Beginning of week 4 Ta Dah.

Written by Linda Gauthier

It's weigh in day, hope it all works out, kind of had a rough week.  I went out to lunch twice, not that going out to lunch is rough, but it makes controlling what I eat difficult. Too many temptations, well here goes!!

Still losing hurray!! Not as much lost this week, but that could be normal, the first 2 weeks I did lose rather fast.  Total lost 12.6 lbs. It really has not been that difficult, I have found if I use a few simple tricks I'm able to continue without feeling hungry or like I'm being deprived.

 One of the tricks I'm using is to use smaller plates, the plates you see in the pictures are 9" square, but the area within, where the food is placed is only 5 1/2" square. This gives the illusion of having more food, combine that with having 2 glasses of water prior to a meal the mind and stomach are fooled into feeling full. I've reduced the amount of fat and carbohydrates I eat as well. Having things prepared ahead of time, like the vegetables cut up etc. and following a menu does, help control what you eat. Quick, simple, tasteful meals seem to be the key.

Tea Time one of my favorite things 

Here's this week's menu, recipes to be posted on Sunday.

Smile, there is more to enjoy

Smile, there is more to enjoy

Fruit filled Spelt Crepes

The following recipe is a variation of the crepes recipe I wrote about in my first blog.  I've been trying to avoid using a lot of wheat products, so I decided to try make the recipe with spelt flour.  The results are as follows:

1. I found they turned out thicker, and slightly heavy. 
2. I also found, for some reason, they did not brown up as well. 
3. The flavour was nice, but as I said, they were heavy and quite filling.
4. When I make them next, I will try with less flour.

I used a slightly different filling this time as well.

The following is what I used:

• Ricotta cheese with the zest of 1 orange, juice of 1 orange, Greek style vanilla yogurt, and fresh blackberries. 

The topping is 1 tbsp low fat vanilla Greek style yogurt.  The syrup is a fresh berry and mixed fruit.

NOTE:  Instead of the whole wheat and the all-purpose
flour I used 1 cup spelt flour

Grilled Steak Salad with Lao chili cilantro Dressing

Lao Chili Cilantro Dressing

SOMETHING TO KEEP IN MIND

Something to keep in mind!



written by Linda Gauthier

Here are some of this week's recipes,

and as promised, more to follow.  

Lemongrass steamed Chicken

My Clean the Fridge Soup, topped with 1 tbsp buttermilk

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes

Please allow me to digress......

Today is a very important day, it is the birthday of one of my heroes.  She isn't rich or famous, in fact it would be easy for many people to overlook her.  To me, she is the embodiment of courage, grace, determination, unconditional love, and tolerance.  She's a motivator, a teacher and a healer.

This wonderful person is my daughter, Nicole.  Nicole was born 25 years ago today.  She was also born deaf/blind, along with other difficulties.  Difficulties for some, but it seems, not so much for Nicole. 

When she was born, we were just like any other parents, shocked and upset and not sure how we would cope.  We were advised to institutionalize her, etc, etc.  However, for us this was not an option.  We brought our angel home and did the best we could.  We also had twins at home who were not quite a year older than Nicole, who adored their new sister and to them there was nothing wrong with her and they were right. Yes, there were difficulties, and it was not a bed of roses, but it was not a bed of thorns either.

It was Nicole who taught us how to reach her, in many small ways, but her first step was by creating a sign herself by tapping her shoulder 3 times when she wanted more food. We now had our first tangible indicator she understood us.  Through numerous painful operations and spinal taps and lord knows what she soldiered on not complaining.  Had it been me, I'm positive I'd have been screaming.  Her little delicate hands waving and exploring her world dancing like little ballerinas, across surfaces tentative and then assertive.  She now has an extensive abstract tactile sign language, which she eagerly uses.  She tolerates our slowness to understand her at times.  She demonstrates unconditional love every day, with her friends, her caregivers and especially her family. I refer to her as a healer because she has an innate ability to know when you are having a bad day, and give you a hug, we have had neighbors who have just come to our home for a Nicole hug.  Her brother and sister have always been tolerant and accepting of others because of their sister. She has taught me so many things it is hard to list them, but two of the most important being; I have more strength of character than I knew, and she has taught me to see with not only my eyes, but with my heart. 

Happy Birthday Sweetheart

I'm late, I'm late for a very important date....

written by Linda Gauthier


Hi Guys,

Sorry I'm late with the menus, running late today yard work and life got in the way.  Had to actually do some work and not play, will try post the recipes tonight and tomorrow.

I love fall but it also means a heck of a lot of  leaves, but aren't they beautiful !!

Here's the menu talk to you again within the next 24 hours.