Hello to everyone!. I am excited to have found 3FC. After 14 years of thinking I can lose weight on my own, I have finally realized that I will NEVER get a handle on this monster without help from those that have been where I am.

I was born and raised in the south, and have always been surrounded by fattening foods. I LOVE to bake and decorate cakes, but try to limit my hobby to birthdays and holidays. Unfortunately it seems, there's a birthday or holiday every time I turn around. I love to cook as well, and for years I cooked the same DELICIOUS and sinful southern dishes I grew up on; I ate like a lumberjack. Big problem - I am NOT a lumberjack. I am a mom of two girls that homeschools them for most of the day at a kitchen table. I am trying to cook more healthfully now. It's a bit of a challenge, because for most of my bunch if a vegetable isn't fried or slathered in butter it's gross.

I can't wait to make friends here. From reading posts for the past couple of days, it seems I am finally in the right place.

Growing up, my mom would cook ALL the veggies in the microwave. That's it... just plain, in the microwave (yuck!). It has taken me a long time to realize that I don't actaully hate all veggies! I mix 1 part olive oil, 1 part lemon juice and 1 part vinegar (white wine or the pink colored vinegar). I have a glass jar I shake it up in and pour a little on my veggies (it is GREAT on asparagus!) and then I add whatever spices I am in the mood foor. Garlic? Oregano? Tastefully Simple's Spinach and Herb? A little salt, a little peper and viola! A little bit of it goes a long way b/c the lemon juice and vinegar add a nice strong flavor.

and

WELCOME!

Thanks! I think I'll try it.

Hi Angela and Scraver! I'm so happy to see someone here, it seems so quiet. I'm new to this FS board, and have just started Cycle 2, and so far so good. Good luck on starting, Kallismom. It's a fantastic eating plan and once you get the hang of it, very easy.

I totally agree with you SCraver. Spices make a huge difference. This round, I'm playing with the Indian spice mix called garam masala, which is really tasty with beans and veges, and easy to make into a curry-like sauce...totally new flavors for me (for my kitchen, anyways).

Anyway, just wanted to say hi.

Thanks for the welcome!

Hi Angela and welcome to 3FC.

Good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle