Connecting

After going to this great wedding over the weekend, I found this reflection on connecting. At the wedding, I was able to catch up on friends that have moved away and that I do not see very often. It was a nice feeling.
I was consciously trying to see how these old friends where doing in their new locations, how they where fairing in mind and body. Connecting with friends and therefore their community.
This is a strength that many people do not have or do not feel that it is a need. I am working on improving my strength in this process. I want to help other feel the need to be of help and to communicate. For a better world, I fell people in general want do things WITH people not for the. This is my goal and part of the happiness project.
What do you guys think of this idea?

A habit

I am trying to make my new eating plan a habit but this is a very hard idea to manage.
We all know that creating a new habit is time consuming. This concept is not a short-term event. Remember that when you have reached your goal-whether exercise, weight, learning a new skill..be careful and not go back to the old way. Keep your new plan in effect. This is your new habit RIGHT?
Habits need to stick around and become the new you. So keep up the work.

Review time

It's been a while since I started my weight loss and the happiness project. Time to review the goal plant..might be of help for others who are just starting.

A vision
A plan
Timeline
Motivation
Lots of help..I am hoping that I might help others as my friendds are helping me
Good Resources a great place to visit Spsarks
Persistance
Learning
So I will review my goals.

Watch Words

When trying to stick to a healthy plan, I have noticed one has to be very careful about the ingredients in prepared meals and/or meals when one eat outs. I have develop some plans on words to watch for in the preparation of foods. Maybe you have also.
Good Maybe not so Good
Baked Au gratin
Boiled Basted
Fat free Battered
Grilled Bottomless
Light Breaded
Poached Cheesy
Stir-fried Fried
Whole wheat White
Platter
Stewed
This gives you the idea anyway of what not to eat when possible. Watch your words and one can enjoy a great meal at any time and any place.

traveling season

I always thought the summer was the traveling time; however, just have heard that this time of year is heavy traveling time.
Since, I am traveling in November, was very interested in this article I found by Liz Noelcke on food for the road.
Be aware of pushing yourself when traveling. One wants to try and enjoy the traveling experience as well as the destination.
WHAT to do to help prevent some problems: drink plenty of water. Be cautious of alcohol-which can cause dehydration.
Try eating a healthy meal before you leave-keeping in mind the fruit and vegetable as a wise choice.
If possible bring some food with you, especially when traveling by car. Small individually wrapped healthy snacks, such as fruit, nuts, energy bars are your best bet.
Try to eat a regular intervals and don't skip meals.
Maybe these hints will make for a more pleasant trip for all involved.

The small stuff

"The future comes on day at a time" by Dean Acheson. what a great quote! I am a person that tends to plan and plan. This action has gotten me into much problems lately. I am getting a little gun shy. My dreams of the future have changed so much that I am now just wondering. I am trying not to think to far ahead and enjoy what is in front of me.. It takes a series of small steps to achieve our dreams. Things might change in the process and that is OK. The actual act of progressing toward the goal is a victory in it's shelf. Let us all learn to celebrate the goals that are achieved on the way. Small things in life tend to build toward the larger goals. The old say make the most of the day, is my new goal. It is helping me cope with the set backs that are happening and my ideas of what I want.
I am becoming a little more calm and happier in my day to day life. What ever is going to happen is going to happen. God is in control.
OVER and out for the day.

Cycle of Failure

I think at one time or another, we all feel like we are failures. I am much more pron to this feeling, since my husband has died. This is feeling I am working on daily. I feel that I will be much happier if I can overcome this.
We tend to build on our experiences, which in turn helps a person to evolve, live and learn. We all goof up sometimes, but do we improve and lean from lives mistakes. If yes, than you are well on your way. Before Andy died, I tended to let him do, shielding me from many a mistake. Now it is just me and my mistakes. Don't think that a mistake or failing at a task makes you "failure". USe it as a tool to apply to the next situation.
This new thinking process will help you in life and in turn will help maintain the art of staying happy and healthy.

comfort foods

Do you have a favorite food that you tend to crave when need of a little TLC?
I found an article about just this thing and wanted to share. Believe or not these a good for you comfort food. Since my comfort food tends to chips or wine, I do not fall into this category.

Yogurt: frozen or regular. The frozen variety taste much like ice cream, only with less fat. Add some fruit and you will add minerals and vitamins.

Fruit smoothie: replaces those fating milk shakes and is perfect for a sweet tooth craving.

Chicken noodle soup:Remember to buy a brand with low sodium. Brings back childhood memories.

Angel food cake: The best of the cake choices. Light and fluffy-one can even add low-fat whipped cream.

Oatmeal: a favorite of mine: It is warm and will leave you energized for hours. Add some fresh fruit to even make this choice better for you.

Vegetable juice:Good for on the go or to tied one over till meal time.

Crock pot is your friend. One can make almost anything in a crock-pot-and it cooks all day, so you do not have to.
Adapted from article Zack VanHart.

Food Planning Danger in your kitchen

I was so taken with this article wanted to pass on the thoughts.
Hidden danger in your kitchen. Tell all your friends.
Your kitchen provides hidden temptation to sabotage your new eating goals. Watch out and keep up the with cleaning out process.
Start with fridge and pantry. Focus on replacing sugary and high-calorie foods with whole grains and lower calories alternatives.
Throw out thick dressing, white rice, creamers, white pasta, chips, dips.
Keep vinaigrette's, spinach, nuts, sweet potatoes, whole wheat pasta, your fresh salad makings.
Watch out for the high fat cheese, whole milk, butter, ice cream some of the cooking oil and beef.
Try to replace with other sources of protein and fresh fruits.
MOVE ON
Read food labels
Buy sturdy cutting board for fresh veggies and one for any meat product
Portion our prepared foods
Collect healthy quick recipes
Keep water fresh and cold in refridge. You need to drink several glasses of water a day.

Remember that exchanging habits take time and maybe a few extra on the pocketbook.
So watch sales and buy right...
Fresh food and produce
Water filtered pitcher instead of individual bottles.
Spices
Healthy cookbooks
Plastic containers for storage
REWARDS for yourself and family.

Healthy Foods

This is from an on-line article from bellybytes-take this advice with caution but have heard the same claims from other sources and thought this was well laid out and easy to understand.

Apricots: Beta-carotene helps prevent free-radical damage.

Avocades: POWER food. has an acid that helps to lower your overall cholesterol and raise the HDL. Good dose of fiber. slice has 81 calories
Raspberries: ellagic acid which helps stall cancer-cell growth. Packed with vit C. cup has 60 calories.
Cantalope: Vit C and beta-carotene-help against free-radical damage. Half melon has 97 calories and great portion of potassium.
Cranberry juice: Helps fight bladder infections. Buy 100 percent juice-144 calories
Tomato: Lycopene, one of the strongest carotenoids, acts as an antioxident. Might cut the risk of bladder, stomach and colon cancers. 26 calories
Raisins:Great source of iron which helps blood. 218 colories.
Figs: good source of potassium and fiber--contains vit B6. Prevent water retention lower cholestrol, mood=boosting.

Digest this and
I will continue this later in the week.

London

Am, back from London. We had a great time. Walked our you know what off but saw the top ten places to visit, Even the weather co-operated. I will tell more under the happiness project as time goes by.