I hope you had a nice summer. I have to pat myself on the back for sticking to my exercise routine through the summer and staying on track for the most part in terms of healthy eating. I did not lose more pounds but lost inches off my hips and legs. I turned 47 years old. What a difference a year or two makes when you discover the age related changes in your body and learn to adjust your eating habits with increasing your exercise regimen in order to lose or maintain a healthy physical and mental lifestyle. It is always a balance as most things in life are and I am a reformed perfectionist who has learned to accept my own flaws and talents. I have added more cardio and strength training to my workouts for heart health and body toning. I feel it's best to customize what works for you. You cannot walk someone else's path to long term wellness. Be happy with who you are. I for one am my own critic and have always competed against myself. I think it is mentally healthy and a positive approach to measure yourself against your own personal and career goals versus other people's lives and what we learn from each other provides growth for the benefit of everyone.
I ran track in high school and enjoyed those agonizing 330 hurdles and no matter how fast or slow I was against a competitor, the internal spirit in me led the race whether I won or loss.
Fall is upon us and I welcome the season changes. I look forward to the holidays and the aroma of the season such as peppermint, apple spice, vanilla, cinnamon, rosemary and sweet potato pie. All those delicious scents can lead to trouble if you forget to count calories and let emotions run your appetite. I also love the scents of the season that Bath and Body Works sells as well as their signature collection for fall and of course I am a long term fan of Carol's Daughter products. Last summer, I promised you that I will continue with my series on healthier recipes and low calorie deserts. So my journal serves as an archive of combining healthy food choices and experiences from my teen years until now.
This past weekend, I baked a low fat sugar substitute chocolate cake using two Sweet and Low chocolate flavor cake mixes. Because most parents do not have time and are looking for affordable options to reduce their grocery bill, I bought this brand on sale at Kroger. The brand advertises no sugar added; low-fat; cholesterol free and low sodium (Just add water). I also used the Sweet and Low chocolate flavor whipped frosting and fudge topping mix which is also sugar free; cholesterol free and low sodium. I added low fat caramel in the middle of the cake. I used the leftover chocolate frosting as a dip for the fresh strawberries.
My three kids enjoyed the strawberry and dip but gave the finished Sweet and Low Cake a 5 on a scale of 1 to 10 because you have to get used to lower sugar content and it seemed less moist. They suggested adding more moisture or switch to reduced fat or low sugar cake mixture or make the batter from scratch by changing to healthier ingredients.
I plan on duplicating a healthier version of Southern Living magazine glazed mini pumpkin cakes and my own version of Sweet Potato Pecan pie. My Sweet potato pie may not be as good as my mother's but it will be healthier and my own recipe. Mom won't mind. I am her daughter and her three grandchildren will benefit.
Check it out: http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/
http://www.carolsdaughter.com/
A note about my sign off: In the past, I have signed off as Mrs. B. Now I am changing it. The name change reflects the acknowledgment of my parent's heritage, family history and the experiences I have had growing up along with my college years prior to meeting Dr. B.. Much respect to Dr. B. and his expertise but he appreciates and acknowledges my experiences. All 18 journal entries will reflect the name change.
Keep the faith and stay mentally, physically and spiritually healthy!
Gloria J. Harden-Bailey
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