Vacation Motivation

  I have found that as we get older it takes longer to see the results of our hard work.  I've heard it so many times from my clients, but I can now tell you first hand now how true it is.  Since the summer is now more than half over, and bathing suit season has an end point that I can even see is approaching, it's starting to get tempting to slow down on the workouts and ease off the intense dietary restrictions (well somewhat intense).
  What to do?  What sets a person apart to succeed or fail?  Accountability, appointments, and planning all take time but will be the difference for many.  Knowing that you have to "report in" will keep you in line, as well as writing it all down, planning in advance how you are going to navigate to "buffet", and plan a workout or walk in your day so it doesn't slip by.
  Put it into action!  Make a plan today, sign up for a class or a training session, log in your food intake, and keep reviewing your goals, your WHY. The more healthy good foods you can incorporate into your diet, the better you will feel.  Today I worked out with my trainer, I went to the store to pick up extra fruits and veggies, and I'm planning a healthy dinner for the family.

Lynn's Meatloaf:
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
10 oz firm tofu, drained
1/4 c walnuts, finely ground
12 oz vegetarian meat crumbles
1 1/4 c quick-cooking oats
3 T soy sauce
2 T ketchup (additional for topping)
1 T Dijon mustard
2 t dried parsley
1/2 t each thyme, sage, rosemary
Ketchup to taste
Preheat over to 375.  Spray a loaf pan.  Saute the celery, onion, and garlic on high heat in sprayed skillet for 5 min until tender.  Remove from heat and cool.  Mash the tofu in a large bowl.  Stir in the cooked mixture and remaining ingredients, and combine well.  Spoon the mixture into a loaf pan.  Top with a layer of ketchup.  Bake for 55-60 min, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
* From The Engine 2 Diet, Rip Esselstyn

Carena Lowenthal, MS, RD, CDN
(917) 882-5033
carena@carenalowenthal.com