When I joined Spark People it was only to loose weight. I rewarded my self with the Spark People Cook Book when I lost 25 pounds.

I have found many new foods and recipes. Eggplant was only a purple vegetable I walked by, but is in my menu at least twice a month. I found okra in the store last week, and I am adding it to this weeks menu. Until Spark people I had never heard of it .

Beans were only baked for summer cook outs, and used in chili maybe once a year. Thanks to the many people who answered my post on the message board How do you work beans into your menu. I have found a way to use each of their replies. When I go to Wal Mart once a month, I pick up the different kinds of beans they mentioned. I soak them over night and then cook them. I save the amount I need and freeze the rest for later use.

Spices are another new adventure. Garlic was only bought in the spice section , now I only use fresh garlic. The spice rack has been cleaned and new spices added. Mrs. Dash has replaced anything that had salt. The starter kits for spring plants will be out in the stores next month. I am looking forward to stating spices that I use. I plant parsley in hanging planters every spring so I have fresh parsley all winter. I hope to have a bigger selection from now on.

Planning menus and cooking from scratch is a big change. Which I enjoy, but in the past used prepared foods to get it done. I would buy what every was on sale for the week and then try to find something to make. Then wonder why we always ate the same thing.
It is great to have everything I need to prepare a meal. ALL the prep. work is done the day before and I find my self looking for new things to make.