October 20

1 Peter 5:10 - NLT
In his kindness God called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ.  After you have suffered a little while, he will restore support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.

Cliff felt content. He felt good about the diet. He knew it was time to do something, so it didn't feel like such a great struggle. He prayed for God's help, and he felt God's presence with him. Sure, there would be unpleasantness, as there was whenever a sacrifice was involved, but it would all be well worth it. The prospect of being healthy and trim was very appealing to him. Cliff had confidence that God would bless him with strength, courage, and peace. With that kind of assurance, how could he go wrong?

Today's Thought: If God will give me everything I really need, how can I help but lose weight?

**********************

Today's Tip:  Health and Diet
Invest in a kitchen scale, measuring cups and spoons. These tools will help ensure that you’re not overeating. Portion control is critical when it comes to losing or maintaining weight. Learn how to estimate how much you should be eating by accurately measuring your food and before long, you’ll be able to “eyeball” the amount you need.

*****************

CROCK POT STEW

15 Ounces Lean beef, cubed
2 Cups Tomatoes, canned
1 Cup Nonfat Beef Broth
1/4 Cup Red Wine
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1 Each Bay Leaf
1 Tablespoon Thyme  1 Tablespoon Rosemary
1 Teaspoon Marjoram
1 Tablespoon Garlic, crushed
1/2 Teaspoon Pepper
1 Each Onion, diced
10 Ounces Potato, diced
1 Cup Carrot, Chopped

Place all ingredients in a crock-pot and cook on high for 4 hours Serve.

October 11

1 Peter 3:13 - NLT
Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good?

Kim's mother felt so sorry for her. She remembered what it was like to be overweight. All the other children were so cruel. She could still feel the sting of all the nicknames people had put on her. Now, Kim was suffering the same indignities. Her mother hoped she could get Kim on a diet, if for no other reason than to keep Kim's classmates from taunting her so mercilessly. Just taking steps to correct the problem made it easier to take. The insults didn't hurt so much after the problem was taken care of. Together, they would lose the weight. With God's help, time would heal the wounds of unkind words.

Today's Thought: I will put all my excess weight behind me!

**************************

Today's Tip:  Health and Diet
Just say no! It's a skill that can come in handy when others offer tempting treats or try to sabotage your weight loss goals. For some, it's politically, culturally, ethically, or socially impolite to refuse food. Practice tactful, friendly ways to say no, like “No, thanks. I’m working on achieving a healthier lifestyle and improving my eating habits."

*************************************

Slow Cooker Meatballs

These meatballs are good served over egg noodles.

1 1/2 pounds extra lean ground beef
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1/2 cup egg substitute
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons minced fresh onion
1/3 cup ketchup 2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 (16 ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
1 (12 ounce) bottle chili sauce
Parsley sprigs (optional)

Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl; shape mixture into 30 (1 1/2 -inch) meatballs. Combine ketchup, sugar, juice, and sauces in an electric slow cooker; gently stir in meatballs. Cover with lid; cook on low heat setting for 8 to 10 hours. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

September 10

2 Timothy 1:7 - NLT
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Brenda decided it was time to lose weight, and she did. Peggy struggled a little bit more, but she lost the pounds she wanted to, also. Tracy wondered why everyone else seemed to do so well, while she did so poorly. Maybe something was wrong with her! Maybe she couldn't lose weight. The more she thought about it, the more frightened she became. Often our mind turns out to be our worst enemy when we try to diet. We can alarm ourselves needlessly. Everyone diets differently, and everyone receives different results. There is no place for fear and doubting in dieting. What we need is perseverance and faith that God will help us.

Today's thought: I have a very skinny spirit!

******************

Today's Tip:  Why Weight?
Don't spend all your valuable gym time on a treadmill or stair climber. You may love watching your "calories burned" tally climb, but you may do better to cut it off to squeeze in weight training. Lifting boosts lean body mass, which will rev up your metabolism over time.

**********************

GRILLED ASIAN FLANK STEAK

1/2 Cup Soy sauce
1/2 Cup Plum Sauce
1/2 Cup Pineapple Juice
1/2 Cup Ketchup
1/4 Cup Scallions, sliced  3 Tablespoons Cilantro
2 Tablespoons Ginger
2 Tablespoons Garlic, minced
3 Pounds Flank Steak

Add all the ingredients into a plastic bag and Marinate for 6 hours. Place on the Grill and cook for 15 to 20 Minutes. Use the left over marinade to brush over the steak while cooking. Heat the remaining in a pan a serve with the steak.

************************