Tip for Today #9

BE CREATIVE

Believe or not, this journey you're on can be fun. Yes, I said it, FUN! You just have to use your imagination and think outside the box.

For example, cake. I've never said that you shouldn't eat cake. I can't tell you what to eat, I've only said to be thoughtful about your choices. Now, since I know you're all reading the nutrition labels (all nod your head yes) of the foods you eat, you already know that the standard serving size for a cake prepared from boxed cake mix is 1/12th of the cake. That can take some geometry to figure out the right portion of a standard two layer cake. You could make 12 cupcakes. Instant portion control. Or find a mini-Bundt cake pan. Yes, they make those. There are 6 little Bundt-shaped openings in the rectangle pan. If you make 2 pans you have 12 fairly equal single servings of cake. Much easier to serve and less mess. Added bonus - most of us don't frost Bundt cakes. You may sprinkle them with powdered sugar or mix that powdered sugar with a few drops of milk (maybe even lemon or almond or vanilla extract) and make a glaze to pour over the warm cakes. I've not done the math but I'm guessing you'll save some calories over having a frosted piece of cake or a frosted cupcake. And your eyes will see a WHOLE little cake instead of just a sliver of a big cake. Makes your body feel a little like you're cheating, but if you've planned for a dessert that day, you're OK.

Exercise doesn't have to be boring. Walking or jogging every day can be monotonous so mix things up. At BB's suggestion, I got the Dance Dance Revolution 2 for the Wii. Dancing will work you out! I'm not even out of the first level and I'm working up a sweat. I can't imagine what happen when I get to the hard stuff! Anything that gets your body moving is a good thing! It isn't rocket science or brain surgery. Find ways to make your exercise fun and you'll start to actually enjoy it (yes, it can happen!) and really look forward to that part of your day. Exercise should not be something dreaded.

Look around. Look for ways that you can creatively incorporate your meal planning and exercise in your daily life. AND be sure to share your tips with the rest of us!

Now, go have a great day!