Weight loss tip of the day #16:

Try to eat about 6-8 oz. of Yogurt a day. Make sure it has active Yogurt cultures in it. An individual Yogurt container works well. Get the low-fat kind. I prefer Greek, but I also like the Yoplait kind that's not Greek. I guess you can try some of both kinds. Just be sure it has the active Yogurt cultures in it. If you just don't like Yogurt, take an Acidophilus Capsule a day. This will help your digestion and also help keep your good bacteria level up. All of this will help in your weight loss.

Here's a yummy treat to make using Yogurt:

                                                     Fresh Fruit and Greek Yogurt Parfaits

3 cups Blueberries, Kiwi, Grapes(sliced), Mandarin Oranges, or about 3 different fruits of your choice. 1 cup each.

3 cups Greek Vanilla Yogurt..

1 1/2 Granola.

6 Parfait glasses.

Put a layer of Fruit in the bottom of the glasses.

Put a layer of Yogurt on top of the Fruit.

Put a layer of Granola on top of the Yogurt. (about half the amount of the Yogurt layer).

Keep layering 1/2 cup of each ingredient per glass, until all the ingredients are used up.

Healthy and delicious! Enjoy!

Tip of the Day #15:

If you happen to be snowed in, or stuck inside for a while, instead of eating for comfort try doing something else like cleaning or decorating. Even if you decide to cook make something healthy like Soup or Chili.
We happened to make Vegetable Beef Soup on Friday, while it was snowing. We still have some left. Something like that really hits the spot when it's cold and snowy outside.
Here's my recipe:

                                                            Vegetable Beef Soup

1 1/2 pounds of Beef Stew Meat.
Water to cover.
3-4 Beef Bouillon Cubes or 1 Tablespoon Beef Broth Base and Seasoning Mix.
1 can of diced Tomatoes.
1 can V-8 Juice. (low-sodium)Water to make the pot about half full.
4-6 med-large Potatoes. Peeled and cut-up in bite-size pieces.
6 med-large Carrots. Peeled and cut-up in bite-size circles.
1 package frozen Vegetable Soup Mix or 1 package frozen Mixed Vegetables.

Place the Stew meat in a large pot.
Add enough water to cover a little above the meat.
Add the Bouillon Cubes or Beef Broth Base and Seasoning Mix.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat and boil gently for about 2 hours.
Add the V-8 Juice and Tomatoes.
Can add more water if needed.
Continue cooking for about 30 minutes.
Add the Carrots and Potatoes
Cook another 30 minutes.
Add the frozen Vegetables.
Cook another 30 minutes or until everything is done and tender.
Serve with Crackers.

My mother used to make this soup and I've been making it for years. It is a very good way to get a lot of vegetables in one meal. This will give you a lot of vitamins, as well as protein and other nutrients, too. I believe my mother used Tomato Juice, but the V-8 adds more nutrients and we really like it.

Weight loss tip of the day number 14:

If you have a Holiday or Birthday Party to attend, go ahead and eat the treats, but use moderation. Try to eat very small samples of what you choose and watch your drink calories, too.

Here's a good idea for a snack recipe:

1 Head of Cauliflower (cut-up).
1 Bunch of Broccoli (cut-up).
1 Pound of Carrots (cut-up) or 1 pound of Baby Carrots.

Dip:
 8 ounce container of low-fat Sour Cream.
4 ounces light Miracle Whip.
1 package Hidden Valley ranch Salad Dressing mix.

Put all of the ingredients for the dip in a bowl and mix together well.
Serve the Vegetables with the Dip.

Weight loss tip number 12 and 13:
12:
Avoid white flour. (expanding on tip number 9)  You might find it difficult to cut white flour out totally; especially if you eat out once in a while. You can cut it way down though by avoiding it at home. Instead of white flour try using whole wheat, whole grain, or at least unbleached healthier flour.
Also use wheat or whole grain bread and buns.

13:
Avoid white rice. (expanding on tip number 9) Instead of white rice try using brown rice. It has a lot more fiber and nutrients.

Weight loss tip of the day number 11:

Avoid White Sugar.

Instead of using white sugar for sweetening try using Truvia instead. There are other sweeteners you can use including honey and natural sugars, but to avoid calories, I think Truvia is a good choice because it's natural. 

Here's a good recipe to try using Truvia or honey:

                                             Fresh Fruit and Greek Yogurt Parfaits

3 cups Fresh or Frozen Blueberries, Kiwi, Grapes (sliced), Strawberries (sliced), Mandarin Oranges, or about 3 different Fruits of your choice. 1 cup each.

3 cups Greek Yogurt.

Truvia or Honey to taste. (optional)

Natural Granola of your choice.

6 Parfait glasses.

Put a layer of Berries in the bottom of the glasses.

If you want the sweetener mix it with the Yogurt now.

Put a layer of Yogurt on top of the Fruit.

Next add a layer of Granola.

Keep layering until all of the ingredients are used up.

Healthy and Delicious! Enjoy!

Well I managed to miss another day posting, so I will post for 2 days again today.

Weight loss tip of the day number 9:

Try to avoid white flour, white sugar and white flour.

Substitute instead whole grain or whole wheat flour, natural sweetener or Truvia, and brown rice. If you do this it will go a long way in helping you feel fuller longer. It takes longer to digest whole grains than processed food. They are also a lot healthier to eat. Switch to whole grains to help improve your health.

Weight loss tip of the day number 10: 

Don't skip breakfast.

You might think that skipping breakfast will help you lose weight, but in reality it will just set the stage for eating in between meals and eating more later on in the day. I have tried this before and inevitably I have been starving hungry by mid to late morning. Eating a good healthy breakfast will help boost your metabolism and help you feel fuller for the rest of the day. So it actually should help you in your weight loss.

Now I will post a good, healthy recipe. Try it and enjoy!

                                                     Skillet Cooked Flounder

1 pound Flounder Fillets.
Put a small amount of oil and butter, in the skillet, enough to cover the bottom.
Heat the oil to medium  heat.
Place the Fish, in the skillet, in a single layer.
Cook over medium heat until browned lightly and done.

This makes a very good, healthy and low-calorie main dish. If you serve this with a baked Potato and a Vegetable or Salad you have a healthy, low-calorie, balanced meal.

I missed posting my Weight loss tip yesterday; so I will post 2 of them today.

Weight loss tip number 7:
Through the Holiday Season instead of snacking on fudge, cookies and candy a lot; try keeping fresh fruit available and grab that instead.

Weight loss tip number 8:
Watch your Sodium intake. Instead of salty chips and nuts; try eating unsalted nuts, fresh raw vegetables and healthy crackers.