All things in Moderation?

We've all heard the phrase, "All things in moderation"...that's a great thought, but do we really moderate all things?  I would guess no. 

We as a people have a difficult time not indulging in things we love.  When was the last time you had just one cookie, watched only one hour of TV, ate only a few French fries or spent only 10 minutes playing your favorite game on your iphone?  We are creatures of habit AND we tend to give free rein to the things we enjoy.  And what one thing do we all enjoy most?  Food.

As you begin to make changes for a healthy lifestyle, I recommend at first coming up with a diet that eliminates completely, the things that you indulge in the most; sugar, white flour, dairy products, fried foods, artificial sweeteners, soda, etc.  To treat yourself to these things, (even in small amounts), usually leads to falling off the bandwagon.  Instead, come up with other treats for yourself.  Strawberries, fruit smoothies, healthy baked goods, peanut butter snack, etc.  Or treat yourself to a movie, get a massage, buy some new accessories.  

Find recipes you like and keep the cupboards stocked with food items that are simple to prepare and will keep you full.
One major key to success in finding weight loss is to cut out ALL processed foods.

I had no idea how dependent I was on processed foods until I decided to cut them out, they were responsible for half my diet!  Now I make spaghetti sauce from scratch.  Homemade CLIF bars, fresh homemade salsa, homemade hummus, and eat more fruits and veggies...it makes a difference!

We take such great care of the outward appearance of our bodies, what goes inside should be just as important.  When starting a diet, moderation can be a recipe for failure.  Cut out the temptations and focus on what you should be eating.

“Moderation in all things, especially moderation.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

My favorite vegetable spaghetti sauce recipe found in the McDougall Quick & Easy Cookbook

http://www.amazon.com/The-McDougall-Quick-Easy-Cookbook/dp/0452276969

Summer Vegetable Sauce: (serves 4  Preparation time: 15 min  Cooking time: 20 min)
1/2 C water
1 onion sliced into rings
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 zucchini, cut in half lengthwise, then sliced
1 cup green beans, cut in 1-inch pieces
1 cup frozen corn kernels
2 fresh tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup vegetable broth
2 T soy sauce
1/2 t. dried basil
1/2 t. dried dill weed
1/4 t. ground cumin
1/4 t. paprika
1 T cornstarch mixed with 1/4 c. cold water

Place the water in a pot with the onion and bell pepper.  Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes.  Add all the remaining ingredients, except the cornstarch mixture.  Cook, stirring occasionally, for  minutes.  Add the cornstarch mixture.  Cook, stirring constantly until thickened, about 2 minutes.
Serve over potatoes, grains, pasta, or fat-free toast or muffins for a fast, easy summer meal.