Almond Macaroons

In honor of National Macaroon Day, I wanted to share with you my Lean & Luscious version!

Wheat germ replaces the ground nuts in these crispy macaroons. It reduces the fat and calories, adds more nutrition, and still gives a delicious, nutty flavor.

Makes 10 servings (5 cookies each serving)

1 egg white 

¼ cup sugar

1 teaspoon almond extract

¼ cup wheat germ

The Cookbook Comeback

I’ve made it my life’s work to help people make positive changes in their life. Whether it’s a simple change like learning how whip up a healthy breakfast or a more monumental change like overcoming obesity through the Weight Watchers program, I’m blessed to be a part of these people’s transformation. There’s nothing quite like seeing someone reach their goals and knowing I’m even a small part of it.

When it comes to myself, I’m no stranger to change—and I’ve been known to chase my dreams! That’s why I’m overjoyed to share with you the realization of one of my goals: I’m bringing my Lean & Luscious cookbook series back! I’ve wanted to resurrect Lean & Luscious for nearly 20 years, but for various reasons my best attempts never got off the ground. While I’m not one to take defeat lightly, it seemed something always got in my way or the timing was never right..

The tides changed in May of 2010 while I was guest speaking at a Women’s Empowerment event in Beckley, WV.  When I mentioned I was the author of Lean & Luscious cookbooks, a woman in the audience let out a little scream of acknowledgement—and after the meeting she told me that the Lean & Luscious cookbooks were her most favorite. I was elated! I was so proud that after all of these years my books continued to hold a special place with readers. Energized by this encounter, I decided to give the cookbook comeback another go. 

                                                                                 

Cherry-Berry Sorbet

                                                                                       

In honor of National Cherry Dessert Day, sweeten things up (and cool things down) with this unbelievably easy and delicious Cherry-Berry Sorbet recipe from my Lean & Luscious collection, AND it’s only 45 calories. You won’t regret this one! And did I mention it’s only 2 ingredients plus water!

Italian Turkey Burgers

                                                                                 

In honor of National Burger Month AND Memorial Day this weekend, I wanted to share my delicious (and healthly) twist on a turkey burger!  My Italian Turkey Burgers!

Served on a whole grain bun or on a bed of rice or noodles, these burgers will definitely be a hit.

Makes 4 servings

The Shape Shops

It isn’t always easy to make healthy food choices. We start the day with the best intentions of eating right, but all too often, something derails our efforts. The vending machines at the office are filled with candy bars and soda pop, and someone’s always bringing in donuts or homemade brownies. Driving down the street, fast food restaurant signs shine at us like beacons. Even at home, we’re confronted with commercials enticing us to eat bacon cheeseburgers, French fries, and enormous chocolate sundaes.
What is a health-conscious person to do when it seems like everywhere they go, they’re tempted with high-calorie, high-fat treats? Especially if they’re working hard to lose excess weight and get in shape!

Leadership Needed? Look No Further.

When I read the April 1^st Valley State Gazette article reporting the 2011 Gallup Healthways survey results, I hoped it was an April Fool’s joke. Does West Virginia really lead the country in obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and eight other chronic conditions? Sadly, yes, and much to my chagrin.

As I read the article, Leadership Needed, Health Officials Say, I became more and more distraught. My State has the country’s worst statistics in 10 of 12 survey categories, and obesity is at the root of most of the conditions. This hits close to home for me. My life’s work has been in helping families take better care of themselves through healthy eating. I know all too well that as long as people continue to make poor food choices and skimp on physical activity they’ll gain weight and develop the chronic conditions reported on in the study.

Happy Mother's Day!

I just wanted to wish all the mothers out there a wonderful and Happy Mother's Day!!!

My Lean & Luscious Philosophy

As a child, I struggled with my weight. Kids called me “Atom Bomb.” It’s no wonder I ate too much food and had very little self-esteem. After years of feeling bad about myself, I eventually became determined to take control of my life and my relationship with food. The moment came when the pain to stay the same was greater than the pain to change—I was ready for a breakthrough. But like most people standing at the precipice of change, I needed support. 

                                                                            

Weight Watchers and Me

I came to West Virginia from Baltimore via Virginia Beach in 1969. What a time! The sixties were rounding the corner into the seventies, and I was starting a brand-new life. As a successful Weight Watchers member and group leader, I was tasked with bringing the program—with my husband and belongings in tow—to West Virginia. What a remarkable journey it’s been!