One other thing that I do is make sure that I get some protein in meals and snacks too, occasionally. Also good fats are satisfying and healthy in moderation: examples are avocadoes, nuts, olive oil, flax oil, olives, etc. Sometimes people cut these out and turn to low fat or diet foods that usually have more sugar or sugar subs added. In the end these can cause cravings and are not as satisfying.

I have a suggestion for a healthy little treat when the sweet tooth calls. This is not for those with nut allergies though. In one of those small glass custard cups I put a few raisins, a few craisins, a small handful of walnuts (or a mix with natural almonds) and about a tablespoon of dark chocolate chips. Give it a stir and start nibbling. An 8 ounce glass of pure grape juice goes well with it too.

In the summer, one of my favorite breakfasts is Horse Chow. I pour about a half cup of raw old fashioned oatmeal in a cereal bowl. Then I add a drizzle of good light olive oil, a shake of salt, a good sprinkle of cinnamon, squeeze half a lemon, raisins, craisins, could add oat bran and/or wheat germ if you like. On top I put a nice dollop of Honey Greek yogurt and toss some blueberries on top. Raspberries or blackberries or strawberries sliced are nice too. But I always have blueberries in the freezer. Then I slice a few whole almonds to sprinkle on top. It looks lovely like that, but then I stir it all up and yum! It is so, so good. You could add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if you use plain, unsweetened yogurt. No cooking. Great for those hot summer mornings.

I start my morning with 1/8 tsp of ground cinnamon that I just toss into my mouth, followed by water to wash it down. It helped with my glucose levels, in combination with walking regularly for 30-60 minutes five times a week.

I took these Scriptures to heart. I accept all foods and just use moderation in eating. The blessing is that I don’t condemn myself for enjoying “naughty” foods:

Matthew 15:11 “It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.”

1 Timothy 4:4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.

Romans 14:14 I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself ; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 22 The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith ; and whatever is not from faith is sin.

Hope this helps!

1. Granola with honey.

Preheat oven to 300.

In large bowl, mix 3 cups old fashioned oats, 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans, 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (in baking aisle of your supermarket), 3 tablespoons (packed) brown sugar, 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional), and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

In saucepan, stir 1/3 cup honey with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium low heat until smooth.

Pour honey over oat mixture and toss. Spread on the parchment lined pan and bake until golden, stirring every 10 minutes, for around 40 minutes total.

Allow to cool on rack (my stove works fine). Mix in 1 cup of assorted dried fruit (raisins, chopped apricots, whatever you would like). Store airtight.

2. Granola with maple syrup.

Preheat oven to 300.

In large bowl, mix 3 cups old fashioned oats, 1 cup unsweetened coconut chips, 1 cup shelled raw pistachios or other nuts (I buy them shelled!!), 1/3 cup raw pumpkin seeds (if you like them–they are very good for you), and around 3/4 tablespoon salt.

In saucepan over low heat, warm 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, and 1/3 cup maple syrup (not pancake syrup) until sugar just dissolves.

Mix with oat mixture and spread on prepared baking sheet. Bake about 35 minutes, until dry and golden, stirring often. Remove from oven and stir in 1 up dried cherries (delicious!). Store airtight.

Now, these are basic guidelines. I always add a 1/4 cup or so of flax seed because it’s so good for you. You can pretty much use any combination of fruits or nuts. I know people who stir in chocolate chips at the end but I say that defeats the whole purpose. Just do NOT put the dried fruit in before it has cooked or you will have little rocks.

Delicious with yoghurt or milk or just as a snack. I hope you enjoy it!