The E-LAB Project

Mmmm, a dessert!  I wonder if you could freeze pieces, and bring them out when you felt the need to satify your sweet tooth.

Okay, Faithie is captain of the humming-birds.

Meece is the referee

I need two more team captains...Any volunteers?

That looks yummy, Seyla.

I found this on "fats not to avoid"

1. Oils good for cooking and baking

When evaluating your fat intake, first examine the fats you regularly use for cooking and baking. Butter, shortening, and lard are high in saturated fats (a not-so-healthy fat). Margarines can be high in trans fats (a bad-for-you fat). An easy way to improve the quality of your fat intake is to switch to a canola or vegetable oil when baking; use olive oil for stove-top cooking. These oils are both high in healthful mono- and poly- unsaturated fats.

Aside from being great for sautéing and baking, oils can also be a healthy accompaniment to bread. Serve plain or add your favorite chopped fresh herb to olive oil for an elegant alternative to butter.

2. Avocado: high fat but nutritious

Also known as an "alligator pear," due to its shape and skin texture, this high-fat nutritious food is the perfect addition to salads, salsas, soups and more. Not only does it add great creamy flavor, it can also boost nutrition. Many vegetables are loaded with beneficial carotenoids that are great for your health and can aid in disease prevention. Adding avocado to a vegetable dish will enhance your body's ability to absorb these potent carotenoids. Studies have revealed that carotenoids are fat soluble-which means they need a high-fat food, such as an avocado, to be fully absorbed by your body.

Use ripe avocado as a spread on your veggie-filled sandwiches. It can be spread alone or mixed with some plain yogurt and fresh cilantro for a Spanish inspired kick.

3. Nuts are healthy

Once given a bad rap due to their high fat content, nuts are now considered as a health food-ironically because of their fats (the good, heart-healthy kind). They also contain an array of beneficial nutrients, including vitamin E and zinc, and are a good source of fiber.

Nuts are so versatile; they can be used at any meal. They add a great crunch to dishes. Try substituting them for breadcrumbs when coating chicken or fish before cooking. Simply grind some nuts; dip chicken or fish in a beaten egg; coat the meat with the nuts; then, place in a 350-degree oven until cooked through.
4. Fish fat is essential

Fish contain omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats are termed "essential" because the human body cannot make them on its own. The health benefits of omega-3s run the gamut; they have been said to improve everything from heart health to mental health problems.

Poaching is a quick and easy way to prepare fish. Simply fill a small sauce pan with three inches of water (or white wine), bring to an almost boil and poach fish for eight to ten minutes or until it flakes easily.

5. Olives - the perfect snack

Olives are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats, but don't let these high-fat little bites fool you. Unlike many other high-fat foods, olives can also be a low-calorie snack all on their own. One serving of 20 small black olives is a great snack with less than 100 calories and will contain a good amount of iron, fiber, vitamin E, and copper.

Rather than munching on olives plain, try making a simple tapenade by combining fresh olives with some garlic and oil in a blender or food processor. This is a great dip for bread, and also works great as a pasta topper.

Hmmm, I don't know if "GF" have the omega 3 fats that are mentioned in the article.

How about everyone state their goal of pounds lost and there will be points for hitting that goal?

Maintain is the key.

That is great.

My cohort in planning, Faith, what do you think?  Are we going to do this in steps?  Say first step will be from Jan 1 to March 8, for the anniversary of this thread?

I don't think this will ever be "over" because we need support just to keep it off.  The best thing about this is the accountability.