November 2

James 1:2 - NLT
Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.

Renee really felt good whenever she had the strength to say no to food that was offered to her. Each time she could refuse eating, it made her feel she'd won a moral victory. Mentally, she kept score. It became a game to see how often she could hold out between defeats. In a strange way, it made her diet enjoyable. She felt she was really accomplishing something that was important. By the end of about four months, Renee was able to defeat just about every temptation that came along. She felt God's pleasure as she grew more able to decline treats. That joy made her diet fly by.

Today's Thought: Diets can be fun, especially when they're done!

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Today's Tip:  Skip the Butter.
Cooking with canola or olive oil may reduce heart disease risk. Just remember that even these "good" fats are loaded with calories, so use them in moderation.

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Easy Mashed Potatoes

4 large potatoes (Idaho or russet)
1 cup low-sodium canned chicken broth
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons freshly chopped chives
3 tablespoons low-fat sour cream

1. Peel the potatoes and cut them in half. Place them in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. Drain.

2. Bring the broth to the boil, and turn down to a simmer.

3. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or fork. Slowly add the broth until the desired consistency is reached.

4. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste. Lightly stir in the sour cream and chives.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving (about 1/2 cup)

Calories 90, Total Fat 0g, Saturated Fat 0g, Cholesterol 1 mg, Sodium 102 mg, Total Carbohydrate 21g, Dietary Fiber 2g, Protein 4g.

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October 24

Isaiah 41:10 - NLT

Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

The evening was the worst. About an hour before bedtime, Eleanor would begin to get cravings. The worst possible thing to do would be to eat right before bed. Sometimes her stomach would growl so much that she thought she would wake up the neighborhood. On those occasions, Eleanor asked God for a little quick relief and went straight to bed. Better that than to pig out and feel lousy the rest of the night and guilty all the following day! God can grant us blessed relief from the whinings of the stomach. He can take our mind off our stomachs and give us the strength to say no!

Today's Thought: The waistline won't grow if I learn to say no!

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Today's Tip:  Health and Diet
Hold the mayo and opt for high-quality mustard. A delicious, flavor-packed substitute, mustards are the perfect base for a tangy dipping sauce, zippy salad dressing or classic sandwich spread. There are so many varieties out there for enticing your taste buds -- try Dijon, country-style, honey mustard and even fruity versions.

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Easy Vegetables with Lemon and Garlic

Prep: 10 min, Cook: 15 min.

1/4 small head cauliflower, cut into florets
1-1/3 cups broccoli florets
2 tsp. olive oil
1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1-1/4 tsp. fresh parsley, chopped

Steam cauliflower and broccoli florets for 10 minutes, or until tender. In a small saucepan, place olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Put vegetables in a serving dish. Pour lemon and garlic sauce on top. Garnish with parsley.

October 7

Hebrews 10:39 - NLT
And a righteous person will live by faith.  But I will have no pleasure in anyone who turns away.

Darren felt bad withdrawing from the group, but he had to. The other three men kept cheating on their diets, and that was no help at all. Each time they gave in to temptation, Darren asked himself why he tried so hard when everyone else quit. Darren needed strength and support, not more temptation. At least on his own he stood a fighting chance. Darren prayed for guidance. Dieting was hard enough without other people making it harder. We need to attach ourselves to those who are serious and committed to losing weight. God will help us have all the strength we need to keep on our diets.

Today's Thought: The weight that I've lost, was of minimal cost!

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Today's Tip:  Fitness
Stretching requires a certain technique. Follow these rules. Don't bounce a stretch. Holding a stretch is more effective and there is less risk of injury. Don't stretch a muscle that is not warmed up. Don't strain or push a muscle too far. If a stretch hurts, ease up. Don't hold your breath.

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OVEN FRIED ONION RINGS

2 Tablespoons Flour
Ground Pepper to taste
1/3 Cup Dried Bread Crumbs
1/4 Cup Egg Beaters
2 Large Onions, peeled, sliced 1/4" thick separated into double rings.

Adjust oven racks to divide Oven in half. Preheat to 400. Spray a cookie sheet with Nonstick cooking spray. On a sheet of wax paper combine the first 2 ingredients. On another sheet of wax paper. Place the Bread crumbs. In a bowl add the egg beaters. Coat each double onion ring with the flour. Shake off any excess. Coat with the egg beaters, than lightly with the bread crumbs. Place on cookie sheet. Continue with all rings. Spray the rings with Non-stick cooking spray. Bake on top rack for 10 minutes. Turn over carefully and bake another 5 minutes.

October 4

Philippians 4:11 - NLT
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little.

Sam remembered the POW camp he had spent six years in. Whenever he began to feel sorry for himself as he dieted, he remembered the time in his life when he really had something to be upset about. Dieting was nothing compared to what he had suffered. It humbled him a little. He gained great strength from the memory. God had gotten him through the war, so he knew God could get him through the diet. As long as he had the memory of all he had come through before, he knew he could make it through anything else that came his way.

Today's Thought: God brings me through every situation, whether large or small.

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Today's Tip:  Health and Diet
Weight loss won’t last if you fast! The body, especially the brain, requires a steady supply of glucose (energy from carbohydrates) in order to function properly. Glucose is stored in the muscles and liver as “glycogen,” and for every gram of glycogen stored, there are three grams of water. So when glycogen stores are diminished during a fast, water is lost, not pounds.

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Roasted Sugar Snap Peas


1 pound sugar snap peas*
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Coarse salt or Fleur de sel
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

* Also called Sugar Peas. These peas are not shelled, as the entire pod is eaten.

Preheat broiler. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Toss peas with olive oil on prepared baking sheet. Spread peas in a single layer. Broil approximately 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. Sprinkl with coarse salt or fleur de sel, then chives, and serve.

Makes 6 servings.

Each Serving Totals - 2.7 Fat Grams, 73.3 calories, 1.8 WW Points

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.

October 1

October is on Strength:

When we diet, we learn quickly how truly weak we are.  It takes great strength to diet:  strength of will, strength of character, strength of mind.  It takes a great deal of wisdom to admit that we don't possess all the strength we need on our own.  Somehow we need to tap into a greater source of strength.  That source is Jesus Christ the Lord.  His strength never wavers, never fails.  He has strength great enough to conquer death itself.  The amazing thing about the strength of Christ is that it is freely offered to everyone who asks for it.  When we feel the weakest, that is when we are most open to the strength of Christ.  Call upon the Lord, and He will be quick to answer.  Reach out for His strength, and you will find yourself able to conquer your weight problem better than you could ever hope to on your own.  Our God is a God of strength and power.  Hallelujah!

2 Corinthians 12:10 - NLT
Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Having to diet was like having a bad rash. It was almost impossible to ignore, and it never went away. It was a real test of will not to give in when the stomach started growling. More than anything he ate regularly, just not as much as he was used to. He always prided himself on being a strong person. His diet was proving otherwise. He was short-tempered and cranky. As hard as it was, he had to admit he needed help. He prayed for God to strengthen him through his diet. With God's help, he felt he might just make it.

Today's Thought: I'm stronger than my stomach gives me credit for being!

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Today's Tip:  Keep a pack of sugarless gum always close by. Make an effort to snack on healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. Diet plan tactic - place baskets of fruits and prepared vegetables in easy reach for nibbles.

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Glazed Snow Peas and Carrots

 Vegetables cooked alone or in combination with others will
 have more taste appeal when cooked in Swanson Broth.

 Prep/Cook Time:  25 min.

 4 tsp. cornstarch
 1 can (14 oz.) Swanson Vegetable Broth
 4 medium carrots, sliced
 1 medium onion, chopped
 3/4 lb. snow peas
 1 tsp. lemon juice

 MIX cornstarch and 1 cup broth.

 HEAT remaining broth in skillet to a boil. Add carrots and
 onion. Cover.

 COOK on low heat 5 min. or until carrots are tender-crisp.
 Add snow peas. Cook 2 min.

 ADD cornstarch mixture. Cook and stir until mixture boils
 and thickens. Stir in lemon juice.

September 27

Psalm 9:10 - NLT
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, have never abandoned anyone who searches for you.


It was nice to see that the church cared so much about the ladies' group that dieted together. At the annual church planning board dinner, it was suggested that a low calorie menu be offered. Dieting was so much easier when other people understood and cooperated with you. It was gratifying to be supported by the church as if by one's own family. God had been good to the ladies of the church. God's love should be apparent in our churches. The church should be a place where we know we will be affirmed and supported. God never forsakes His children, and His children should be careful not to forsake each other.

Today's thought: No matter what, I'm not on this diet alone!

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Today's Tip:  Fitness
Relieve neck pain through stretching. The next exercise resembles the neck movements of a turtle. You should literally stick your neck out and then draw it back again. In doing so, you will make a gliding movement forward with your chin, as if trying to reach far out with it and thus to lengthen the neck. The pull will be felt in the back of the neck on both sides between the ears as well as in the middle. Repeat this exercise four times.

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Mock Mashed Potatoes

2 10oz pkgs frozen cauliflower (or fresh 3/4 head)
1 tsp chicken bouillon granules
1/4 tsp white pepper
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp heavy cream

Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook cauliflower in microwave or on stovetop until it is fall-apart fork tender. Drain well and mix cauliflower with all ingredients except cream in food processor. Add cream slowly and mix again.

Spray ovenproof dish with cooking spray and put mixture in. Bake 15 - 20 minutes.

For those of you who think they would not like this dish because they are not fans of cauliflower, I implore you to try it - it does not taste like cauliflower at this point. Really.

September 26

Isaiah 43:5 - NLT
'Do not be afraid, for I am with you.  I will gather you and your children from east and west.'

It didn't look like it was going to work out. Becky wanted to lose a few pounds before the dance. It wasn't any big deal, but that made it worse. She'd had almost six weeks, and in that time she hadn't lost any weight at all. She kept telling herself she had plenty of time, but time had slipped away. Now it was too late, and she felt terrible. Why had she been so stupid? Why hadn't she taken it more seriously? Not only did she feel bad because she was overweight, but she also felt guilty and hopeless. Somehow she had to learn to knuckle down and stick to what she needed to do. With God's help, maybe she could.

Today's Thought: Today I lose weight; tomorrow's too late!

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Today's Tip:
Nibbling isn't the problem.
It's what you nibble ON that counts.
So find something non-fattening
to chew on, and
nibble happily ever after.

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Grilled Garden Vegetables

 2 medium red and/or yellow bell peppers, cut into 8 wedges
 2 medium zucchini and/or yellow squash, cut diagonally into
1-inch pieces
 8 small carrots with 1-inch greens intact
 6 green onions and/or red scallions, cut into 3-inch pieces
 2 tablespoons LAND O LAKES® Butter, melted
 1/2 teaspoon instant minced garlic or garlic salt
 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
 1/4 teaspoon salt

 Heat gas grill on medium or charcoal grill until coals are ash white. Make 12-inch square aluminum foil grilling pan with rectangle of double thickness heavy-duty aluminum foil or use purchased foil pan.

 Place peppers, squash, carrots and onions in grilling pan. Drizzle with melted butter; sprinkle with garlic, pepper and salt. Place pan onto grill. Cover; grill, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are roasted.

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 23

Psalm 46:1 - NLT
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

Barb hated it when her husband went away on business trips. He was her conscience when it came to watching what she ate. Besides, when she was lonely she had the tendency to eat to compensate. It was so much harder to diet when he went away. It is good to know that we have a refuge and strength that never goes on vacation. God is ever with us, and He will help us whenever we need Him. When the temptations are the greatest, then we can be confident that God will be the strongest.

Today's Thought: I will turn to God when my diet gets too tough!

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Today's Tip:  Stuffing vegetables such as capsicum and zucchini with tasty fillings of mince chicken, meat or tuna are easy to do and very healthy and low fat.

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Zucchini with Parmesan Sauce

Prep: 10 min - Total: 17 min
 
3 medium zucchini, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices
2 medium yellow squash, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
2 Tbsp. oil
1 tub (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Chive  cook on low heat until cream cheese spread is melted and mixture is thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally. Serve over vegetables.

September 21

Psalm 91:3 - NLT
For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from the fatal plague.

Bert woke up in a cold sweat. He had dreamed that he was lying on a beach, when suddenly the sand began to shift, and he felt himself being sucked downward. Try as he might, he couldn't twist or turn out of the trap. Every way he moved, the sand gave way. He realized that the only reason he was sinking was due to his weight. The more he fought, the deeper he sank. As the sand closed in over his head, he woke up. Quietly, he prayed that the Lord might rescue him from his prison of flesh. Immediately, he was filled with a spirit of sacrifice and commitment equal to the diet that lay before him.

Today's Thought: Without a doubt, I'll win this bout!

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Today's Tip:  9 Myths About Dieting

1. Eating Late at Night Is Sure to Pack on the Pounds
2. You Can Break Through a Weight-Loss Plateau by Eating Less
3. Never Have Seconds
4. Deny Your Cravings; They're All in Your Head
5. Don't Eat Between Meals
6. Eating Breakfast Makes You Hungry All Day
7. To Lose Weight, Become a Vegetarian
8. Fasting for a Few Days Drops the Pounds Quickly
9. You Can Eat Anything You Want as Long as It's Fat-Free

(From Dieting For Dummies® by Jane Kirby For The American Dietetic
Association. Copyright © 1998 IDG Books Worldwide, Inc.)

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Gingered Carrots

3 lb carrots
2 Tbsp. margarine
2 Tbsp. shredded ginger root
1 Tbsp. honey
1/2 tsp. salt

Peel carrots and cut into 2 inch long sticks, about half an inch wide. Place in a saucepan with just enough water to cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for a few minutes or until just tender. Drain into colander and reserve.

Combine remaining ingredients in saucepan over low heat and stir until margarine is melted. Add carrots to pan and toss to coat. Simmer about 2 minutes or until heated through.

WW Points = 1

September 13

Proverbs 3:24 - NLT
You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams.

Janice remembered long, sleepless nights where she tossed and turned, feeling guilty that she had cheated on her diet or merely crying because she was so enormous. Thank God those nights were long gone. Being fat was not just a physical trauma, but an emotional and mental one, as well. She never realized how much her peace of mind was dependent on her waistline until she took off the excess weight. Now, she had wonderful nights and wonderful days. Her life was transformed. God had been so good to her. She felt she'd been given a new life. This time, she was determined to take care of it.

Today's Thought: Losing weight promises a new lease on life!

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Today's Tip:  Downsize the Sweet Tooth
The sweet tooth can be the downfall of so many. After all, usually mixed in with the sugar is loads of fat. Think about portion control big time here. If the sweets can be eliminated all together, that’s optimal. However if a piece of chocolate cake is calling, try slicing an even smaller piece off. Then, eat it slowly and enjoy each and every bite.

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Garlic-Rosemary Mashed Potatoes

1 pound Red potatoes, quartered
1/4 cup bottled roasted garlic cloves, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh Rosemary
1/2 cup non-fat milk
salt and pepper to taste

Place potatoes in a saucepan, cover with water and boil for about 15 minutes, drain.

Heat milk until warm in a pan (do not boil), add potatoes, olive oil, milk and garlic and beat on medium until smooth (or, desired consistency).
Add salt and pepper to taste and stir in Rosemary.

September 12

Colossians 3:2 - NLT
Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth.

The smells from the cafeteria were more than Blanche could take. Not that the cafeteria food was anything to write home about, but when she was on a diet, almost anything smelled good! She grabbed her jacket and headed out the door. Immediately, the fresh fall air erased the cafeteria smells. The sky was a deep blue, and the white clouds lazily drifted by. The sun was out, the birds were singing, and everything was right with the world. Blanche spent her lunch hour just strolling through God's splendor. Before she knew it, her hunger had passed, and she was ready to tackle the afternoon. The glory of God had lifted her above her earthly passions, and she was grateful.

Today's Thought: There's much more to life than lunch!

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Today's Tip:
Food poisoning can be downright deadly. Before handling raw poultry, seafood, meat or eggs, always wash your hands in hot, soapy water. Check to see that your refrigerator’s thermostat is set to 40 degrees or below. Do not thaw foods at room temperature, but rather defrost them in the refrigerator. Wash the cutting board with hot, soapy water when using it for a variety of foods.

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Yellow Squash Casserole

1/2 c plain low-fat yogurt
1/2 c low-fat cottage cheese
1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp dried whole thyme
2 eggs, beaten
1 c sliced onion
3 c sliced yellow squash
1/4 c soft whole wheat bread crumbs, divided

Combine yogurt, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, thyme and eggs in a bowl; set aside.

In a skillet coated w/spray add onion; saute until tender, drain and set aside. Place 1 c squash in a casserole coated with spray. Top with 1/3 of onion and 1/3 yogurt mixture. Repeat procedure with remaining squash, onion and yogurt mixture. Sprinkle with bread crumbs, cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake until top is browned.

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 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!

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

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.

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

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!

<>< 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 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 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.