100% Guilt Free Ice Cream!

 I don't usually post about food or nutritional products although I love finding new tasty treats which are low in calories and fat and still fit into my healthy eating lifestyle. There are a number of great blogs out there that have convinced me to try some new product or another and sometimes they are keepers. This one is definitely a keeper so I thought I'd share with you!

Self Sabotage

I am so close to goal I can almost touch it! It should be a breeze to take off the last three pounds but, to the contrary, it's shaping up to be the most difficult three pounds of all. I am not sure if it is my body fighting to hold onto those last ounces of fat or my unconscious self refusing to accept the fact that I deserve to be thin. In any event, I am finding it more and more difficult to fight those urges to eat. Oh, I am not into the cookie jar or stopping at the donut shop on the way to work like I used to, but it has become a struggle not to munch on an energy bar when I really don't need it (they sure are packed with calories) or slip in an extra carb-filled snack at night.

Divas & Champions Top Blog Award

A number of people have asked me what my favorite blogs are. A difficult task since there are so many wonderful ones out there and so many talented people sharing their thoughts, dreams and trepidations when it comes to the goal of being the best we can be, healthy and fit. I want to present my four top blogs with the Divas & Champions Award.

Four blogs immediately come to mind as being unique and uplifting so, in no particular order, here they are:

A Can of Worms

I opened a can of worms two weeks ago when I posted about Victor, the Russian who gained weight during his 5 month stay in the U.S., and mentioned genetically altered foods. Since then I have been doing a lot of reading, became a member of Greenpeace and have dramatically altered my food choices. I guess you could call me a tree hugger now, if you like. I don't want to be an alarmist but what I learned is frightening.

In Loving Memory

As we enjoy the weekend and pay our respects to all the brave heroes who served in the military and fought for our country, let's also give a little respect to the courageous dieters out there. Here's my Memorial Day tribute to all of you, in remembrance of the things we've put behind us and the behaviors we have changed.

In memory of:

• all the pounds we have lost throughout the years.
• the poor eating habits we have managed to change.
• having to hold our breath to zip up those favorite jeans.

Me No Smile :(

I had a conversation the other day with one of my Russian students. After five months he remains at the elementary level and his is English is still rudimentary. In spite of that, he expressed dismay about gaining 17 pounds during his stay in the United States. He claims to be eating the same kinds of food - fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, etc. and stays away from processed foods and fast food restaurants. He goes to the gym every day for two to three hours. In other words he has not changed his habits at all since leaving Russian last January and yet he has gained weight. He blames it on the food he buys in the local supermarket.

David to be Returned to Italy

After a two year loan to the United States, the statue of David is being returned to Italy, or so the not-so-funny email that is circulating goes. Sad but not without some truth.

America ranks #1 in obesity according to major studies which compare obesity statistics in different countries. It's no wonder that Michelangelo's David has become so rotund. Huge portions, an overabundance of fatty foods, high sugar and sodium contents combined with a sedentary lifestyle contributes to American's obesity epidemic.

Just in Queso, or not all cheese is created equal

Ah, cheese. So many varieties, so many flavors and from so many countries. While Gorgonzola can be wonderfully piquant, a nice creamy brie can be paired with some ripe pear slices. And a sharp Canadian cheddar is always welcome as a topping on your burger or with a glass of red wine. Whatever your choice, cheese is a delicious addition to any meal or hors d'oeuvres selection.

But cheese has fat, salt, lots of calories and that dreaded cholesterol. So what would be a good choice for us folks who are trying to lose weight? And how much can we eat before it does too much damage?

An ounce of cheese is considered one serving and provides 200 - 300 mg. of calcium. Most adults need 1,000 mg of calcium per day and people 50 and older need 1,200 mg of calcium per day. Since milk is the main ingredient, cheese provides a good source of protein and vitamin B₂. (Information from American Dietetic Association).

There is no reason to avoid eating cheese but it is important to pay attention to the type and amount you eat.

• If you like to eat hard cheeses, like cheddar, look for "fat free, "reduced fat" or "low fat" on the label.
• If you're looking for a soft cheese, "low fat" (1%), part-skim or light might be a good choice.

• You will even find low fat, low cholesterol cheese selections in your grocery store. They generally have 50 - 75 percent of the fat in whole milk cheeses. Experiment with some of these to find a brand you like.

  Cheese (1oz. Serving) Mozzarella** Cheddar Monterey Jack American Swiss Colby-Jack Calcium content (% DV*) 20% 20% 20% 15% 25% 20% Calories (kcal) 80 110 100 110 100 110 Cholesterol 15 mg 30 mg 30 mg 25 mg 25 mg 25 mg Fat 5 g 9 g 8 g 9 g 8 g 9 g Saturated Fat 3 g 5 g 5 g 6 g 8 g 7 g Protein 8 g 7 g 7 g 6 g 8 g 7 g Sodium 170 mg 180 mg 170 mg 400 mg 60 mg 190 mg

  * Percent Daily Value (DV) is based on a 2,000-calorie diet ** Mozzarella is part-skim.

Feta contains 20g of fat per 100g, 20%, as does mozzarella, Camembert 24%t, Brie has 29% , Parmesan 30%, Stilton 31%, Gruyère 33& and cheddar 35%.

Edam contains 26% fat, cottage cheese, has about 4g of fat per 100g, although you can get even lower-fat versions.


Moderation is the key.  Use more flavorful cheese, like feta, and a little goes a long way.