Can I party?

Good Saturday morning everyone,

We are about to be entering the time of year that "dieters"dread, the holiday season.

A "diet" nightmare. Or is it?

When at parties, I see people filling their plates, pushing in line, and going back over and over again.

What do I do?

I take little bits to taste then I go back and have a small portion of what I liked.

So what do I usually end up with? Chicken brochette, lots of little veggies, some spicy, some in vinaigrette. I pass the potatoes and fried food, why regret it later!

When the dessert comes to the table I might take 1 small dessert, take bite and put it down.

I might be curious but not willing to add unnecessary calories besides I know there is another dinner or celebration around the corner.

I remember one particular day back in May when I was into my 3rd FBBP 6- Weeks to your Best Body workshops and we celebrated my sister-in-laws birthday.

Rick's Mom made an amazing lasagna (which I had a piece about 2"x2"); his brother makes the BEST Caesar salad, I had a helping, I made a chocolate cake (told I make the best) I had a small triangle; and Rick's Mom made an Orange Chiffon cake topped with whipping cream and assorted berries (I had a sliver)

For me that was an unusual day. But we have to be able to live and not feel constantly deprived. So what is the moral of this email?

It is o.k. to indulge once in a while. That's not how people gain weight.

It is falling back into old habits and behavior.

If you have a busy holiday season then you will have to make choices, obviously you cannot party night after night, eat, drink and not expect the weight to creep on.

I do want you to understand that when you are on my program you are losing fat.

No muscle or water,

Fat is stubborn and when in comes off, WOW.

So do you really want to eat an extra dessert or helping of food, and sabotage all that hard work? That is why it is important to be conscious.

What are you eating/drinking? How much have you already had? When is the next party? Weigh your options (lol) and choose wisely.

The fat comes on easy, you have to work hard to get it off!!!

So enjoy once in while, but get back the next day, eat well, less carbs and exercise.

Going to do cardio now!

Below is a great recipe idea for supper tonight. Enjoy!

Ta Ta

Wishing you health & fitness of body, mind & spirit,

Phyllis
www.fitbodybyphyl.com

Dillicious Lemon Chicken
An easy, flavorful low-fat, low carbohydrate dish from The Looney Spoons Low Fat Cookbook.

1 cup of low-fat sour cream
1 Tablespoon minced fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon lemon pepper or regular pepper
1 teaspoon lemon zest
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine sour cream, dill, lemon pepper, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Spray a medium casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Spread 1/4 of the lemon dill sauce over the bottom of pan. Arrange chicken breasts on top of sauce in a single layer. Pour remaining sauce over chicken. Spread evenly. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until chicken is tender and no longer pink. Yield: 4 servings

A cold Sunday morning in Montreal

Good Morning!

I have to admit I love the autumn. The hearty food, the beautiful colors (which have now disappeared) and I love the fall clothing!

I do not however love -18c which is the temperature right now with the wind chill!

I was one of 10 crazy parents a the local convenience store at 6:00am this morning waiting the daily Montreal Canadian's medallion. Now that's dedication or insanity! lol

Check out this interview I did with Sari Katz a successful particpant of the Fit Body by Phyl- 6 Weeks to your Best Body program!

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=6077&uid=97726065654#/video/video.php?v=99689070173

Also be sure to check out Facebook and type in Fit Body by Phyl, post a comment, join the discussion board!

Here is a super easy and fast recipe that can be enjoyed by vegetarians too! If you like you can replace the tofu with the protein of your choice.

Have a terrific day, remember to exercise and make conscious, wise food choices.



Zucchini and Tofu Stir Fry

Serves 4

Ingredients:
1 can no-fat chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 zucchinis
6 scallions
1-inch hunk of ginger, grated
1 tablespoon soy ginger sauce
2 cloves garlic, crushed
Tomato (orange) couscous
1 package of tofu, cut into chunks.

Instructions:

Make couscous with chicken broth instead of water. (Follow basic instructions on package.)

In a wok, stir fry garlic, ginger, scallion, and zucchini in the oil.

Add tofu and heat through.

Serve over couscous.

Wishing you Health & Fitness of Body, Mind & Spirit,

Phyllis
www.fitbodybyphyl.com
www.stripoffthefat.blogspot.com

Melt Fat over the Winter

Good Morning,

Yes it is early! I rushed at 6:00am to get my son the "Carey Price" medallion for his collection. Thank goodness only 1 week left!

So for the lack of postings, I have been very busy (thank goodness) and had minor surgery (all is well).

It is getting mighty cold out there.

This is the time of year the weight slowly creeps on, we are less active and looking for comfort foods.

You can still melt the fat over the winter with www.fitbodybyphyl.com - 6 Weeks to your Best Body Program.

Remember to eat carbs with your meals, choose the ones that will satisfy you and stick to your portions.

Soups are awesome, add beans, lots of veggies and chicken, or not, if you are vegetarian.

1 full cup is a portion so add lots of flavor and spice (cayenne pepper helps burn fat by heating up your metabolism) The more herbs and spice, the more satisfying and filling!

I just bought this amazing cookbook "Recipes for the Specific Carbohydrate Diet" by Raman Prasad It is filled with amazing low carb recipes. You do have to watch the fat, It does not give you the nutritional breakdown.

I will be sending you recipes already modified!

Remember to get out there, walk the dog, the kids your spouse! Do your workouts, and work hard, your body will reward you!!!

Here is my quote for the day:

"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them -- every day begin the task anew."

Saint Francis de Sales


This is so true. We take care and have patience with everyone, family, co-workers, friends but what about ourselves? Why do we come last?

The most important thing to remember is that everyday we have the opportunity to start again.

Here is a hearty and delicious recipe for the whole family:

Mom"s Stuffed Chicken

Ingredients:
1 whole chicken
2 tbsp Olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
3 large carrots
8 shallots
4 medium-sized celery stalks
15 fresh sage leaves (no sage use basil)
10 sprigs fresh thyme
1/2c chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a baking dish.
Place the chicken in the baking dish. Pierce the chicken with a fork and rub with olive oil, salt, pepper. Set aside.
Peel the carrots. Cut the carrots, shallots and celery into small round slices
Mix these in a bowl with the sage, thyme and walnuts
Place the mixture inside the cavity of the chicken and scatter it around the dish. If possible, cut between the skin of the chicken and the meat underneath and stuff some of the mixture in between these two layers at intervals
Bake the chicken for about 1 hour, or until cooked through

4-6 servings.


ENJOY!

Wishing you Health & Fitness of Body, Mind & Spirit,

Phyllis
www.fitbodybyphyl.com
www.stripoffthefat.blogspot.com