Alli

STAR SPANGLED SNO-CONES!

Tuesday, December 5, 2006 22:09:12

(1 recipe: 21 calories, 0g fat, 30mg sodium, 5g carbs, 1g fiber, 3.5g sugars, 0g protein = 0 Points!)

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups shaved ice
1 oz. Sugar Free Raspberry Torani Syrup
1 oz. Sugar Free Vanilla Torani Syrup
1/4 cup blueberries

Directions:
Drizzle each syrup over shaved ice. Top with blueberries. Enjoy! Comments(0)

Tut

Tuesday, December 5, 2006 22:09:12

I just met with someone very, very fond of you.

Actually, everyone here is very, very fond of you.

Anyway, this friend said to tell you that just because most people are looking for what they think they don't have, doesn't mean they don't have it.

She also said you still look fab in black.

Weird, huh? (I mean the first part...)

The Universe

Even far, far away, you have the greatest admirers. And I'm not just talking about the sun, the moon, and the stars.

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Peachy Apricot Slush

Tuesday, December 5, 2006 22:09:12

6 Servings

Nutritional Info (Per serving): Calories: 40, Saturated Fat: 0g, Sodium: 14mg, Dietary Fiber: 1g, Total Fat: 0g, Carbs: 10g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Protein: 0g Exchanges: Fruit: 0.5 Carb Choices: 0.5

Ingredients

5 1/2 ounce(s) apricot nectar

2 medium peach(es)

1 1/2 cup(s) ice cubes

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 1/2 cup(s) water, carbonated

raspberries

orange peel

Preparation

1. In a blender, combine apricot nectar, peaches, crushed ice, and lemon or lime juice. Cover and blend until smooth.

2. Spoon fruit mixture into tall, chilled glasses; top with carbonated water. If desired, garnish drinks by threading fresh raspberries on wooden skewers; wrap orange peel curls around skewers. Place skewers in drinks.

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Nutty Fruit Salad

Tuesday, December 5, 2006 22:09:12

2 Servings

Nutritional Info (Per serving): Calories: 136, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 244mg, Dietary Fiber: 2g, Total Fat: 3g, Carbs: 21g, Sugars: 19g, Cholesterol: 3mg, Protein: 8g Exchanges: Fruit: 1.5, Lean Meat: 1 Carb Choices: 1.5

1/2 cup(s) cottage cheese, low-fat

15 ounce(s) fruit salad, canned

1 tablespoon nuts

2 lettuce leaves

Preparation

1. Mix cottage cheese, fruit, and nuts in a bowl. Spoon onto lettuce leaves.

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The Real Thing

Tuesday, December 5, 2006 22:09:12

At the grocery store, don't be fooled by labels that want you to think you're getting whole grains when you're not. Read the package carefully: "Wheat flour" and "unbleached wheat flour" are not whole grain. Whole wheat and oatmeal are whole grains, but "oatmeal bread" and crackers that are "made with whole wheat" are mostly refined and not worth eating. If you're not a big fan of whole wheat's flavor, try a bread or cracker that lists a different whole grain as the first ingredient. Comments(0)

Fantastic Fiber!

Tuesday, December 5, 2006 22:09:12

Fiber is your friend. Not only does it help curb hunger, eating a diet rich in fiber also helps prevent diabetes and heart disease as well as keep your digestive system healthy and regular. Keep in mind that there are two types of dietary fiber. One dissolves in water; the other doesn't. In general, whole grains and vegetables contain insoluble fiber while nuts, seeds and legumes contain the soluble type.

Both kinds are an important part of The Sonoma Diet as both help maintain blood sugar levels, which helps you avoid cravings and stay satisfied longer. Most Americans get about half the amount of fiber they need each day but as a Sonoma Dieter, you'll be way ahead of the pack. Just make sure that every slice of whole-wheat bread you eat has at least 2 grams of fiber in it, and that every bowl of whole-grain cereal contains at 8 grams. Grain fiber, especially wheat and oat bran, is a real superstar so enjoy it as often as possible — every morning, for instance. Or incorporate grains into your evening meal with a savory side dish of brown rice or quinoa, topped with a touch of olive oil and your favorite spices.

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A Battle of Wills

Tuesday, December 5, 2006 22:09:12

by Jon Walker

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 NAS)

Do you respond to God’s direction, even when you don’t understand what’s going on?

Part of the strength God gives you to “do all things through him” is the ability to choose to do his will, even before you know the full implications of what that means. He will begin to change your “wanter,” developing within you more and more of a ‘want’ to do his will.

But this is where we often stall in our steps toward being more like Jesus. We get into a battle of wills with God, wanting him to reveal his plan first, and only then – when we have a full understanding of his plan - will we decide to respond, or not.

But that has us walking by sight, and not by faith, the exact opposite of how God teaches us to walk: “We live by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Am I willing to decide – in advance – that I will do what God asks me to do, no matter what it is? Am I abandoned to him and his will, believing he will strengthen me to do all the things he asks? Or do I behave as if I believe I am the final judge of what is best for my life: “God, show me the whole plan, wait for me to understand, and then I’ll decide whether or not to do what you ask.”

The Good News is that, even if you’re not ready for immediate obedience, God will give you strength to be honest with him. He already knows about your hesitancy, so he won’t be surprised by prayerful confession, such as: “Father, I'm not sure I'm ready to do your will. I don't know if I want to do it or not.”

Yet God is gracious and patient. Tell him, “I don't know that I’m willing to step out in faith without first knowing everything that’s going to happen, but I'm willing to be made willing.”

So what?

· Build your confidence in God – Each time you take a step of faith, your confidence in God will increase, as you see that he is waiting for you on the other side of your decision.

· Polaroid vision – Each time you take a step of faith, God will reveal more of his plan to you. It’s what Rick Warren calls “Polaroid vision:” You can see God’s picture developing, but not all of it is visible right away.

· Grow into God’s vision – You may be frustrated that God hasn’t shown you the whole picture of his vision for you, but he may be holding it back because he knows you will be overwhelmed by what you see. He’s calling you to a God-sized mission, one that will appear impossible for you to complete. But that’s the point – there’s no way you can fulfill your mission without God and his strength working within you.

· Relax in God’s will – If you think discovering and following God’s will depends entirely on you, then you’ll probably start getting nervous, wondering, “Am I taking the right step here? Have I missed something?” God doesn’t need you to figure it all out; he’ll provide the answers as you need them.

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Serenity Builder: Perseverance

Tuesday, December 5, 2006 22:09:12

Program Principle: Nothing can prevent your success if you just keep going.

"Keep walking. Keep smiling."

Herbert Butros Khaury, better known by the stage name Tiny Tim, American singer, ukulele player, and musical archivist who was most famous for his rendition of "Tiptoe Through The Tulips" sung in his distinctive high falsetto / vibrato voice. (1932- 1996)

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Make it Stick

Tuesday, December 5, 2006 22:09:12

DAY FIVE: Reward Yourself
Congratulations! You've now spent six weeks working toward some of life's most important goals -- reducing stress, prioritizing happiness and putting yourself and your health first. Honor your efforts by treating yourself to something that makes you feel truly happy.

Your assignment: Do something nice for yourself. Here are some ideas:

Make plans to spend time with someone who makes you feel really good
Buy yourself a treat that you always wanted but talked yourself out of for some reason
Sign up for a class in something you've always wanted to try
Treat yourself to a spa visit or a delicious meal out
Give yourself the gift of some "me" time -- turn off the phone, shut the door and do whatever you darn well please

I've really enjoyed working with you these last few weeks. Your dedication and openness to new things is inspiring! May your personal path to balance be rewarding, interesting and ultimately fulfilling.

Take care and keep breathing,
Kate Comments(0)

Fish Stock Recipe

Tuesday, December 5, 2006 22:09:12

This recipe makes: 2 quarts

Ingredients

1 tablespoon peanut oil

4 fish skeletons from mild, non-oily fish

2 onions, chopped roughly into 1/2" pieces

4 stalks celery, chopped roughly into 1/2" pieces

1 cup fennel, chopped roughly into 1/2" pieces

10 peppercorns

1 bay leaf

1/4 cup parsley stems, reserve the leaves for another use

1/2 cup white wine

water to cover

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the oil over low heat in a stock pot large enough to accommodate all of the ingredients.

2. Add the bones, onions, celery, fennel, peppercorns, bay leaf and parsley and cook for a few minutes.

3. Add the white wine and let the mixture reduce by half.

4. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil over high heat.

5. As soon as it comes to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Skim any foam that rises to the surface.

6. Strain and cool quickly. Refrigerate.

Nutrition Facts Serving size: 1/2 cup Calories 47 Total Fat 2 g Saturated Fat 0 g Protein 1 g Total Carbohydrate 5 g Dietary Fiber 2 g Sodium 116 mg Percent Calories from Fat 31% Percent Calories from Protein 6% Percent Calories from Carbohydrate 39%

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