Tomato Basil Pasta

12 ounces uncooked pasta
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with liquid
1 large sweet onion, cut in julienne strips
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 large sprigs basil, chopped
4 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste

Place pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and basil in a stock pot.  Pour in vegetable broth.  Sprinkle with pepper flakes and oregano.  Drizzle with oil.

Cover pot and bring to a boil.  Reduce to a low simmer, keep covered, cook for about 10 minutes, stirring every two minutes or so.  Cook until almost all the liquid has evaporated.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

From Healthy Ever After on Facebook

Inspiring Success Story: Summer Nolan Rebienot

One thing that gets me motivated is hearing about, and seeing photos of, other people's successful weight loss journeys.  I first heard about Summer on another web page in which her mom commented on a weight loss article about her daughter's incredible success.  Summer's plan includes counting calories and exercising 30 minutes a day.  Within two years she has lost 140 pounds!  For me, one of the key elements of Summer's philosophy on her weight loss is recognizing that not all calories are the same.  One burger at 500 calories is less filling than a 500 calorie baked chicken dinner with vegetables and beans.  The before and after photos are amazing!  Check out her blog here:  fromoneoneelevenon.blogspot.com

Inspiring Success Story: Amy Moyers

This is my favorite weight loss success story.  I've been reading Amy's blog for over a year now.  She started out at 297 lbs., size 26 pants, and a 2X shirt.  She currently weighs 161lbs., making her loss 136 pounds so far!  She states in her blog that she wants to lose more, but I think she looks terrific!  Amy, who is a happy Christian, is honest about her ups and downs.  She doesn't believe in diets and therefore practices a moderation principle.  She limits her portions, or how many times a month she'll consume something.  One thing she states in her how has she done it post, that is applicable to us, is that she tries not to drink her calories.

 I asked Amy once what keeps her motivated to continue.  Her response was, “My motivation is wanting to be healthy, honor God with my body (it isn’t mine after all), to be a mom (added weight doesn’t help in getting pregnant), and to be able to help others with their journey and encourage them along the way, since I have been there.

I keep doing it because of my prayers and the prayers of others.  Prayer, exercising self-control, and more prayer.  I couldn’t have made it this far without God’s grace.

I do get burnt out.  There are days that I look forward to working out and days that I dread it.  On the days that I dread it, I just try to remember how far I’ve come.  But again, prayer really helps.”

Amy is an inspiration.  I hope to have a success story like hers one day!  Check out her blog for details and photos:  www.amymoyers.blogspot.com

Introduction

This forum is a support and accountability system for a group of friends trying to lose weight.  All members choose their own weight loss plan and conduct their own weekly weigh-ins.  Each week the members are encouraged to post at least one blog entry that may consist of one or more of the following:  an encouraging quote or story, a healthy recipe, inspiring photograph, information about upcoming races, fitness deals, or her personal progress including any milestones met.  In addition, once a week each member will log the number of pounds lost (or gained) and add it to the total under her personal tab.  Members are encouraged to comment on blog entries, especially milestones met, with positive affirmation!  Good luck ladies!  You can do it!!!

To update your weight loss or add goals (at the bottom of the weight loss chart):  When you are signed in choose "design" from the upper right hand corner.  Choose "pages" from the left hand column.  Find your name, choose "edit."  Place your information on your chart (or below it for goals).  Choose "update" from the top right corner.