Category Archives: Barb Freda

It’s easy to start exercising. It’s just a challenge to keep exercising. As I continue to share some of my story here, I will pass on things I’ve learned. Remember, I’m no expert, and I’m also no athlete. Yet I’ve continued an exercise plan for more than a year at this point. (As always, you should always check with your doctor before starting an exercise plan.) I started exercising because I was worried I wouldn’t be able to swim the … continued…

Barb Freda Healthy Habits

Our 2011 Challenge Team is off to a strong start on their journey to a healthier lifestyle. Three weeks into the New Year could you use some fresh incentive to stick to your New Year’s Resolution as well? Welcome to “Get over the Hump Wednesdays.” Every Wednesday between now and February 16, we will post a healthy recipe and a give away a limited number of LLB coupons to our Facebook fans. It’s our way of encouraging you to stick … continued…

Barb Freda Healthy Habits Healthy, Delicious Recipes

One of the easiest ways for me to stay on track is to have healthy foods at the ready when I decide I am hungry. Here are 10 things I ALWAYS have in my house to keep me on track: 1. Laura’s Lean Beef. I almost always have ground beef, and often a steak.2. Chicken Stock. I cook a lot of things in stock, even veggies. 3. Fresh Herbs. I live in an apartment,  it’s winter and I am still … continued…

Barb Freda Healthy Habits

“Aha” moments come at different times in every ones life. Mostly, when you least expect it. My journey towards a healthier lifestyle and mentality began a few years ago, even though much of the physical change seems to have happened in the last year. In early 2009, I was faced with several realities delivered by my doctor. All of my reckless dieting seemed to finally be catching up to me. Gallbladder surgery was not something I was ready for at … continued…

Barb Freda

I don’t pretend to be the expert here, but I don’t mind sharing what has helped me continue to lose weight while writing about food and developing recipes. I can share how I say “no” and what I think of when I’m tempted—maybe something will work for you. 1. Eat good food. Really REALLY good food. (Like Laura’s Lean Beef, of course). I have always said good food is more satisfying, and that is never truer than when you are … continued…

Barb Freda Healthy Habits

Open-faced sandwiches and gravy remind me of old-style diner food at its finest. Luckily, using Laura’s Lean Beef helps pare down the calories without sacrificing any of that nostalgic flavor. Prep/Cooking Time: About 20 Minutes Serves 4   1 pound sirloin steak 1 large onion, sliced 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced 2 cloves garlic 1/4 cup dry sherry 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon flour 2 cups beef stock Salt and pepper to taste 4 slices multigrain bread, about 2 ounces each … continued…

Barb Freda

No, this blog isn’t about me taking a trip to Las Vegas … it’s still about my New Year’s resolutions and how I plan to keep them. Resolving to lose the last 30 pounds, get to my goal weight, and finish a sprint triathlon this summer are lofty goals, and I really need to keep focused in order to attain them.  I sat down after Christmas and tried to think of what I needed to do each week to stay … continued…

Barb Freda

  This is a favorite light lunch on any day I’ve got leftover steak from the previous night’s dinner. I love mixing it with the Japanese combination I find in the international aisle of my supermarket, but flavor this with your favorite herb. Dill, in particular, works well with this combination. If you are sure you are a beet hater, just try this once—buy whole beets, toss with a touch of oil and salt, roast at 425 degrees until tender, … continued…

Barb Freda Healthy, Delicious Recipes

There’s something so satisfying about the combination of beef and wild rice. The addition of a little bit of flour makes this nice and thick. It’s a great light meal that is perfect for a winter day. Add a big green salad, a piece of really good bread and fruit for dessert for a complete meal.  Prep time: about 20 minutes Cook time: about 10 minutes Serves 4 (about 2 1/4 cup serving each) 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 pound … continued…

Barb Freda Cool Weather Cooking Healthy, Delicious Recipes

A few months back, I mentioned a few good tools to use in the kitchen in order to cook with a lighter touch, mainly to cook with less fat. Here are a few other favorites that help keep it light.   Silicone Brush: This is just like a pastry brush but made with silicone bristles, bristles that do NOT fall out as you brush your food lightly. I like to use the brush to very lightly brush a skillet with … continued…

Barb Freda Tips, Tools & Techniques