Veterans Day

I had a taste of a Mediterranean side dish today that I thought was really good. A co-worker shared a bite of her lunch which she purchased at Trader Joe's. It consisted of chickpeas, dried mint, parsley, red onion and some other seasonings. It was in an 8-oz plastic container and was 2 Weight Watchers points for the entire container. Low fat, high fiber, no sugar or substitute or any additives. I think I'll be planning a trip to Trader Joe's pretty soon.

I'm doing great with the back pain and have resumed walking a mile each morning. I think I might back off of the Ibuprofen and see what happens. I'm only taking the lowest dose once in the morning and of course celery every day. I like the heart the best.

For dinner tonight we had 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast cut into pieces and 1 pound of shrimp that I sauteed in olive oil with red, yellow and green peppers and green onions. I added 6 oz of fat free sour cream and a little teriyaki sauce to make a gravy. I served it over 1/2 piece of multigrain bread. I enjoyed that with 5 oz of wine.

I'm also adding Benefiber to the diet after dinner each night to help in getting rid of everything I no longer need in my body.

I'm so proud of myself. Even if I don't lose weight this week, I'm already making healthy changes and forming new habits. And my family loves me even though I'm not always perfect!

Food For Thought:

Veterans Day brings a few thoughts to mind. I think about all of the food that soldiers both can't enjoy and are forced to have to eat because of where they are stationed. It makes me grateful for what I have available to me on a constant basis. It also makes me want to send a care package of homemade cookies or warm bread or a hot juicy steak just to make someone happy. There are so many things we take for granted - including our freedom. Many thanks to all of the people now serving our country and for those who have gone before us and helped shape American into what it is today. Even though we may not fully agree with everything that is happening in our country, it's still the best country to live in and I wouldn't trade it for anywhere else!

I also think about my cousin on my adopted Dad's side of the family - Rick Miller. He was a Viet Nam vet who went through Hell while in the war and had many problems when he returned. He was able to work them out, get married and have a wonderful family. While he was in Viet Nam he bought a doll for both me and my other cousin. I still have it proudly displayed in my home and on days like today I wonder what he was thinking all the way around the world at 21 buying those dolls for us. He must have been so lonely and scared and needed a connection to his family. He passed away a few years ago and left behind a legacy as a deeply devoted, loving, kind husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and new grandfather. Rick, I miss you. I will always love you...

(8:47 pm)