November 7

Philippians 4:19 - NLT
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

It really wasn't fair that so many thin people couldn't understand what it meant to be fat. Patty got mad when skinny friends chastised her for not sticking to her diet better. What did they know? Patty was always so thankful to God for what weight she'd been able to lose already that she could never understand why her friends put her down. Didn't they know what she had to sacrifice? Whenever Patty got mad at her friends, she asked God to help calm her down. His peace filled her heart, and she was able to relax. God had done so much for her while she dieted. Too bad her friends couldn't see it.

Today's Thought: God is with me when it feels like the world is against me!

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Today's Tip:  Health and Diet
An apple a day keeps the doctor away! Apples, applesauce, and apple juice contain pectin, phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Pectin may lower blood cholesterol levels because it’s a component of fiber, while phenolic compounds may act as antioxidants against LDL cholesterol (the bad kind). The flavonoids are recognized for extending the action of vitamin C. So maybe there is truth to that old saying!

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Apple And Cheddar Corn Muffins

Ingredients
1 cherri langley
1 2/3 cup flour
1 tsp flour
1 1/2 oz uncooked yellow corn meal
1 tbsp baking powder
3/4 lb apples, cored,pared,finely chopped.
1/2 cup corn, thawed frozen
2 1/4 oz cheddar, shredded
1/3 cup sugar
1 dash cinnamon
1 dash nutmeg
1/3 cup corn oil
3 eggs, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 400 F. Line 12 muffin pan cups with paper baking
cups. In large bowl combine flour, cornmeal, and baking powder.
Add apples, corn, cheese, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, stirring to
combine. Beat eggs and oil; stir into flour mixture
(mixture will be stiff). Fill baking cups and bake in center of oven for 15 min.

September 6

Job 22:27 - NLT
You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows to him.

Gary took time every morning to pray about his diet. Some days he awoke frustrated that he wasn't losing weight. Other days he awoke with cravings, afraid he wouldn't be able to withstand temptation. Still other mornings he just wanted to thank God that he'd come so far. God helped make the diet bearable. Every time Gary found himself feeling ready to give up, a quick prayer to God gave him the willpower to go on. The power of God is a wonderful thing. We cannot comprehend how much God does for us when we call upon His name. Rest assured that God is with you in all you do. . .even your diet.

Today's Thought: The more time you pray, the less you can weigh!

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Today's Tip:  Fiber Up!
Want to boost your fiber, but your favorite breakfast cereal doesn't make the grade? If the total fiber per serving is less than 3 grams (check the Nutrition Facts panel), mix your favorite half-and-half with a higher-fiber choice such as bran flakes or shredded wheat.

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Molasses Oat Bran Bread

1 package active dry yeast
1 pinch white sugar
1 c warm water
2 tbs butter, melted
1/3 c molasses
1 c oat bran
3 c whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbs oat bran

Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Rest for 5 min.  Mix butter and molasses into yeast. Add oat bran, 2 c. flour, and salt. Stir, and add flour as needed to make dough stick together and forms a ball. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8 to 10 min., adding flour as needed to make a slightly sticky and moist dough. Place in a buttered bowl, and turn to coat the surface. Cover with a damp cloth, and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Punch down, and form into two round or oval loaves. Place on a greased baking sheet, and allow to rise 1 hour. Sprinkle oat bran on top of the loaves. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees oven for 35 to 45 min.

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!

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

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.

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

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 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.

July 27

Romans 10:9 - NLT
For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Why do so many people believe that God has absolute power over life and death but doubt whether He can do anything to help them transform a small part of their own lives? Why should a few pounds of flesh be a more insurmountable obstacle than a mountain or a stone that sealed a tomb? True faith reminds us that our Lord is the Lord of the impossible. He enables us to rise above our limitations through the power of the Holy Spirit. Our God must be the Lord of the diet, too. The Lord who resurrected Jesus Christ on Easter morning will faithfully resurrect us from a tomb of obesity and flesh. Trust in God's power, for by it we are saved.

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

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Today's Tip:

Problem: Lowering your calories too much
Fact: It takes calories to burn calories.

Solution: Keep your calories slightly below your maintenance calories so that your energy and metabolism remain high. A deficit greater than 500-700 calories makes it much more difficult to maintain your lean body mass.

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Weight Watchers Sweet Brown Bread

1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. grated orange or lemon zest
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp.s alt
1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk
1 egg
3 tbsp. molasses
2 tbsp. packed dark brown sugar

Preheat the oven to 375*; spray an 8x4-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In a med. bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, orange zest, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, molasses and brown sugar. Pour over the flour mixture, mixing quickly to blend (do not overmix).

Transfer to the pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes
out clean, 35-40 min. Cool completely on a rack.

July 25

Galatians 5:16 - NLT
So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit.  Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves.

Dan made a resolution to use his breakfast and lunch times for prayer and reflection. He would eat something light, then spend the rest of the time in quiet time with God. It got him through some really tough periods of hunger and temptation. Refreshed by the time with God, Dan then no longer felt the desire to stuff himself. God strengthened him, gave him courage, and filled him with resistance enough to persevere. God will fill the emptiness we feel in our bellies. He will fill us with His own Holy Spirit and lead us away from temptation. Rely on God. His strength is offered to all who will but receive it.

Today's Thought: I would rather be Spirit-filled instead of calorie-filled!

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Today's Tip: Refined starches, such as the white flour used for white bread and most crackers, are complex carbohydrates that have been stripped of their fiber and nutritious germ.  Whole grains, fruits and vegetables provide complex carbs, along with fiber, vitamins, minerals, trace elements and health-protective phytochemicals.

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Whole-Wheat Pizza Dough

1 c warm water
1 pkg active dry yeast
1 1/2 c all-purpose flour
1 c whole-wheat flour
2 tbs. olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt

Combine water, yeast, and all-purpose flour in a large bowl. Mix well. Add whole-wheat flour, oil, and salt. With hands or large wooden spoon, work the ingredients together until the dough holds its shape.

Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough becomes sticky while you are kneading it, sprinkle a bit more all-purpose flour over it.  Let dough rest until it doubled in size, 1 hour.

Place on a lightly floured surface, divide into two parts; roll into balls. Cover with a towel and let rest for 15 to 20 min. It is now ready to be shaped, topped and cooked.

July 1

JULY is on: Perseverance

It is so difficult to be tested. We desire to please God and to
succeed in our endeavors, but sometimes our test seem to hard. It is easy to lose courage and enthusiasm. God understands how hard it is for us to do the things we know we ought to. He also understands that tough experiences are necessary in order for us to mature and develop in our faith. With God's help we can make it through anything. He gives us the strength to persevere. He encourages us when everything seems dark and hopeless. He promises that we will find great reward when we fight to hang on and not give up.  Perseverance is truly a gift from God. It is given to us in order that we might exist in this world and one day overcome it. We please the Lord when we fight the good fight and strive to be the best people we can be. That includes taking care of the body we have been given, and nothing requires perseverance like dieting does.

July 1

Proverbs 2:10-11, 20 -- NIV
For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.
Thus you will walk in the ways of good men
and keep to the paths of the righteous.

Knowing what is right and doing what is right are completely different matters. Jessica knew she should lose weight, and she knew the way to do that was to cut back on what she was eating. The problem was that she didn't want to give up any of the foods she loved. She just wasn't committed enough. A friend of hers told her that she had all the knowledge she needed in her head, but none of it was in her heart. The reason she couldn't stick to her diet was that she didn't want to lose weight badly enough. When we find ourselves lacking the proper desire, we need to turn to the Lord, to ask His strength for doing what we know to be right.

Today's thought: Dieting is more than a matter of the mind. It's a matter of the heart!

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

Today's Tip:  If you eat pasta made of refined flours, be sure to balance your pasta meals with fiber. This means eating plenty of whole grains, vegetables, and legumes.

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

Cinnamon-Sugar Knots

2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
11 oz refrigerated bread stick dough
Enough cooking spray to coat dough

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Coat a large baking sheet with
cooking spray.

2. In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon.

3. Unroll breadsticks and cut each in half lengthwise (to
make a total of 24 pieces). Arrange pieces on prepared baking sheet and coat with cooking spray. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon-sugar mixture over each piece. Tie each piece into a knot (pulling dough gently if necessary). Sprinkle remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over knots.

4. Bake until puffed up and golden brown, about 15 min.

Serves | 12
POINTS per serving | 2

June 29

Philippians 3:8 - NLT
Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ.

A young man dreamed that he was standing before a table spread with a wide array of tantalizing foods. Beyond the table stood Jesus. The young man began eating the food, and he became completely engrossed in his consumption. When he finished, Jesus was gone, and he didn't know where to look to find Him. Whenever we engage in gluttony of any kind, our attention is turned from Christ to our own selfish wants. There should be nothing more important in our lives than doing what is pleasing to God. He wants us to be the best we can possibly be. Food, and our love of food, should always take a second
place to our love of the Lord.

TODAY'S THOUGHT:  Eating pleases me; dieting pleases God!

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Today's Tip:  Replace white bread with those loaded with grain including pumpernickel, rye, wheat, and other raw grains.

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Multi-grain Bread

1/2  cup 5-grain or 7-grain cereal
1 1/2  c. boiling water
2  T. honey
2  T. canola oil
2  c. whole-wheat flour
3/4  c. all-purpose flour
1/4  c. oat bran
1 envelope fast rising yeast
1  t. sugar
1/2  t. salt
1  egg

Combine cereal and boiling water in a microwavable bowl, set aside for 10 min.

Stir honey and oil into the cereal; heat until hot.  In a separate large bowl, mix 1 cup whole wheat flour with the all purpose flour, oat bran, yeast, sugar and salt.

Beat in cereal mixture and egg.

Beat for 2 min. at high speed.

Stir in enough remaining whole wheat flour to make a stiff batter.

With floured hands, pat dough in a 9x5 sprayed loaf pan.
Cover lightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel; let rise until doubled, 40-60 min.

Remove wrap, bake at 375F 35-40 minutes or until bottom sounds hollow when tapped.