For motivation: We all realize that you can’t get motivation from anyone but yourself but the one key for me is that you can help yourself get there by focusing on the good things going on around you and surrounding yourself with positive influence. Like the old idea of creating a gratitude journal. It allows you to see what is good in your life and you can focus on that rather than the negative. For example, I can focus on being thankful that I chose to make a healthier breakfast at home today (instead of going out) rather than focus on the fact that my old “fat” jeans are tight. It’s really all about changing your attitude, finding the positive side, and being committed to making a positive change.

For relationships: Almost everyone in my family (including my parents) has been divorced at least once and all my friends’ parents are also divorced. But I have one friend who’s parents are still together so one day when I was a young teenager I asked them how they did it. Her advice was this – She said that people always tell them that they are “lucky” but you can’t think of it that way. You have to constantly work towards maintaining your relationship and realize that it is WORK – not luck that makes you successful. Hmm, maybe this relationship thing has more in common with weight loss than we think.

As far as knowing if he is “the one” I don’t think there is one thing that will tell you that. Roni did a great job addressing that one — I just want to have him around. Also, really listen to that SLOW DOWN tip too. Don’t be in a rush!

Sorry to be so long…

And many people laugh at me or say I’m weird when I tell them this, but I picked out the foods that I didnt like and I made myself like them. Things like bananas, oatmeal, cottage cheese (I have a thing about textures) I taught myself to like by dedicating myself to eat some of that food everyday for 2 weeks. When I first started with the oatmeal, I couldnt get through a bowl. But as I kept doing it day after day it got easier. And by the end of those 2 weeks, I was craving oatmeal each day. Now all of those foods that I used to hate are staples in my diet.

I think I read somewhere that it takes 21 days to make a new habit – and my aunt used to tell us as we were growing up that you always have to try the foods you dont like because your tastebuds are always changing!

I would totally be on board for a women’s weight lifting movement! :) Others need to know that for a woman to bulk up like the body builders you see in competitions, you must be on something else. It’s not in our make up – you just get tone and look great! So don’t be afraid!

Cindy – Thanks for letting me know. I realized it after I published. I’ve since solved the problem. New ones will be better.

Pubsgal – Thanks for the 2cents! :~)

- Search the internet for the query “hiding vegetables in food.” This will result in many results geared for adults who are trying to sneak vegetables into their kids’ diets. Ideas like putting shredded veggies in pasta sauce, chili, soups, and casseroles work well.
- A serving of vegetables is 1/2 cup cooked vs. 1 cup raw, so you might want to develop a taste for cooked veggies at first. Try grilling those veggies, too, they’re really good that way.
- Perhaps try eating more of your “daily 5″ as fruit for starters, and easing into the veggies.
- I’d also second Roni’s advice from her previous video: Go fresh or frozen, not canned. Canned veggies are, for the most part, repulsive. (I do like canned green beans, and canned tomatoes are good for cooking, but that’s about it for me.)

For the relationship question: My husband and I have been together 14 terrific years (married 11), and we have a true partnership: we take an equal role in chores, childcare, and supporting each other. I think that’s our secret to making it last. How do you know if he’s “the one”? I’m not sure there’s only one possible “one,” but in my case, I liked him from the get-go; time and time again he proved himself a kind, generous, and trustworthy person. Definitely what I wanted in a life companion, so the “yes” answer was an easy one. (Well, actually my first response was “No way!”….but in the disbelieving sense, of course. ;-)

Check out Pubsgals last blog post..Quotable Friday!

Check out Arlenes last blog post..Caitlin

Whoever asked that, thanks! It was a nice change of pace.

Thanks again!!

Check out Cindys last blog post..Brian

P.S. I made your Southwestern turkey burgers for lunch and your Beer Can Chicken for dinner. Both the hubby and I loved them. Thanks for the recipes!!!