Messages of support from friends

Yes, this is much better. I am even more relaxed than I have been in a very long time. I've received some messages from friends that I would like to share with all of you. The first is from my friend, Joyce...

I read your blog today and want you to know how happy I am with your decision. Your less stressful approach to your health will certainly bring you success. Sometimes we try too hard, when in fact the more relaxed route is the best one. It may take a little more time to meet your goal, but you will probably feel a lot better along the way. Most diets are pretty extreme and cause us to deprive ourselves to an unhealthy level. My belief is It is better to have a little of the things you love than none at all. Also, the most important factor in any exercise program is that it is one you really enjoy. Finally, my doctor has always advised me that the benefits of red wine are unsurpassed, so if you want to have a drink, make it red wine! Cheers!

The second is from my friend, Cindy, who I went to high school with...

Hi Jill,
You go girl! I love reading your blog, you just tell it like it is. I have tried to do more of the M-A cooking as well (thank you for sharing that info!!)... Hoping this next week finds you making good choices all around :)

Thank you both for your helpful comments and support. I really appreciate hearing from those who are reading.

I wanted to share what I made for dinner yesterday. I boiled some shrimp (the big ones of course!) and set them aside. I then made some thin spaghetti and put it in a large bowl, added EVOO, parmesan and some black pepper and tossed it. For the sauce I chopped and sauteed some artichoke hearts, canned mushrooms, canned clams, roasted red peppers, green onions, green olives and minced garlic in EVOO and mixed it all together. I added a little balsamic vinegar over the top as I served it for a splash of flavor. I served this with 1 piece of french bread with diet butter for each person and some Le Seur peas with lemon pepper seasoning. It was so healthy and flavorful and so easy to make. We had a glass of rose wine to go with it.

When my Mom left and Aaron was in bed I packed up some more kitchen stuff in boxes and carried them downstairs. I think I made about 16 trips downstairs and I had a great workout, heart pumping, sweating, leg muscles and arm muscles pumped up. It felt great.

Tonight is left overs, tee hee! But no wine and no bread. I love this way of eating. More trips down the stairs tonight too.