I’VE RECEIVED REPORTS from all our weight-loss participants for February.
Jane Sexton reports no weight loss for February but is sticking with it, she said. Total loss since Jan. 1: 0.
Amanda Varnell lost none and gained none, but said she’s staying committed to getting her 15 pounds off by April. Total loss since Jan. 1: 5 pounds.
Janelle Forrester lost no pounds in February but hopes to do better next month, she said. She plans to start Weight Watchers instead of following a diet found at www.slimandtrimdiet.com. Total loss since Jan. 1: 7 pounds.
Ethel Woods lost 6.5 pounds and is now wearing a size suit she hasn’t worn in a number of years. Since she started Weight Watchers a year ago, she’s down at least five dress sizes. Total loss since Jan. 1: 19 pounds.
Karen Fogo lost 1 pound. “Not very good for a month,” she said, adding she’s planning on doing better next month. Total loss since Jan. 1: 6 pounds.
Vanessa Walden, whose goal was to lose 10 pounds by April is almost there, with 4 pounds lost in February. Total loss since Jan. 1: 8 pounds.
Lizzie Caldwell is 2 pounds lighter. Total loss since Jan. 1: 2 pounds.
And Kelli, who prefers to go by her first name only, lost 6.3 pounds in February. Total loss since Jan. 1: 11 pounds.
D’Wauna Young reported zero weight loss in February, but we’ll keep rooting for her during her weight-loss trials this month. Total loss since Jan. 1: 1 pound.
And for myself, another 3.2 pounds. Total loss since Jan. 1: 71⁄2 pounds.
Totaled together, we made the Earth 23 pounds lighter last month. Since Jan. 1, this team has lost slightly more than 76 pounds.
AREA RESTAURANTS are pulling out all the stops to make Easter brunch especially tasty Sunday. Make reservations now for the following.
n Hunter Museum of American Art: Before or after exploring the galleries, indulge in Easter brunch featuring a variety of springtime favorites prepared by Michelle Huffman, owner of Events With Taste catering. Start with eggs Florentine or apple crepes before moving on to the seafood and salad station, as well as the carving station with stuffed loin of pork and oven-roasted garlic leg of lamb. There will be a number of side dishes as well, including balsamic grilled vegetables; spring peas with onions, cream and mint; and broccoli and rice casserole. Round out the meal with pies, cakes, mousse, cookies and gourmet brownies. Seating times: 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. Members cost: $20 adults, $10 children 2-10. Nonmembers: $25 adults, $12 children 2-10. Reservations: 267-0968.
n Broad Street Grille at The Chattanoogan: Easter Lily Champagne Brunch, served from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., will feature an array of breakfast and lunch items, such as eggs Benedict; blueberry-lemon curd crepes; charbroiled steaks with roasted shallot bordelaise sauce; rosemary-garlic spring leg of lamb with mint-lamb reduction sauce; and smoked Virginia ham with a mustard-wine glaze. Plus, huge dessert and cold bar selections, and children’s buffet specials. Cost: $30.95 adults; $15.95 ages 5-12; free for children 4 and younger. Reservations: 424-3700.
n Chattanooga Choo-Choo: A lavish buffet under the Grand Dome will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Included in the feast are a large salad station, as well as a choice of several entrees, including chicken piccata with lemon and capers; rosemary lamb stew, Southern fried chicken and smoked ham with apple-cinnamon glaze. Also, a cooked-to-order seafood station with seafood pasta Alfredo. Don’t forget dessert. It’s all included. Cost: $21.95 adults; $12.95 children 12 and younger, $19.95 seniors 65 and up.
TASTE OF THE WEEK: I recently experienced my first taste of Bolthouse yogurt-based dressings and have found them to be the absolute best lower-calorie, low-fat dressings I’ve ever had. The blue cheese is outstanding. The Thousand Island wonderful. The Caesar Parmigiano unbelievable. The ranch is yummy too. If you’re looking for a more healthful alternative that still has plenty of flavor, you’ve got to give these a try. Publix is the only store I’ve found to carry them. Cost is $3.19 per bottle.
WITH ALL THE calories you may consume on Easter Sunday, here’s a dessert that will help satisfy your need for sweets without adding a bowlful of guilt to your day.
Cranberry Cheesecake Bars
2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
1 cup quick-cooking oats
3⁄4 cup brown sugar
1⁄2 cup butter, melted
1 (8-ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese
1 (14-ounce) can fat-free sweetened condensed milk
4 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 (16-ounce) can whole-berry cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, oats, brown sugar and butter; mix till crumbly. Press 21⁄2 cups of the crumb mixture into a greased 13- by 9- by 2-inch baking dish. Bake at 350 F for 10 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese till smooth. Beat in the milk, egg whites, vanilla and remaining flour. Spoon over prepared crust. In a small bowl, combine the cranberry sauce and cornstarch; spoon over cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture. Bake at 350 F for 30-35 minutes or until the center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Nutritional analysis (per 1 bar): 142 calories, 4 grams fat, 1 gram fiber, 24 grams carbohydrates, 11 milligrams cholesterol, 67 milligrams sodium, 3 grams protein. Diabetic exchange: 11⁄2 starch, 1⁄2 fat.
Taste of Home Comfort Food Diet Cookbook
