As we know, the 4th of July is one of those holidays that are centered around a bunch of sun, fun, and food! Oh, how I used to dread holidays like these, especially knowing that I'd done so well on one of my countless fad diets, and the food was going to be showing up from almost every direction! No matter where I'd go or what activity I'd plan for the day, food was still the main focus; well, unless it was after 10 PM – then I would center my attention on the fireworks display, for a half hour or so – then it would be announced by someone that it was time for a campfire and S'mores! It's no wonder I could NEVER stick to a diet...

And anyone who has ever dieted knows what happens next... you go completely overboard, eating anything and everything that looks good!  It’s like we give ourselves permission to eat in excess since we went such a long time (a week, maybe two?) without our favorite foods, and we deserve them!  Oh yes, what a perfect opportunity to overindulge, since delicious food is so plentiful during these holiday parties or festivities.  And then you wake up the next day feeling so guilty, and so fat!  Ugghh.

Wow, have I ever changed!  My biggest change: no more diets!  When I made a lifestyle change back in January 2001, I told myself that I could allow myself to eat the foods I enjoyed anytime – but the portions would be smaller, as I realized that a small portion is just as delicious as a huge portion: “One bite tastes the same as twenty.”  This new process of thinking worked, and still works today, nine years later!

Another change I made: I don’t contribute unhealthy items to a potluck.  Yes, I will admit that for years I brought items like chips & dip, cookies, brownies, and sugary pop to these gatherings, but now I bring healthy dishes.  They are just as simple to prepare, plus if there is any food left to take home, I’m taking home items that I want my family to consume and NOT junk food!  In fact, today I would like to share my favorite summer salad with you – it’s truly delicious and good for you too...


Broccoli & Cauliflower Salad

In large bowl, combine:
1 head cauliflower – broken into bite-sized pieces
2-3 broccoli heads – broken into bite-sized florets
2 cans sliced water chestnuts – drained

In small bowl, combine (then allow mixture to sit for 15 minutes):
½ cup Parmesan cheese
2 TBS sugar
1½ cups low-fat mayonnaise
¼ cup skim milk
1 pouch 2.8 oz  “real” bacon pieces (25 calories a serving)
1 tsp basil – or more to taste
½ tsp salt

Combine small bowl ingredients with ingredients in large bowl.  Cover and chill in refrigerator for a couple hours. 

May serve once salad is chilled.  NOTE: this salad does tend to taste better the next day!    

If you have any HEALTHY RECIPES that you would like to share, please do so… I’d love it!