Going green has taken on new meaning at our house - beyond recycling. Thom makes this pretty tasty green shakes with 1/2 banana, handful of blueberries, fresh apple juice and a scoop of wheatgrass - I have to add a spoonful of yogurt to mine. At first I thought YUUUUUK! I had put too much wheatgrass in and felt like I could smell and taste it all day. I'm not a big fan of shakes and smoothies so it's not a daily event for me, but it is a very nutritious breakfast on the go!

So anxious for spring to arrive! I'm looking forward to putting my green thumb to work in the yard. After this crazy winter, it really needs work - and that is one of my favorite work outs, spreading mulch and prepping the beds for planting!

Traveling is a challenge when dieting. Not only is it difficult to find menu items that meet your diet preferences, but you have to let go of control of preparation and portion sizes as well.

Now let's talk about traveling to the City that Care Forgot, my hometown of New Orleans - a foodie heaven! All things considered, I did well for my ten days with my sisters and my dad. My sister Sharon had saved for me Gambit's 700 places to eat in New Orleans so we could try out a new place to two while I was home. Lunch at Sun Ray Grill off of Metairie Rd was a great choice - outstanding grilled fish tacos and shrimp quesadillas! Mr. Ed's was happy to grill my trout instead of panee (coated and fried) it- topped with crabmeat and green onions. So that was all good.

Parade season brings its own set of challenges. Shrimp po-boys and ham/turkey sandwiches ruled the days and evenings. You just can't eat salad and catch beads at the same time! I accepted the fact that all that white bread was definitely going to disrupt any thoughts of weight loss. I did however, add my little diet twist to the sandwiches - instead of mayo I used sliced tomatoes and cucumbers to dress them. My sisters loved the change; the brothers-in-law, not so much.

I only succumbed once to my beloved beignets and thoroughly enjoyed every wicked bite of the sugar coated puffy pastries with a great cafe au lait. REally, you can't have them at least once while in New Orleans!

I was thrilled to stay in touch with my Lighten Up friends through FB and really looking forward to seeing everyone on Monday night. It's good to be home and get back on track toward my goals!