I will be the first one to admit that my pants are fitting a little tighter now than they were at the beginning of November. I guess you could say that I enjoyed the Holiday Season a little too much this year. So if you are like me—feeling the “Holiday Bulge”—it is time to make some low fat resolutions. And there is no better time than now; a fresh new year to shed a few pounds. Don’t let that holiday guilt set in permanently.

Low fat diets have never had much appeal to me. I am the one who enjoys lots of butter on my toast and whose favorite snack is anything with peanut butter. However, since I have gotten older (whatever age “older” is) I am now realizing that my body is not keeping up the way it once did. Something has to change for the sake of my and my family's health. Writing this newsletter is a complete learning experience for me. I am now determined to make and keep my low fat resolutions.

There are a million plus techniques to eating low fat. Finding the one that your body needs will take time and practice. The truth is that we can not simply stop eating fat. It is part of a healthy diet. What we must conquer is the amount and kind of fat that we are ingesting. Depriving ourselves of all treats and cutting back fat entirely is the surest rout to failure. Undoubtedly it is hard to pass up second helpings or limit ourselves to a small portion of dessert. Emotionally it is better to indulge a little than none at all. Just stay on target and keep your cravings in check.

A low fat diet is not a choice for some of us, it is a necessity. Medicinal conditions such as heart disease require a low fat diet. For others it is a conscious decision to shed a few pounds (me). And others simply believe that that a low fat diet and healthy living go hand in hand. Whatever your reason, a low fat diet is a step in the right direction.

If you have any low fat techniques or secrets that are keeping you healthy, we would love to hear about them. Please send them to amy@dvo.com and they will be placed in next month’s newsletter.

         * DVO welcomes your kitchen hints and cooking or nutrition questions! Email us and we'll post your hints and Q/A's in upcoming newsletters! *