The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Four years and 34 days ago I walked out of the clinic on the verge of tears and tentatively into a new way of life.  I was over one hundred pounds overweight, depressed, and nearly done believing my situation would ever really improve after battling weight problems my whole life.  I wasn't even convinced I could even lose twenty pounds but I did.  I dropped twenty pounds within the first two months and another 93 pounds a year later and have kept it off. 

From hiding from life to receiving recognition in front of hundreds... The experience has been better than I ever could have dreamed.  That doesn't happen often in life and I free incredibly fortunate. This time the tears are from knowing that I can beat my doubts.

National Cheesecake Day

How am I now just stumbling upon this? Finally, a day I can truly celebrate. This is the best made up day ever!

I can't think of a better way to honor this special occasion than reserving a table at The Cheesecake Factory for the night to taste test each and every one of their desserts to rate them for the greater good of humanity but I just can't do that to myself anymore.

Instead, I find a healthier alternative and these recipes are much better choices. Granted I haven't made the first one yet however, judging from the ingredients, I don't think you can go wrong. Happy Cheescake Day!

1. Celebrate "National Cheesecake Day" with this delicious cheesecake recipe!: Celebrate "National Cheesecake Day" with this delicious cheesecake recipe!

2. E's Low Carb Cheesecake

Ingredients (makes 8 servings)
- 3/4 cup finely ground almonds
- 3/4 cup almond flour or almond meal
- 2 tablespoons light butter, melted
- 2 (8 ounce) packages of fat free cream cheese, softened
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar substitute (I recommend Stevia. You may also want to go up to 1 cup of this for a sweeter taste.)
- 1 cup fat free sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Irish cream liquor (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup sugar free strawberry sauce
- 1 container sugar free whipped topping
- 1 container of fresh strawberries

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Lightly spray the bottom of 8 inch springfoam pan with non-stick cooking spray. Mix almonds, almond flour, and melted butter in a small bowl with a fork and press into pan. Refrigerate for 5 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, eggs, and sugar (one at a time) until creamy. Add in sour cream, vanilla extract, Irish cream liquor, and cinnamon until well blended. Pour filling over crust and smooth with a spatula.
4. Place cake pan in a large roasting pan with 1 inch of boiling water and bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown and the center is almost set. Let chill in refrigerator for 4 hours.
5. Slice into wedges and top with strawberry sauce, whipped topping, and strawberries. Great with sliced apples and sugar free caramel sauce or berries too.

Walking the Walk

Signing up for races is a great way to stay motivated when exercising and to stay fit for a bigger purpose. I've been having some problems with tendinitis in my uncooperative right leg so walking is a good alternative. It's also a nice way to spend time with my kids while secretly sneaking in some extra exercise. Just watch out for those cute presents some dogs leave on the sidewalk.  Some owners conveniently fail to notice the grass just inches away.

As a tribute to my father who was diabetic, my son and I are participating in a walk for diabetes this Saturday in Tampa at the Forum. I had hoped to persuade him to sign up for one of these events with me when he took up walking, but life doesn't always work out the way you expect it to. If anyone one is interested or would like to make a donation to our team, (team Blackwell), just click here http://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR?fr_id=1685&pg=entry

Extra, Extra!

My first printed work... and it's published right next to a Dr. Oz article, on my dad's birthday weekend. Today is a good day!

'Life is short … live better' http://tbo.ly/H8rJBq

This calls for some Journey. Bring it Steve. http://youtu.be/VcjzHMhBtfO

Where Am I?

I like the ad for February, especially that woman in the heart with the red dress.  (It's me, I made it into a real print ad for a national company?!)   Yay!!!

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