Secrets of Success

Computer abs tightening exercise is working for me.

I used coach Nicole's video and she stressed pull in the abs when walking. Many rainy days I did not walk outdoors. I did videos they are not so easy to pull in abs.
I was doing an exercise at the computer and realised my abs are much tighter. Now i sit at the computer and lean back and keep the abs tight and it is helping me and easing the pain in my lower back Woohoo. It helps me I hope it might help you too.

Keeping your half banana from browning.

Cut the banana with skin on. Take one half and put it flat on a small plate cut edge down. Press on it and then genetly try to pull it off. I should be stuck down like a suction cup. I use half a banana twice a day using this method to keep it fresh. I keep it out of the refrigerator. Pat in Maine.

Spreading the chocolate thin.

I use dark chocolate very often. I grind it in a coffee mill and put the powder in to a jar with a sprinkler top. Mine was off the parmesan cheese container. It fits many other glass jars. I sprinkle it on oatmeal, on microwaved peeled fruit like pears and Bananas and it goes great with peanut butter. Like a peanut butter cup sandwich in fact.. I meausre 1 tablespoon to sprinkle on fruits like strawberries,fruit cocktail with cool whip, yogurt or cottage cheese, it goes a long way.

Prepare lots of onions, Microwave , cool and freeze.

This way you only smell up the house once in a couple of weeks. They bother my eyes but I actually get used to them after a while.I chop them and cook in microwave on High 6 minutes for 2 cups measured.Cool and put in bags or containers and you have Onions ready to go for soup or omelettes for a couple of weeks.It really goes fast especially if you have a dicer or slicer. I do 10 pounds at once. Flatten your freezer bags and it takes up even less space and thaws quickly.These caramelize well too

15 month plateau.

I feel i have done every thing possible to get nearer to my goal. I track everything, weigh and measure. Walk a lot and do ST. I have all my numbers in check. Diabetes, BP and Cholesterol. This week I am trying to cut carbs, it has worked but it might be too soon to say. Pat in Maine.

Saute onions in the microwave before using the Saute Pan

I always precook Onions and other vegetable in the microwave oven before adding them to the sauté pan. I use one large Onion and it usually takes 5 minutes. Check at that time to see if they are soft and translucent. Carrots cut in pieces also do well this way they keep their bright Orange color. You can go on to Caramelize using just broth if you stir often. This way gives me the best Onion soup or stock for onion Gravy it gets to a deep brown. I love to eat French Onion soup in the winter

Another way to count your cups.

Another sparker posted the secret of pennies on the window sill I am using 9 pennies and a dime for #10. It is only a dime but I really am striving for the silver and beyond every day. Pat in Maine. To the Sparker who posted the original.

Use your sink for other things than dishes.

I am not a tall person and my counters are just a little bit too high. I love to cook. Often after I had been stirring mixtures,my shoulders ache. I do have a new stand mixer but not everything can be mixed that way.
My solution is to go to the sink. I can whisk with bowl down over the lower surface and any spills goes down the drain. Try it you might like it. Pat in Maine.

Now is Zucchini time for sandwiches..

Now there are small and less expensive Zucchini I make sandwiches with the. Slice lengthwise as thin as you wish and you can put in any regular sandwich filling. It doe not flop around like lettuce leaves and it is crunch and lots of fiber. Go Zucchini.

So you never forget an ingredient when Baking.

Get out all of the ingredients on to the counter top. Read the recipe through. if you need to use anything "Divided" put the right amounts in small containers aside and put the ingredient back on you shelf. As you add each ingredient to your mix remove the ingredient container back to the shelf or to another counter. That way if the phone rings you will know if it is in or not. If you are interrupted just carry the ingredient container with you. That way you know you have not added it yet.