Just for Fun

I got this postcard from my daughter, who is in Paris.  On the back, she has written, “Hi Mom.  Looks like one of us has been eating a few too many croissants!”  The look on the poor little one’s face (the one not wearing the smile) suggests that she may have been the first to weigh herself, and the results were not pleasing to her.

The picture made me laugh – hard.   The humor works so well in this case because it is such a human (maybe more female??) attitude toward the scale.  You either love it (smile) or hate it (look ashamed and sad).  The postcard says it all, doesn’t it?

It seems so ridiculous to think of girls this young even understanding what the scale measures, and that makes it funny.  It would probably not hold the same humor value if the females in the picture were older.  That would just look “normal”!  Does it really make any sense to give a mechanical object so much control over your emotions?  I think not.

Don’t Expect Your Will Power to Overcome Unfair Obstacles!

We are well into January now.  How many of you who set resolutions on January 1 are still keeping them?    I would argue that resolutions are helpful any day of the year if they are not casually (or habitually) made (and re-made!).

According to a recent New York Times Magazine article, “Be It Resolved“, most people fare better with a resolution to guide them, but will power is limited.  It is helpful to keep in mind that will power has actual physical limits that are reached as fuel gets low and demands are high.

A Slimmer Bowl of Dip for Super Bowl XLVI

Did you know?

The average number of calories consumed on the day of the Super Bowl is second only to Thanksgiving!  Lightening up your usual dip recipe is a good start toward a healthier game day.  Try this easy basic recipe.  It works well with everything from chips to veggies.  Enjoy the game – GO PACKERS!!

Creamy Garlic Herb Dip

½ cup (4 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese

¼ cup buttermilk

2 tablespoons minced fresh chives

1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

1 teaspoon grated lemon rind

¼ teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 small garlic clove, minced

Combine all ingredients in a bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed for 2 minutes or until smooth.  Yield:  ¾ cup (serving size:  2 Tablespoons)

Per serving:  55 calories, 4.4g fat (2.9g sat), 2.5g protein, 1.5g carb, 15mg cholesterol, 195mg sodium

From Cooking Light

10,000 Tastebuds in Pleasure Island

Look Out For Pleasure Island!

Have you seen McDonald’s new ad campaign?  The billboard that told us to celebrate our cravings during the holiday months is now telling us, “You have about 10,000 tastebuds.  Use them all.”

Progress Requires At Least a Little Momentum

The Moral: Knitting projects do not finish themselves.

While cleaning out a closet recently, I came across a knitting project I started . . . let’s see, I was dating my husband, and we were married 4 years ago . . . .  I have not touched it in at least 3 years.  Guess what?  It is still just as unfinished as it was when I last put it away – half of a sweater, with only one sleeve, and I don’t even like it anymore!

What Does Your Most Realistic Improved Lifestyle Look Like?

It’s the New Year – Hooray!!  Motivation is high for weight loss.  Health club memberships soar, at least for a few weeks, before so many energized exercisers give up their overambitious goals.  Commercials for weight loss products and programs lure many new and seasoned participants, all ready to clean up their act by dramatically slashing calories.

Focus on What You Can DO in 2012

“I will lose 50 pounds this year.”  When I start hearing this kind of statement several times a day, I know the New Year is upon us!  I always cringe a little, sensing the guilt of the passing year in a person’s new commitment to discipline.

Beware: The shape of your wine glass may deceive you!

My husband came home with new wine glasses earlier this week.  We (OK . . . I) had broken a few lately, so he bought some sturdier ones that can hold up to my somewhat careless dishwashing.

The new ones have a wider bowl than our previous ones, a fact that provided me with an opportunity – love that word! – to revisit the quantity of wine in my glass.

Finding the Balance

Balance Needed!

I love fashion . . . and I love food.  Where am I going with this?

‘Tis the season for dressing up, and there are lots of examples of tasteful outfits and fashion “mistakes”  at every gathering.  Most fashionistas know the basic guidelines:

Celebrate the Season’s Cravings – Who Does That?!

Another holiday season . . . another year to notice ads for enticing holiday food and drink.  Last year McDonald’s promised me “Peace, Happiness, and Joy” – all in a little cup brimming with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle.  The larger than life steamy beverage was like a muted Christmas carol spreading its cheer from a giant billboard next to the freeway.