Black Friday

Today was the day retailers hoped to make enough profit to push them into the black for the year. Shoppers were hoping to score amazing deals.

Don't you find it kind of ironic that the day after we thank God for all the blessings and wealth we enjoy that we rush out to buy more stuff; stuff that most don’t need. I like to call this “shoppers gluttony.”  When I see news videos of shoppers brawling over some thing, it brings to mind similar videos of people fighting for food rations after some natural disaster. That is understandable to me. They are fighting for the survival of their families. The shopping spectacle makes me feel sick and ashamed. I hope they have the decency to feel ashamed of their actions.

So, how are you feeling tonight? I hope you had delicious food and a time of fellowship with family or friends on Thanksgiving Day. I hope you have much to be thankful for. And I hope if you went shopping in the wee hours of the morning on Friday you found the bargains you were searching for and didn’t end up in jail over the newest ibox, iphone, or whatever “i” thing you were longing for.

I hope you have the most important “I” of all. “Jesus saith unto him I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh to the Father, but by me.” John 14:6.KJV

No material possession means anything if you don’t know the one who spoke those words some 2,000 years ago. They are still true. Oh, and by the way, it's free to all. 

Now that’s a bargain worth sharing. It comes to you as a result of the first Black Friday.

I would love to have your feedback on this topic.

Wishing you peace, love and healthy eating through this holiday season.

Good Girl/Bad Girl

People say that dogs don’t have a conscious. I say they do. At least my dog Annie does.

Annie is a mixed breed rescue dog. As far as her breed – the only thing we are certain of is that she is a dog, but don’t tell her that. Like her people, she has an eating problem. Two things make her happy, food and praise. Like me she has NO willpower when it comes to people food.

Yesterday we forgot and left some banana nut muffins on the prep table. It’s tall, but so is Annie. We knew the minute we walked in the door that she had been a “bad girl.” 

She wouldn’t make eye contact, and she immediately ran to the back door to go outside.

The tell-tale muffin wrappers on the floor told the rest of the story. I didn’t even have to scold her – which is unbearable punishment to her. She was SO ASHAMED.

Boy can I identify. But nobody scolds me when I eat too much, or eat something I shouldn’t. As a matter of fact, people encourage me to be a “bad girl.”

“Only one little piece of cake won’t hurt.”  “You have to try my10K calorie whatever.”

But is does hurt. I’m a foodaholic. Once I start, I can’t stop. And then I feel ashamed – which depresses me – which makes me want comfort food.

Thanksgiving is just a few days away. This year I intend to make it truly a day of giving thanks.

I am thankful for you, my friends who are as close as family. Celebrate your blessings, for there are many who are so less fortunate,

And go ahead and have that sliver of pumpkin pie. Then go for a walk in this beautiful world God gave us.

As Tiny Tim said, “God bless us, every one.” 

When Troubles Come

You know how it is when one bad thing happens, and new problems just keep coming one after another.

When there is NOTHING you can do about it, what do you do? Do you reach for that old standby comfort food?  Cookies, candy, something salty?

STOP, DROP (that snack), and ROLL out the door: to the gym, or a walk around the neighborhood, or put on your favorite upbeat music and rock and roll.

Oops, just revealed my age. Well, I do come from the generation that invented rock and roll. But look at it this way…I’m still able to rock and roll.

I understand. Really, I get it. When everything seems wrong and nothing is right, the last thing on your mind is how many calories/fat grams/or carbs are in that food you want. But trust me, if you put on another pound or three, you will feel worse, physically and emotionally.

So what does this have to do with Friday the 13^th? Absolutely nothing at all. Just as luck has nothing to do with obesity or getting healthy.  

It has everything to do with intention, or the lack thereof.  We are quickly approaching a very difficult season for people with a weight problem. Every which way you look there are temptations. Very few are “healthy” choices. Cookies, cakes, shortbreads, etc. and etc.

If you work outside the home there will be extra goodies brought in by well-meaning co-workers or customers. What’s a body to do? No one wants to munch on carrot sticks or celery when there are chocolate chip cookies calling your name.

Here are some low calorie, low fat suggestions.

In a pretty clear bowl, layer pieces of angel food cake with low fat yogurt, sugar free pudding and fruit.  Top with sugar free whipped topping. Both attractive and tasty.

A veggie tray with low calorie dip.

A fresh fruit tray.  Fruit is available year round.

Nuts are good, but be careful – too many will pack on the pounds, plus they are usually high in salt, which makes you hold on to fluid.

Pretzels are also a good alternative, but again – lots of salt.

The main thing I’m saying is “be intentional.” Make a plan and stick to it.  You can do this. And so can I.