Over the River and Through the Woods

Actually it is up the turnpike and through the swamp for a Florida Christmas. There is something to be said about a green Christmas. No jackets, gloves or mittens. No boots or scarves and no snow, just a sunny day decorated with stately palm trees and colorful flowers. My memory bank is filled to capacity with winter scenes and I can download them at will. I almost felt nostalgic watching a Christmas movie (one of the thousands that have been plaguing the television screen for the past several weeks). But the nostalgia disappeared pretty quickly when I remembered driving on slippery roads and freezing my buns off in spite of being swaddled in many layers of clothing.

Faking It!

This was written on vacation in the Virgin Islands a few weeks ago. A bit of dieting wisdom to share...

It’s the morning after. I’m sitting on the wooden deck of my hotel room overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Last night was the Full Moon Party, and not just any full moon party. This was a monthly event attended by hundreds, sometimes thousands, held in a hastily thrown together shack made of driftwood, leftover lumber, signs, old license plates and ladies panties! Live reggae music blared, alcohol flowed, mushroom tea boiled in cauldrons over an open fire. The smell of BBQ ribs was in the air. This was the ubiquitous Bomba Shack. And there I was, on a diet, surrounded by French fries, rum and other delectable no-no’s. What’s a girl to do?

FAKE IT! (No, not like Meg Ryan in "When Harry Met Sally").

Candy Cane Heaven

I just found the greatest tea. I am NOT a tea drinker but this green tea really rocks! It's got everything I want in a "0" calorie beverage - green tea with peppermint, orange peel, carob, vanilla bean, cinnamon, blackberry and thistle. It's like drinking a bit of Christmas, warm, toasty and sweet. I had to read the label to make sure it didn't have sugar.

healthy chEATING

If you’re anything like me you probably spend a lot of time thinking about food. It’s an obsession and it seems like I constantly need oral gratification, even after finishing a satisfying meal. My thoughts immediately turn to “What’s next?” I’d like to be able to brainwash myself into thinking celery and carrots sticks are yummy. Don’t get me wrong, they’re OK, but vegetables just don’t fill that longing.

What are some healthy comfort foods? Are there really guilt-free snacks that satisfy? As a WW member I count points. I am penalized for losing weight by having my points reduced, my now 19 points are used thoughtfully. After following the Healthy Guidelines I might have 2 or 3 points left over. So what can I eat?