Hi! I was able to get through the July 4th celebration without blowing my healthy eating. My husband fixed barbecued chicken, (Carolina style) and I ate cole slaw, and lima's. Tonight (I work night shift) I had leftovers, and added tomatoes, onion slices, and cucumbers with olive oil and balsalmic vinegar. I feel satisfied, and didn't have the huge urges to eat sweets.

I have lost 19 pounds. Better yet, I am getting my energy back.

Tip:  Plan ahead during big family events. Some of my family on the 4th had things like macaroni and cheese, and potatoes. I made sure the menu included enough low glycemic foods to ensure I had enough to eat. 

Another tip:  Don't worry about the weight. Strive to eat healthy. The weight will take care of itself. BTY, if you DON'T need to loose weight, you still need to eat healthy.  Make it about your health. To me, it doesn't seem to be so stressful because am not worrying about loosing the weight. I am concentrating on making healthy choices. When we add the work "diet", I think it adds pressure.  What you you think????