper care of ourselves.

Today's Thought:  I am making myself fit for life!

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Today's Thought:   Fill up on fiber.

You can curb your hunger by increasing your intake of dietary fiber, which is filling, so you feel full but eat less. For these diet tips, experts recommend eating more fruits, vegetables and wholegrain cereals.

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Quick and Easy Blender Salsa

• 2 - 14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 - 10 ounce cans diced tomatoes with green chili peppers
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 fresh jalapeno pepper, chopped
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 large sweet onion, chopped
• 3 drops hot pepper sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced

In a blender, place diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chili peppers, lemon juice, jalapeno pepper, cilantro, yellow onion, hot pepper sauce and garlic. Blend until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator until serving.

Or if you like it chunky, mix together and chill.

August 20

Luke 10:41-42
But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Angie brought home a new diet book each week. She had a closet full of exercisers guaranteed to take off pounds and inches. She had a cabinet full of pills, powders, and liquids bearing promises of miraculous weight loss. Cindy just shook her head. Why go to all the trouble? Losing weight wasn't going to come from anywhere except from inside the person who wanted to lose it. Desire was the main ingredient. It was too easy to get caught up in fads and fancy claims. A quiet determination to lose weight was what was really important. Angie lost a few pounds, while Cindy lost many.

Today's Thought:  It's hard to lose weight when you have a fat head!

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Today's Tip:  Don’t be so sweet.

Numerous studies have linked table sugar to increased calorie consumption. While sugar doesn’t do as much dietary damage as fat, you’ll find that when you eat sweets, you simply want to eat more… of everything. Not only that, but sugar also makes your body excrete chromium, and chromium is a mineral that helps your body build calorie-burning lean tissue – so you want to keep your chromium levels up.

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Low Fat Waffles

3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup liquid egg substitute
1 cup fat-free milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat waffle maker

Whisk dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Add egg substitute, milk and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth.

Ladle 2/3 cup of batter into preheated waffle maker, and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until golden.

Makes 3 Belgian waffles

August 19

John 3:17
'For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.'

Guilt. Every time Liz slipped, she felt guilty. Her husband gave her such disapproving looks. She wanted to stick to her diet, but it was hard. Then, when people made her feel guilty, she got depressed, which only made her want to eat more. The more she ate, the guiltier she felt; the guiltier she felt, the more she ate. It was a vicious cycle. She wished people would be more understanding. She honestly believed that would make all the difference. We don't need pressure put on us by those who condemn us for not being perfect. That's why God is the perfect diet mate. He supports without condemning, and He loves us even when we fail.

Today's thought: I can do wonderful things with God's support!

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Today's Tip:  Use a smaller plate, such as your salad plates instead of dinner plates, to keep portions under control. You might also want to try eating from blue plates, which could help suppress your appetite.

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Tomato Brochette

• 8 Roma tomatoes, chopped into cubes
•1/3 cup red onions, chopped
•1 cup loosely packed fresh basil
•3 cloves garlic, chopped
•1/2 cup red wine vinegar
•1/3 cup olive oil
•1 dash salt and pepper
•1 loaf of long French bread, sliced

Chop tomatoes, red onion, and garlic; put into medium sized bowl and set aside. Chop basil by hand or in a food processor until very fine. Add basil to tomato mixture. Add red wine vinegar and oil, and salt/pepper and mix well. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Toast bread under broiler until just toasted. Spoon tomato mixture over toast and serve immediately.

August 18

Matthew 10:29, 31
'Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.'

Jeff was suspicious. He couldn't figure out why his friends were trying to be so helpful with his diet. What could they possibly get out of it? Whenever he was with them, they avoided talking about food, and they ate salads and cottage cheese instead of normal food. They wouldn't even have dessert. It made Jeff feel a little awkward and guilty. He couldn't believe his friends would go to so much trouble to help him out. Some people wonder whether or not God really cares about their diet problems. The fact is, He cares about everything that is important to us. Take comfort in the fact that God cares deeply, and He will do everything He can to help you.

Today's Thought:  God thinks I'm great, with or without weight!

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Today's Tip:  Reducing Fat

Cook with less fat by using non-stick skillets.
Blot all fried meats on paper towels.
Add a spoon of water or broth as needed instead of more fat when sautéing onions and vegetables.
Substitute low-fat yogurt for mayonnaise.
Substitute ground turkey for ground beef.

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Low Fat Orange Creamsicles

1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
6 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk

Heat sugar and water in a small heavy-bottomed saucepan until sugar is dissolved. Allow to cool for a few minutes. Stir thawed orange juice concentrate and buttermilk. Add syrup. Pour into Popsicle molds and freeze.

Makes 6 Popsicles

August 17

Psalm 121:4-5 - NLT
Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps.  The Lord himself watches over you!  The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.

The Hebrew people had great confidence in God. They believed His promises to them, and they lived their lives accordingly. No matter how difficult their situation got, the children of Israel held onto their faith. Through that faith, they were able to do amazing things. The God of Abraham and Isaac is also the God of Jesus Christ. If we will put our faith in Him, He will enable us to do amazing things. He will allow us to lose the weight we need to lose, and He will comfort us when our diets get particularly tough. Trust in the Lord. He is watching over you.

Today's Thought: I'd better watch what I eat as closely as God watches me!

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Today's Tip:  Health and Diet

It’s barbecue time! Skip the commercial brand marinades for summertime grilling. Sugar is often the primary ingredient. Instead, experiment with lime or lemon juice, red wine vinegar, low sodium soy or Worcestershire sauce, spicy mustard, herbs, or low-fat Italian dressing. Be creative in your healthy cooking and discover the chef within!

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Egg Salad

8 eggs
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
2 tablespoons prepared Dijon-style mustard
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 red onion, minced
salt and pepper to taste

Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil; cover, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop.

In a large bowl, combine the egg, mayonnaise, mustard, dill, paprika, onion and salt and pepper. Mash well with a fork or wooden spoon.

Serve on bread as a sandwich or over crisp lettuce as a salad.

August 16

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - NLT
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Joining the group was the best move she ever made. Fay had struggled alone through a dozen diets with no real success. Then she saw the notice on the church bulletin board about the group that dieted and exercised together. She was a little hesitant at first, but finally she decided to give it a try. What a difference it made! Dieting with a group was much better than dieting alone. Fay felt that God had really led her to this group. She gained so much strength from her new friends, and she was amazed at how much she was able to help others.

Today's thought: A diet for two is easier to do!

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Today's Tip: "If you change just one thing a week, at the end of a year, you'll have made 52 changes." -Pam Brown

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Italian Rice
2 Garlic Cloves, minced
2 Teaspoons Olive Oil
8 Cups Fresh Spinach, chopped
1 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
1/8 Teaspoon Pepper
2 Cups Cooked Rice
1/2 Cup Red Pepper, chopped

In a non-stick skillet, sauté the garlic in the oil for 1 minute. Add the spinach. Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes or until tender. Drain. Add the remaining ingredients and heat through, about 2 minutes.

August 15

Revelation 21:3
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, "Look, the home of God is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them."

Cathy decided to make a contract with God rather than a promise to herself. She vowed that she would lose weight for Him, not for any vain or selfish reason she could come up with. Somehow it was easier to do for God than it had been for herself. The pounds melted more quickly. Cathy continued her diet with regular prayer and re-commitment to the promise she made to God. Before long, Kathy had lost all the weight she set out to lose. Our promises to God are very important. Often we can do for Him what we fail at for ourselves. God has promised to help us whenever we need Him. He will help us lose weight.

Today's Thought: My diet is more than a wish; it is a promise to God.

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Today's Tip:  Read the Labels for Quick Dieting

Many people take a “hear no evil, see no evil” approach to what they eat. However, this approach can lead to thousands of unsuspected calories over the course of a week. Look for foods that are lower in calories and integrate them into a daily diet. For instance, when the summer barbecue is fired up, reach for the fat free hot dogs or the extra lean hamburgers. Saving 20 grams of fat off of a meal will save close to 200 calories alone.

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Lemon-Garlic Glazed Corn on the Cob

1 tbs butter
1 tbs olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 ears corn, husked
1/3 c water
2 tbs lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground pepper

Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over med heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant but not browned, about 1 min. Add corn, water, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Cover and cook, turn the cobs, for 5 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking, until all but a few tbs of liquid has evaporated, 2 to 4 minutes more. Serve the corn drizzled with the lemon-garlic pan sauce.

August 14

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Colossians 3:15

Scott was cranky. He had been on a diet for two weeks, and it wasn't getting easier. Now his friends wanted to drag him off to some stupid prayer meeting at the church. Begrudgingly, Scott agreed to go. Before long, his mind was off of food and onto the message the pastor was delivering. Scott got caught up in praying for the needs of others, and he completely forgot about his own hunger. The time passed quickly, and Scott was surprised. His friends just smiled and told Scott that there was a lesson there for him somewhere.  When we turn our attention from ourselves to others, great things can happen.

Today's Thought:  I want to care for others as much as I care about myself!

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Today's Tip:  Fruit And Veggies

Do you want to cut down on your risk of developing heart disease? Then follow the good old advice of eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. A study of more than 125,000 people published in the June 19, 2001 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine found that eating even one extra serving of a fruit or vegetable daily lowers the risk of heart disease by 4%. The researchers found that fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, as well as green leafy vegetables, offered the greatest protection. So next time you're hungry for a snack, grab a fruit!

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Jello Fluff

1 small box jello (any flavor)
1 cup hot water
3/4 cup cold water
1 small container Nonfat Yogurt (any flavor)
1 cup low fat cool whip

Mix jello with hot water then cold water. Chill until thick. Whip until frothy. Add container nonfat yogurt and 1 cup cool whip. Whip again. Chill until set.

August 13

Isaiah 40:1 - NLT
“Comfort, comfort my people,”
    says your God.

Josh was feeling down and depressed. Nothing seemed to be working out for him. His job was a nightmare, his social life was even worse, and he was lonely. He sat alone and ate. His weight had skyrocketed. He wouldn't eat so much if he had someone to talk to. His main problem was that he just didn't have anything else to do. Often, the most comforting thing we can hope for is someone to spend time with. Company gives us pleasure and takes our mind off eating. It is up to us to find people to spend time with when that is the only reason we sit and stuff ourselves. God sends us comfort in many ways. Seek the comfort of company.

Today's Thought:  I'm never so tempted to cheat as when I'm alone!

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Today's Tip:  Artichokes
Looking for a new vegetable?  Try artichokes.  To cook, place artichoke in a microwavable dish, stem up with 1/4 c water and 1 tbsp lemon juice.  Microwave high 5-7 min.  Let stand 2 min.  Peel and enjoy--Only 25 calories!

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Apple-Cinnamon Wantons

butter-flavor cooking spray
2 medium apples, peeled, cored
wantons
powdered sugar

Place wanton wrappers on a flat surface. Drop apple mixture by teaspoonfuls onto center of each wrapper. Moisten edges of wrapper with wet fingers, fold over one corner to make a triangle and press sides together to seal. Transfer filled wrappers to prepared baking sheet and coat surface with cooking spray.  Bake until wantons are golden brown, about 15 min.  Place wantons on individual plates and sift with powdered sugar. Serve with ice cream on the side.

August 12

Ephesians 2:4-5
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).

It really isn't a matter of whether God loves us more if we are thin than He does if we're fat. God loves us the same, no matter what. He loves sinners as much as He loves saints. His greatest desire, though, is for His children to be everything they can be. He wants us to desire perfection. The gluttony and selfishness that lead to obesity are not qualities of perfection. God wants us to attempt to live our lives as Jesus lived His. Let us vow to walk in a newness of life, transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit, on the road to Christ-like perfection.

Today's Thought:  God can make me better than I ever dreamed possible!

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Today's Tip:  Take It Easy

Unless you are excited to be following a very specific diet and exercise plan, do not try and change too much too fast. If you have been eating poorly and not exercising, both your body and your mind will have a lot of adjusting to do.

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Breakfast Parfait

3/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese, or low-fat plain yogurt
1 cup pineapple chunks, papaya chunks or cling peaches
2 teaspoons toasted wheat germ

Place cottage cheese (or yogurt) in a small bowl. Top with fruit and sprinkle with wheat germ.

August 11

Luke 7:50
And he said to the woman, 'Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.'

God will help us as we diet, but the weight of the responsibility still lies with us. We have to really want to lose weight. God will not do it for us. Faith is the key to unlocking God's power in our lives. When we put our faith in God, He is able to lead us in new ways. He fills us with strength, courage, purpose, and the will to succeed. God has already placed those qualities in each one of us. Faith is our way of allowing God to show us how to use what we've already got. Let us remain open to
God so we can succeed in losing the weight that doesn't need to be there.

Today's Thought:  God has given me everything I need to fight fat!

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Today's Tip:  Too Little of a Good Thing

But don't try to eliminate fat altogether, as dietary fat is necessary to maintain a healthy body. It is a vital component for building body tissue and cells, and it aids in the absorption of some vitamins and other nutrients. Many people eat too much of the bad fats, but also eat too little of the good fats required for optimal health.

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Grilled Dark Chocolate Sandwich

1/4 c fat-free evaporated milk
3 oz bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 1/2 tbs butter, softened
8 slices thin whole-wheat or white bread
3 tbs semisweet chocolate chips

Heat evaporated milk just until boiling. Add chocolate, let stand for 1 min, then whisk until smooth. Let cool slightly. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Divide the chocolate mixture on the unbuttered side of 4 slices, leaving a little border. Press chocolate chips into the chocolate. Cover with the remaining slices of bread, buttered-side up, and press lightly. Cook sandwiches in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 1 to 2 min. Turn over, press with a spatula, and cook until nicely browned and the chocolate is barely melted, 30 seconds to 1 min. Serve warm.

August 10

Romans 2:11 - NLT
For God does not show favoritism.

Andrea was furious. She hadn't wanted to go on the hike in the first place, and now she was falling farther and farther behind. No one would give her time to catch up. Some of them were even laughing at her. It wasn't her fault she wasn't in good physical condition. She had to carry around a lot more weight than they did. It just wasn't fair. In this life, we don't get a lot of breaks. Just because we're overweight doesn't mean we deserve special treatment. God doesn't give preferential treatment. He wants all of His children to be the best they can possibly be. He expects us all to do our best.

Today's Thought: I am trying my best to please God!

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Today's Tip:  Take Control of What You Eat

There are few things that we have complete control over, but what we put in our mouths is one of them. We don't have to lose control in a restaurant or a friend's home, and we don't have to eat everything that's put in front of us.

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BANANA SPLIT SMORES

12 Marshmallows
24 Gingersnaps
1 Milk Chocolate Bar (1.5 Ounces),
separated into 12 pieces
1 Small Banana, cut into 12 pieces

Toast Marshmallows on Skewers until browned. To make a smore, ease a marshmallow onto a gingersnap, top with 1 piece chocolate and 1 piece banana. Cover with other gingersnap. Press down until chocolate melts.

August 9

John 8:10-11 - NLT
Then Jesus stood up again and said to her, "Where are your accusers?  Didn't even one of them condemn you?"  "No, Lord," she said.  And Jesus said, "Neither do I.  Go and sin no more."

The doctor was going to kill her. Kate had been told to lose thirty pounds over six months. For awhile she had done really well. She took off twenty in the first three months, but lately she had gained again, for a net loss of only about twelve pounds. Kate was astonished when the doctor merely encouraged her to try harder. Christ, like the doctor, offers us no condemnation. He wants us to lose weight for our own sake, not for His. He wants to help us, not hurt us. Take comfort in the acceptance of Jesus Christ.

Today's Thought: Even when I give in, I'm still a good person.

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Today's Tip:

Stress-Buster: Give Yourself Some Quiet Time.
Schedule inviolate periods of time into your workday for tasks that are pleasurable, even if not overwhelmingly productive. Try to do this even when you feel rushed. A brisk 10-minute walk will give you as much energy as a cup of coffee

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Deluxe Slow Cooker (Crockpot) Oatmeal

1 tsp. butter
4 cups water, room temperature
2 C rolled oats
1 tsp. salt

Makes 4 cups (6-8 servings)

Grease inside of crock-pot up to water level with one teaspoon butter Add remaining ingredients to the pot, cover and turn on low heat. Cook overnight or 8-9 hours. A few minutes before serving, add other optional ingredients like cinnamon, raisins, nuts, fruit, milk etc. Stir and serve.

August 8

John 1:5 - NLT
The light shines through the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

Rusty scared herself. She walked past the mirror in the dim light of dusk and thought there was a stranger in the house. How had she gotten so big? Who was she kidding? She kept telling herself that she wasn't that big, but it was so bad she didn't recognize her-self in the mirror. It was like a revelation: a bright light shining through the darkness. She had to do something about her weight. Determined, she set out to lose the weight she had gained, and with God's help, she was able to do just that.

Today's thought: I want to find out just how good I can look!

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Today's Tip:  The Sensible Approach: Get Real

You don't have to join a diet program to lose weight and keep it off. You do need to make a plan. This plan must be realistic. If you can lose a pound a week, that's great. If all you are able to do is stop gaining weight, you're still ahead of the game.

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Chicken Teriyaki

2 chicken breasts, whole, split in half
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup dry sherry
1 Tbs. sugar
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/2 tsp. ground ginger

Arrange chicken, skin side up, in a single layer in a shallow dish. Combine soy sauce, sherry, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously and pour over chicken. Marinate in refrigerator 2 hours, turning once or twice. Preheat broiler. Remove chicken from marinade. Spray rack in broiler pan with vegetable spray. Transfer chicken to rack. Broil about 10 minutes about 6 inches from heat, turning once and basting with marinade.

August 7

Proverbs 3:26 - NLT
for the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

Norm felt drowsy, but he didn't want to stop. He only had a few miles to go, to get home. Home. He began thinking about how nice it would be to get there and fall into a comfortable bed. Be-fore he knew it, he was dropping off to sleep. He came to with a jolt as his fender scraped along the guardrail at the side of the road. Thank God for the guard-rail. Without it, Norm didn't know where he'd be. We need guardrails. They keep us from pitching off into nothingness; past the point of no return. God can be our guardrail, keeping us from indulging our appetites past reasonable limitations. Truly, He keeps us from falling.

Today's Thought: Food is a trap I'd rather not fall into!

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Today's Tip:  Picking the Best Canned Soup.

Keep your eye on the total fat -- it should be no more than 3 grams. Some canned cream soups pack a whopping 25 grams. Others pour almost an entire day's worth of sodium in one can; if a can has more than 500mg of sodium, put it back.

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Minute Tomato Soup with Tortellini

2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed tomato soup
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
0.75 teaspoon ground black pepper
4.5 ounces cheese tortellini

Prepare soup in a medium saucepan according to package directions. Add the oregano, basil, parsley and ground black pepper, stirring well, over medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes, reduce heat to low and add the tortellini. Continue to simmer for 5 more minutes, or until tortellini is cooked.

August 6

Psalm 138:7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

It was war! Greg looked at the bag of cookies on the table in front of him, and they almost made him cry. Why couldn't he just ignore them? It was as if they had some kind of magical spell over him.Closing his eyes didn't help. Neither did putting them in the cabinet; he still knew they were there. He was determined to resist their pull, but was he really strong enough? When the temptations get to be too much, we need to call on the Lord. In the midst of our stiffest challenges, He will truly save us.

Today's Thought:  I need God to save me from myself!

<>< J <>< E <>< S <>< U <>< S <><

Today's Tip:  Low Carb Breakfast = Less Hungry at Lunch

Research done by the Oxford Brookes University reinforces what other studies have found - that eating a low carb breakfast helps control your hunger pangs at lunchtime.

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Low-Fat Basil Pizza

1 can (10 oz.) refrigerated pizza crust dough
1/3 c tomato paste
1/2 tsp dried oregano
2 tbs drained capers
1 c shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 to 3/4 c slivered fresh basil leaves
1/2 tsp hot chili flakes

Unfold dough. In a lightly oiled 12 to 14 inch pizza pan or baking sheet, pat dough into a 12inch-wide round with a slightly thicker 1/2 inch-wide rim.

Bake crust on lowest rack in a 425*F oven until lightly browned on the bottom, 6 to 8 minutes (5 to 6 minutes in a convection oven). In a bowl, combine tomato paste, 2 tablespoons water, and oregano.  Spread tomato mixture over crust, but not rim. Sprinkle with capers.  Drop shredded mozzarella cheese in clusters onto tomato mixture, then sprinkle with Parmesan.

Return pizza to lowest oven rack and bake until mozzarella softens, about 3 minutes. Scatter basil leaves and chili flakes over pizza.

August 5

Isaiah 40:11
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Mary blew it. She had been doing so well, then she gave in completely. In a week she gained back what had taken her a month to lose. Depressed, she called her mother for comfort. Mom was always good at that. If anyone could get her back on the right track, it was her mother. She could always trust her mother to give her sound, loving advice. God is like that. We can trust that He will guide us along good paths. When we need someone to comfort us without condemnation, God is
always there for us. He will gather us to Himself and make us ready to go on.

Today's Thought:  I may be weak, but I'm strong enough to call on God's help!

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Today's Tip:  Perfect Pancakes

Use a turkey baster to "squeeze" your pancake batter onto the hot griddle and you'll get perfectly shaped pancakes every time.

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Peach Smoothie

1 cup nonfat, artificially sweetened vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup fresh peaches
1/4 cup orange juice

Blend together until smooth.

August 4

Philippians 2:13 - NLT
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

Stephanie got fantastic grades in algebra. All her friends were jealous of her abilities in class.  Stephanie always smiled to herself. None of her friends realized that her father was a scientist who used algebra all the time. He tutored her every evening and helped her understand the problems that gave her friends such fits. There are times when we need special help. Without it we struggle twice as hard as we really need to. God offers to help us through our diets. Allow God to work
within you as you diet, and you'll be surprised how much easier it is.

Today's Thought:  When the fat won't go away, take a moment then to pray!

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Today's Tip:  Slow Music

For each meal, sit at the table with slow music playing.  Make up an iTunes playlist for your iPod, or put on a CD.  However you do it, get that music playing.  It really does make a difference in how quickly you eat.

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Chicken Taco Salad

3/4 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 cups (8 ounces) diced cooked chicken breast
5 ounces (one 8-ounce can) canned pinto beans -- rinsed and drained
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 teaspoons taco seasoning mix
4 cups shredded lettuce
2 cups chopped fresh tomato
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
3/4 cup (3 ounces) Kraft shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (1 1/2 ounces) Corn Chex
3/4 cup chunky salsa
6 tablespoons Land 0 Lakes fat-free sour cream

In a large saucepan sprayed with cooking spray, brown onion. Stir in chicken beans, water, and taco seasoning. Mix well to combine. Lower heat. Simmer 10 min., stirring occasionally.  In a large serving bowl, combine lettuce, tomato, and green pepper. Spoon hot chicken mixture over lettuce mixture. Top with cheese and cereal. Toss gently to combine. For each serving, place about 2 cups mixture on a plate and top with salsa and sour cream.

August 3

John 14:27 NLT
'I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart.  And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives.  Do don't be troubled or afraid.'

Bill felt it was a no-win situation. If he dieted, he felt lousy because he was hungry all the time. If he broke his diet, he felt guilty. It was hard to tell which was worse, the hunger or the guilt. He wanted to trim down, but he loved to eat. He never knew that he'd suffer through so much turmoil just trying to lose weight. Diets can really stir us up. They make us feel physically and emotionally strained. During periods of dieting, we need to find peace of mind and heart. Ask God for that peace. He promises to deliver it to those who ask Him for it. When we need it most, God gladly gives it.

Today's Thought: Better to have peace of mind than a piece of cake!

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Today's Tip:  Weight Loss Appetizer.

Eat any filling, low-calorie food as an appetizer or first course, and you'll be less likely to overload on calories at that meal. For example, eat an apple on the way to lunch, or order melon as a first course.

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No Sugar Apple Pie

1  cup  6 oz apple juice concentrate
1/2  cup  Water
4    Apples
    Sweet and low, if desired
2  tablespoons  Cornstarch
1/2  teaspoon  Apple pie spice
1    Uncooked double pie crust

Mix first 4 ingredients. Cook until thick.  Slice apples into uncooked pie crust.  Pour mixture over apples.Cover with top pie crust.  Bake @ 350 degrees for 45 minutes.  Apples can be sprinkled with one package of Sweet and Low, if desired.

Note: This pie can be made without crust to save calories.  Pour mixture over apples in pie pan.

August 2

Matthew 11:28 - NLT

Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.'

Sunday was 'anything goes' day. Carol had decided that if she was good about sticking to her diet through the week, she would allow herself to splurge on Sunday. It made the diet so much more tolerable. Interestingly, she never really went overboard on Sunday. She ate something she really liked, but she ate a moderate amount and found herself totally satisfied. Whenever we attempt something difficult, we need to allow ourselves a respite. It is a good thing to take a break, even from a diet. It requires self-control, but it can help us keep a healthy perspective on why we diet in the first place. Once we have rested from our fast, we can return to it renewed.

Today's Thought: I am tired of being heavy-ladened physically!

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Today's Tip:  Try a High-Fiber Cereal for Weight Loss.
Refined corn or rice cereals may be low in calories, but they're also rapidly digested, absorbed and assimilated, leaving you likely to prowl around for pre-lunch snacks. A whole-grain cereal is a better choice, because it leaves you feeling less hungry

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High Fiber Muffins

1 c. whole wheat flour
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. baking powder
2 c. All Bran cereal
1 1/4 c. skim milk
1 egg
1/4 c. Canola oil
1/2 - 3/4 c. raisins

Combine cereal and milk. Set aside to soften cereal (5 minutes).

Stir together whole wheat flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. Set aside.

Add oil and egg to cereal and milk. Mix well. Add flour mixture. Stir until combined. Fold in raisins. Spoon into foil baking cups (2 1/2 inch size) that line muffin tin. Makes 12 high fiber, low fat muffins. Bake at 400 degrees for 17 minutes.

Augut 1

August is on Comfort

When we attempt anything that is difficult and painful, we need comfort in order to survive the ordeal. God has placed within us a need to be comforted, but also a need to comfort. We can find comfort in the fact that God is with us in our diet, and we usually have friends to turn to as we diet. All these avenues of comfort are vital as we try to change our lives by losing weight. As we find comfort through the tough times in our diets, we also find strength and courage. God blesses us with everything we need, if we only turn to Him and include Him in our weight-loss programs. There is no greater source of comfort than the Lord. We can turn to Him in our times of greatest need, and He will soothe and comfort us every time.

Psalm 138:7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

It was war! Greg looked at the bag of cookies on the table in front of him, and they almost made him cry. Why couldn't he just ignore them? It was as if they had some kind of magical spell over him. Closing his eyes didn't help. Neither did putting them in the cabinet; he still knew they were there. He was determined to resist their pull, but was he really strong enough? When the temptations get to be too much, we need to call on the Lord. In the midst of our stiffest challenges, He will truly save us.

Today's Thought:  I need God to save me from myself!

<>< J <>< E <>< S <>< U <>< S <><

Today's Tip:  Eat Regularly

It makes sense. If you have food in your stomach, you won't be hungry! Many people think dieting is about starving. However, this is self defeating! If your body thinks it's starving, it'll cling to fat as a safety mechanism. It won't Let you lose weight! Then you get frustrated. The only way to lose weight is if your body thinks it's safe to release that fat. Therefore, you have to eat regular meals - NEVER skip meals. Just make sure those meals and snacks are healthy ones.

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Vanilla Chocolate-Chip Pudding Pops

1 oz fat-free, sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix
2 c fat-free milk
2 tbsp mini chocolate chips, semi-sweet

Prepare instant pudding according to package directions.

Spoon 1 teaspoon of chips into the bottom of each of six 3-ounce paper cups; fill cups with pudding, cover with foil and poke a wooden Popsicle stick through the center of each. Freeze until firm, about 3 hours.  To eat, dip bottom of cup into warm water for about 10 seconds; remove foil, peel off cup and enjoy.