Here are two e-mails I received just last week:

"I've changed the way we eat.  And this time, we're going to
succeed, I just know we are.  I'm not stressing.  I'm not feeling
deprived.  I don't feel like I have to give up anything.  And I'm
willing to lose a  bit more slowly to make this a lifestyle thing.
I believe I've already dropped 2.5lbs and just wrote a reminder to
take my before picture tonight, before I lose too much more.  I'm
putting together meal plans and strategies...Now I know why I have
not been successful in the past.   It has just never been easier. 
I appreciate your checking in - hope that keeps me motivated as I
really don't want to fall off the wagon.  Thanks for a great book,
a great philosophy and for checking with me to make sure I got it. 
Wish me luck!"

--Pam Allen-Leblanc, Canada

"Yay!  8 lbs. so far and without suffering!  It's so easy!  Thank
you so much for sharing this wonderful plan."

--Happy reader who wishes to remain anonymous

***

Of course I have amazing readers who want to pay it forward and
help others.  Here's a great tip from Sandi:

"Just wanted to share a tip that I've found to be very satisfying
on the night you serve spaghetti for the family.  I prepare
everything as usual.  But I steam me some fresh or frozen broccoli
or cauliflower in the microwave.  Instead of putting my meat
sauce on spaghetti, I just spoon it over my veggies instead and
sprinkle a little parmesan on top!  It tastes great and I feel
so much better knowing I'm eating good and cutting back at the
same time...and I don't feel as though I'm missing out while the
rest of the family is eating their spaghetti!"

--Sandi

Use Sandi's tip, or variations I've tried:
--skip pasta, use veggies, go ahead and eat that slice of bread!
--switch from soda to water with your meal
--take 1/2 your usual pasta and serving and have veggies on the side
--switch from white pasta to whole wheat (Barilla's tastes great)

Ever heard of losing weight and eating spaghetti at the same time?

Now you can!

Thanks so much to Pam, "anonymous" and Sandi.  I love that you
take the time to write me.  And same to the rest of you that
have touched base--you know who you are!  I appreciate you!

***

So what will I eat for my birthday treat tomorrow?

Well, I'm a sucker for cheesecake.  But Cheesecake Factory is
too far away.

A Reese's peanut butter ice cream cake at Friendly's caught my
eye recently.  Mmmmm...if it says "Reese's" on it, I want to
eat it! 

But then I had a small dish of Peanut Butter Pandemonium at our
local Stewart's shop (a regional chain of convenient stores that
feature fresh dairy products from local farms).  Vanilla ice
cream, peanut butter and fudge swirls, and tiny peanut butter
cups. 

http://www.stewartsshops.com/

Hello!  That's what I'm having...peanut butter sundaes.  I'll take
that ice cream, add a bit of hot fudge, spray on some serious
real whipped cream and maybe add a cherry on top.  Now THAT'S a
birthday treat!



I won't feel guilty because the treat will be served during my
birthday scrapbook crop.  We'll have veggies and dip and whole-
wheat crackers for snacks beforehand.  That leaves plenty of room
for dessert.

I just hope I can stick to two scoops...

***

Until next week--

I wish you much health and happiness.

Keep it Real,

:-)  Cate

---

Lose weight, and while you're at it, lose your debt!  Leo Quinn has been
my friend for over 30 years and I can personally vouch for his debt payoff
system because I've used it myself:

www.OwnYourPaycheckAgain.com

~~~

 
I just became editor of the Home Finance section at BellaOnline.com.  I'm
in training now but will be live soon.  Bookmark it and come join me for
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http://www.bellaonline.com/site/homefinance