There are many reasons for weight management, health being the primary reason. Let’s face it, one of the reasons is vanity. No one likes looking in the mirror and seeing those extra pounds just hanging around. No one likes taking out their favourite outfit and it’s just too snug or doesn’t fit at all.

A friend of mine had a close call with her diabetes, which reinforced the fact that we must maintain a healthy weight with a healthy diet and exercise. It made me look in the mirror and admit that I have quite a few pounds to lose myself.

We all know some of the downfalls of being overweight. Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gallbladder disease, arthritis, joint problems, sleep disorders, menstrual issues and fertility issues. That is beside the emotional well-being of ourselves.

Losing weight is all about a lifestyle change. Eating better, leaner, smaller portions, healthy snacks, and of course being active.

A diet that takes away any of the essentials foods can not be healthy. I’m not a doctor, nor do I claim to be one, but telling me I can’t eat something makes me think I will want it. I like my carbs, take them away, I will lose the 10 or 20 lbs in a short time but the minute I reach that goal, I will sit there in front of a large plate of pasta, with a cream sauce, and have a chocolate molten cake for dessert. Within a few months to a year, I will put that weight back on.

I believe that anything in moderation is fine. I had been followed by a nutritionist a while back and her main thing was portion control and healthy choices. I succeeded at that time losing 75 lbs. Over the last decade I’ve put 40 of those lbs back on. Foods a little richer, portions got a little bigger. Time to get back on track.

For a while, most of the recipes that will be posted will be fat reduced, healthy and tasty. This is no way means, boring, dull, unflavourful, tasteless meals, and no treats. Quite the opposite, let us have fun and make this our own.