Stephanie, You are right, we are all much smarter and more informed about nutrition then we used to be and we are healthier because of this knowledge. Have a great day, Rick

Hubby loved it too! I hope it appeals to your taste buds.

As a true southerner, I never understood Shepherd's Pie. It just seemed like a lot of starch to me. I made it a few times for my Yankee husband and just didn't undertand the appeal. Last weekend I found a recipe for Turkey Sweet-Potato Shepherd's Pie and gave it a try. It was delish! It's a recipe from my Rachel Ray magazine and it wasn't difficult to make. It made tons (more than the four servings as stated) so I can eat it all week for lunch as well. I think it's fairly healthy and really tastes great. Just thought I'd share! Hugs, Stephanie ************************************************************* Turkey Sweet-Potato Shepherd's Pie FOUR SERVINGS 2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes Salt 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) 2 pounds ground turkey 1 large onion, chopped 2 large carrots, grated 4 ribs celery from the heart, chopped 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning Pepper 4 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour 2 cups turkey or chicken broth A few dashes Worcestershire sauce One 10-ounce box frozen peas 1/3 ripe banana, sliced A few dashes hot pepper sauce 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces) 1. In a large saucepan, combine the sweet potatoes and enough cold water to cover. Bring to a boil, salt the water and coo****il tender, 15 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving the pot. 2. While the sweet potatoes cook, preheat the oven to 425°. In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the EVOO, 2 turns of the pan, over high heat. Add the turkey and cook, breaking up with a spoon. Stir in the onion, carrots, celery and poultry seasoning. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 5 minutes. 3. In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour for 1 minute, then whisk in the turkey broth and season with salt, pepper and the Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened, then stir into the turkey mixture. Stir in the peas and remove from the heat. 4. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the sweet-potato pot and melt over medium-low heat. Add the sweet potatoes and banana; season with salt, pepper and the hot sauce and mash until combined. 5. Top the turkey with the sweet potato mixture and smooth the top. Cover the sweet potatoes with the cheddar and bake until the cheese is completely melted, about 5 minutes.

When I look back at my pre-WLS days, I'm amazed at how little I knew about the proper way to feed my body. I never really learned what were the best things to put in and how to eat. I think the education alone has made a significant difference in my lifestyle. I'm much more conscious of processed food now as well. I try to use whole grains and fresh vegetables as often as possible. If it is in a box, chances are I shouldn't really eat it. That's not to say that a frozen pizza doesn't grace our table once in a while! Maybe I just care more now about what goes into my body. I definitely know that we eat healthier these days! Hugs, Stephanie

Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right!....Henry Ford That just about says it all doesn't it? Do you think you can? You can if you follow the rules today, and you know my 4 favorite ones - more water, more exercise, all vitamins, protein first and then good food choices. Do you think you can? I think you can.... Do you think you can't? Well then you are right - you can't. You have an excuse for not following the rules today. Why drink more water today, I don't feel like more water, I will drink it tomorrow and that will make up for today. I don't feel like exercising today - my schedule is too busy, one day won't make a difference. I don't feel like swallowing my vitamins - I just can't remember, I don't want to make the effort to get them out of the bottle. I don't feel like protein first and good food choices next - why protein - I want a feel good food going to my tool today...just a little roll with some butter, just a bite of that cake my co-worker brought in - I will do my protein tomorrow. Does any of this sound familiar???? I think we CAN today. What CAN you do today to go towards your goal? Let me know! Hugs to all...Barbara