November 5

Matthew 5:11 - NLT
God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers.

Ken could hardly wait to get back to school. Peter had ridden him about his weight the entire year before. When Ken had vowed to lose weight over the summer, Pete had laughed at him. 'Fat boy, you can't keep away from food. You'll be back, big as a beach ball. Don't kid yourself!' Ken could hardly wait to make Pete eat those words. He had spent the entire summer as a Christian youth counselor at camp. The people there were so supportive of what he was trying to do. They had made it possible. Not only had they helped him lose weight, but they helped him show Peter just how wrong he could be!

TODAY'S THOUGHT:  I'm going to prove that there's more to me than my weight!

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Today's Tip:  Lose 20 Lbs.
Omit just 200 calories every day for a year, and you'll lose up to 20 pounds! One step in the right direction: Use mustard instead on mayo on sandwiches, and skip the cheese.

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LOW CAL FRUIT SALAD  

2 apples, diced
4 bananas, sliced
1 can mandarin oranges
1/2 cantaloupe, diced
1 wedge watermelon, diced
1 can grapefruit, diced
Grapes, destemmed
1 c. plain yogurt
2 tbsp. sugar

Make sure you drain all your canned fruits. Pour into a large bowl, combine all your other fruits and blend well. Chill and serve.

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November 3

Psalms 126:6 - NLT
They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.

The groaning was over. The long nights of hunger lay behind. For some strange reason, the diet was getting easier. Finally, Diane's body had gotten the message that snacks and heavy meals were no more. The cravings and cryings of her stomach subsided. It had been a tough war, but Diane felt she had scored a victory at long last. All the weeping was behind, and she felt a wonderful joy. She knew that plenty of tough times lay ahead, but she also knew she could handle them. With God's help, she would make it. The hardest part was behind her.

Today's Thought: When I take it one day at a time, the days fall away as fast as the pounds!

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Today's Tip:  Health and Diet
Side dishes don’t have to put a dent in your diet. Eliminate some of the fat from those side dishes. Use low fat mayo in potato salad or cole slaw. Mix some low fat yogurt with regular mayo to decrease the fat content. Add spices, tomatoes or vegetables to baked beans. Toss cole slaw with some shredded apples for a sweet taste and extra vitamin C.

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LOW-CAL CHICKEN & RICE SALAD  

2 c. chicken or turkey, white meat
2 c. cooked, cooled rice
1/4 c. diced green pepper
1/4 c. diced red pepper
1 c. grated carrot
1/2 c. sliced celery
1/4 c. diced onions
Lettuce or spinach

Toss all ingredients with low-cal or fat-free dressing. Serve on greens. Serves 6.

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October 14

1 Corinthians 10:12 - NLT
If you think you are stranding strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall into the same sin.

Peter dressed for the dinner. His friends tried to tell him he shouldn't go, but he ignored them. He'd been doing great on his diet. He was in total control. He knew there would be wonderful and exotic food where he was going, but he could handle it. Too bad he forgot that when he got there. The temptation was too great for him. Before he realized what was happening, he was stuffed. In one day, he blew a couple of weeks of hard work. We can't afford to get cocky when we diet. Each day is a new struggle all its own. Ask God for daily help. Avoid situations where temptation prevails. The Lord will be sure to help you, whenever you let Him.

Today's Thought: I will steer clear of calorie traps!

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Today's Tip:  Health and Diet

Vinegar, that tangy, low-calorie seasoning for salads and marinades, also cuts grease, removes stains and lifts mineral deposits! Contrary to some popular advertisements, it’s not a miracle weight-loss potion. It’s actually the opposite. The acidic effects of vinegar may help break down dietary fat, making it more readily absorbable.

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Garlic Dressing

1 1/4 cups low fat cottage cheese
1/4 cup plain low fat yogurt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons tamari soy sauce

Place all ingredients into a food processor or blender. Blend until completely smooth. Chill.

Serve over fresh garden salad or use as a vegetable dip.

Yield: 1 cup.

October 12

John 1:12 - NLT
But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.

Corey had to admit that his friends were making better progress than he was. He just wasn't disciplined enough. His friends didn't seem to have nearly as much trouble with discipline. When he asked them why, they all just grinned and told him to pray about it. Finally, it dawned on him what they were talking about. Corey wasn't much of a Christian, but he wasn't stupid, either. His friends obviously had something he needed and wanted. If God could do so much to help them, then Corey believed He would do it for him, also. By receiving the truth of Christ, Corey was given all the strength needed to succeed in his diet.

Today's Thought: God is ready to help me lose weight!

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Today's Tip:  Health and Diet
Which sounds more appealing: dried plums or prunes? Manufacturers have taken to calling the tasty prune (which had acquired an indisputable reputation as a digestive cure), the dried plum. It’s a terrific source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants. Whatever you call them, they make a terrific on-the-go snack, mix-in for yogurt, or salad extra!

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LEMON ESSENCE PRUNE AND APPLE SALAD

1 small head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup pitted prunes, cut into halves
1/2 red apple, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion

In large bowl, combine salad ingredients.  Serve with desired low-cal dressing.

October 10

James 5:13 - NLT
Are there any among you suffering?  They should keep on praying about it.  And those who have reason to be thankful should continually sing praises to the Lord.

Bill kept telling June to ask God for help. June couldn't quite bring herself to do it. Prayer was for weaklings. Only people who couldn't handle life prayed. June would rather struggle by on her own than rely on a crutch. False pride is a sad affliction. People who feel that they are strong enough to handle every situation of life only fool themselves. Everyone is weak at some point in her life. The truly strong person is the one who acknowledges her weakness and has the wisdom to turn to God for help.

Today's Thought: More time in prayer means less time to eat!

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Today's Tip:
When you skip meals during the day, your metabolism also slows down. Weight loss through the burning of stored fat is all about eating enough of the right kinds of foods so you stay full and your metabolism stays as high as possible. Remember, if you feel hungry, your metabolism slows down. Stay full with healthy, non fattening foods and your metabolism will continue to burn your stored fat as fast as your body will allow.

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Florentine Pasta Salad

1 lb spaghetti
1 tbs sesame oil
1 clove garlic, chopped
1  red onion, chopped
10 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 c teriyaki sauce
2  carrots, shredded
8 oz spinach, rinsed

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. Place in large bowl. Meanwhile, in large skillet or wok, heat oil over high heat. Add garlic, onion and mushroom. Cook until onions are translucent. Add teriyaki sauce and carrot, cook 3 minutes more. Add cooked vegetable mixture to pasta, toss. Add spinach and toss. Cover for 5 minutes to wilt spinach. Serve warm.

October 3

Job 17:9 - NLT
The righteous will move onward and froward, and those with pure hearts will become stronger and stronger.

Mort juggled his folder of papers, his coffee, and his sweet roll. It seemed as though Mort couldn't go anywhere without his hands full of food. Even now, as he rushed toward an important meeting, he fed his face. As he rounded the corner, a great gust of wind took him by surprise, ripping the folder from his hands. The sheets of his report flew off in many directions as he watched helplessly, sweet roll in hand. Looking at the messy roll clutched in his fingers, he silently swore to cut out all the snacks. Not only were they ruining his body, but now they jeopardized his job. It just wasn't worth it.

Today's Thought: I don't want my greatest skill to be my ability to eat!

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Today's Tip:  Don't drain that water! It can contain a good source of B vitamins! Steaming or microwaving vegetables is one of the best ways to retain the water-soluble B-complex and C vitamins. These preparation methods require very little liquid so fewer vitamins are leached out during the cooking process. If you boil vegetables, save the water for another part of the recipe… you'll save the leached out nutrients.

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Fettuccine with Tomato, Basil and Bocconcini

Ingredients:
500 g Fettuccine
4 Roma tomatoes, diced
1 Tbsp Equal Spoonful
1 Tbsp Balsamic vinegar
2 cup Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
¼ cup Fresh bocconcini, finely diced
1 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp Capers, rinsed and drained
1 Tbsp Shaved fresh parmesan cheese
1 tsp Freshly ground black pepper to serve

Directions:
Lay tomatoes on a dish and sprinkle with the Equal or sugar and balsamic vinegar. Allow to marinate for 20 minutes.

Cook pasta according to directions. Combine tomato,
basil, cheese, oil and capers in a bowl and mix well.

Spoon over the hot pasta and serve topped with a few parmesan shavings and pepper.

September 30

Psalm 27:14 - NLT
Wait patiently for the Lord, be brave and courageous.  Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Kerri wished she could lose weight just a little bit faster. She really didn't have anything to complain about. Since she started her diet, she had consistently lost. There were days, though, when she simply got tired of dieting. She doubted whether she was ever going to lose the weight she wanted to lose. All those times, she turned to God for encouragement. Talking to the Lord always made Kerri feel better. She really believed that He knew what she was going through. If God could be patient with her when she complained about her diet, she figured she could be more patient as she attempted to lose weight.

Today's Thought: Without patience, I'll never lose weight!

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Today's Tip:
Simplest Diet, Health Tip – Add Fruits and Vegetables
Read more at:  http://www.odwalla.com/enwfiles/release73.html or look at the Produce Color Chart here:  http://www.odwalla.com/enwfiles/enw_art/OdwallaClipAndSaveChart.jpg

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Summer Fruit Salad

 Cool off quick this summer with a delicious fruit salad!
 Fresh bananas, oranges, strawberries and grapes combine
 with creamy dressing for one cool, refreshing treat.

 Prep: 10 min

 3 medium bananas, sliced
 4 medium oranges, peeled and sectioned
 1 cup strawberries, cut in half
 1 cup seedless green grapes, cut in half
 Sour Cream-Honey Dressing (below)
 
 1. Toss bananas, oranges, strawberries and grapes.

 2. Make Sour Cream-Honey Dressing; pour over fruit. Toss
 until fruit is well coated.

 Makes 10 servings

 Sour Cream-Honey Dressing

 1/2 cup sour cream
 1 tablespoon honey
 1 tablespoon orange juice
 
 Mix all ingredients until smooth.

September 25

Proverbs 18:10 - NLT
The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.

Every few weeks or so, Ellen would go off by herself to her grandmother's farm for a day alone. She would fast for the entire day, and each time hunger would overtake her, she would pause to pray to God. She thanked Him for providing her with food and sustenance through the week. She thanked Him for her life in a country where she was free to do what she wanted to. She thanked Him that she didn't have to struggle day to day for survival. The times on the farm meant so much to her. Ellen found great strength in those times when hunger made her feel so weak. It was good to take time to be thankful.

Today's Thought: I'll try not to think of what I don't have, but what I do have!

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Today's Tip:  MOVE IT TO LOSE IT!

Watch and work out . . .  Choose one half-hour show that you like and jog in place.  Or create your own step class by putting four old phone books in a row on the floor and stepping up and down for the whole half-hour.  At the same time, move your arms up and down over your head.  Even better, let Oprah motivate you and work out for the whole hour!

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Orange-Avocado Salad

 This salad features a yummy combination of fruits, veggies
 and a citrus dressing.

 Prep: 20 min

 Orange Vinaigrette (below)
 3 oranges, peeled and sliced
 2 avocados, peeled, pitted and sliced
 6 thin slices red onion, separated into rings
 Salad greens

 1. Make Orange Dressing.

 2. Arrange oranges, avocados and onion on salad greens on
 6 salad plates. Serve with dressing.

 Makes 6 servings
 
 Orange Vinaigrette

 1/3 cup vegetable oil
 1 teaspoon grated orange peel
 1/4 cup orange juice
 2 tablespoons sugar
 2 tablespoons lemon juice
 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
 1/4 teaspoon salt
 
 Shake all ingredients in tightly covered container.

September 2

Isaiah 41:10 - NLT
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Ben was afraid to even try a diet. He never had much luck with things that required a lot of willpower on his part. He caved in much too easily. If only someone else would make his decisions for him. He had never been overweight when he lived at home and had his mother around to tell him what to eat and what not to eat. Ben would be the first one to admit that he had no self-control.  Unfortunately, we all have to learn to discipline ourselves. God doesn't tell us what to do. He gives us complete freedom, but He will help us have the strength to make right decisions if we ask Him to. Include God, and He will make some wonderful things happen.

Today's Thought:  True power is the ability to say no!

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

TODAY'S TIP:

Take a small sponge and cut it in half.  Place it in a container that you can seal tightly.  Add one part fabric softener to three parts water.  Just throw the wet sponge into the dryer when you get ready to dry your clothes.  It takes the place of those costly fabric sheets and works just as well.

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Cherry Banana Fruit Salad

1 1/2 cup Lucky Leaf Cherry Pie Filling, No Sugar Added
1 1/2 cup Del Monte Pineapple Chunks In Its Own Juice
2 medium banana(s)
1 Tbsp sugar

Slice bananas. Mix all ingredients and chill.

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 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!

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

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 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!

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

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.

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

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 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 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 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!

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

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.

July 17

2 Timothy 2:5 - NLT
And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.

Susan lay looking up at the ceiling in her hospital room. She
couldn't believe everything had turned out as it did. Jill had
promised the pills were safe and that she would lose weight fast.
All the pills had done were to make her violently ill and land her
in the hospital. Shortcuts are not the answer. God has given us
willpower and a miraculous body that repairs itself if we give it
the chance. Dieting doesn't require chemicals or radical exercising.
Dieting requires mastery over our base desires and our selfish
natures. Rely on God. We need nothing else.

Today's Thought:  God can do more to help me than anything else I could find!

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

Today's Tip:  Some frozen yogurts -- especially fat-free varieties -- are lower in calories and fat than some ice creams (they average about 200
calories and 0 grams of fat per cup). But remember, some low-fat and
fat-free no-sugar-added ice creams are just as waistline-friendly as
yogurts when it comes to saving calories.

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

Garden Pasta Salad

1/2 lb. mostaccioli or small tube pasta
2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 zucchini, trimmed and thinly sliced
3 ounces black olives, pitted and sliced
1/2 cup scallions, chopped
1/2 cup fat-free Italian dressing

Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al-dente. Drain and
transfer to a salad bowl. Add remaining ingredients and salt and
pepper to taste to pasta. Toss and let sit 30 minutes for flavors to
meld.

July 6

Galatians 6:9 - NLT
So don't get tired of doing what is good.  Don't get discouraged and give up, for we reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.

Janet was tired of dieting. She had been at it for almost six months. She looked better, and knew that she was doing the right thing. Taking the pounds off had been hard, but sometimes Janet felt that keeping them off was even harder. Thin people didn't understand that dieting wasn't just something to do to lose weight. For a person with weight problems, it had to be a way of life. God knows that dieting is hard. He knows dieting can be a bore. More than that, He knows we need help to diet. Rely on God. He won't let you down.

Today's thought: I will take dieting one day at a time, one pound at a time!

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Today's Tip:

Healthier Fast Food.
Eating healthy doesn't mean you can never eat fast food again. The key is understanding what you're ordering. Grilled chicken sandwiches and salads with low-fat dressing are good choices to keep calories in check.

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Tomato Basil Salad

1 tablespoon olive or canola oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon basil
pinch salt
pinch black pepper
2 tablespoons low-fat Parmesan cheese, grated
8 Roma tomatoes, cut in 1/2" cubes
2 green onions, thinly sliced

Mix all ingredients (except green onion) in a medium bowl.  Marinate for one hour.  Serve topped with green onion.

Make 4 portions, 1 point each.

June 27

Psalm 31:24 - NLT
So be strong and take courage, all you who put your hope in the LORD!

Gail's wedding day was getting close. She had vowed to lose fifty pounds by the time she got married. She was within ten pounds of her goal, but the last ten pounds were the hardest. She was so worried that she might not make it. She sat alone, looking at the dress, and then she bowed her head to pray. As she asked the Lord for help, she renewed her promise to do everything she could to lose the weight. Suddenly, deep inside, she knew she was going to make it. Everything she hoped for would work out, because the Lord was giving her the strength and courage she needed to succeed.

TODAY'S THOUGHT:  When God says it will work out, it works out!

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Today's Tip:  Simple Changes
Always use nonfat or 1% milk and other nonfat dairy products.  If you can't make the adjustment to either one, start with low-fat 2% and work your way down.  After several weeks you will not miss the others.

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Low-Fat Sour Dairy Dressing

1 c  1% fat cottage cheese
1/4 c  buttermilk from skim milk
2 tb lemon juice
1 tb corn oil
 
Put all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend
until completely smooth, scraping sides down with spatula as
necessary.
 
NOTE:  Use with 1 percent-fat cottage cheese or with fresh, stewed, or preserved fruit and a good bread for breakfast.

June 24

June 24

Phillipians 4:7 - NLT

If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

 

Promises. Every diet made promises, and they very rarely came through. Jenny had tried a dozen diets, each time putting her faith in their promises. Quietly, with tears in her eyes, she prayed for God's help. She wanted to lose weight so badly. As she prayed, she felt calm and hopeful. If only she could feel so peaceful when temptation raised its ugly head. Jenny vowed to try turning to God for help in the future instead of turning to more fad diets. Maybe God could do things for her that diet plans couldn't. She didn't really understand it, but she believed it was true.

 

TODAY'S THOUGHT:  If I turn to God, there's always hope!

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Today's Tip:  Health and Diet

“Natural” vitamins are not necessarily superior to generic vitamins. The body recognizes the vitamin and uses as needed, regardless of whether it’s synthetic or made from “natural” ingredients. The letters “USP” on a supplement shows that the supplement meets voluntary standards of the U.S. Pharmacopoeia.

 

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TOMATO SALAD WITH BALSAMIC VINEGAR

4 cups fresh tomatoes

2 bunches of green onions with tops

1/2 tbls. olive oil

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup balsamic vinegar

1/2 tsp. of pepper

1 cup fresh basil (chopped)

1 yellow pepper

1. Chop tomatoes in small cubes, finely slice the green onion and toss with the chopped basil.

2. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt & pepper. Pour over the salad mixture, let stand at room temperature for two hours or so, marinating.

3. Cut the yellow pepper in half, removing all seeds and pulp. Fill with the salad mixture. Put left over mixture in a small bowl in the center of serving plate with pepper halves on either side.