Curious About the Cook?

A lot of newsletter subscribers have said to me, "Jeni, you never talk much about yourself!" One subscriber who contacted me regarding a slight problem with a link on the Website said, and I quote, "I can't believe there is a real person behind this - thank you!" That got me to thinking: Since I didn't think anyone would care to hear about my personal life, I stick to health issues. However, for those who are interested, I've listened and made this site. ( And for anyone else interested who may wander in!)

I love cooking and baking so it seemed appropriate to invite you into the warmest room in most homes - the kitchen. Cookies are my favorite thing to bake. I love to make different kinds I can decorate for fun or for the holidays. My biggest joy at Christmas time is baking Christmas cookies! Since I'm the only one in the family who bakes from scratch these days, I like to think my holiday goodies are a treat for all I share them with. I know they're a treat for me : ). I suppose for someone who lives, breaths and (most of the time), eats for better health and wellness this sounds odd, but I have my own theory on what is healthy and what is not.

If you're thinking I live on things like yogurt, tofu and soy, sorry! Not that these things are not good for you - they surely are, but personally, I don't care for them as part of a steady diet. I do try to incorporate as many fruit and vegetables as I can into my diet. Since vegetables all taste like dirt to me, this is a challenge! I get them mostly by adding them to other foods and seasoning them. When I was about five my older brother (only sibling) forced me to eat a spoonful of peas and I immediately went into the bathroom and choked them up - haven't been able to eat one since. ARG....big brothers! However, I have learned to enjoy Pea Soup, which is extremely nutritious when made right - i.e., watch the ham! You see, those little things, little changes and/or substitutions, can make a huge difference in your health and on the scale.

Back to food, eating, diets, etc. It is my firm belief that you simply do NOT have to deprive yourself of the foods you enjoy and have enjoyed your entire life. You should, in my professional opinion, do your level best to learn how to reduce the fat content - especially saturated/trans fats - in the foods you cook/eat regularly. My sugar cookie recipe hasn't changed since I began making cookies at the age of 15 - and it isn't going to. The only change that ever did take place was that I learned to double it every year! In addition, I do have a low fat sugar cookie recipe that is very good for those times a sugar-cookie craving attacks - I've posted it several times and will place it on this site in case you weren't with me at the time. That's just one example of how I keep my waistline in check. It's tough, and an on-going battle. I am no different than you by any stretch. In addition to watching fat intake, a limit on sugary treats works well for me and I never eat anything fried.

Your health is your greatest gift - never take it for granted. Without it you are so limited. It is my strong desire to share the last decade of my studies in fitness and nutrition to the betterment of your health. I took my work to the Internet because of illness, but this does not affect my knowledge or my ability to share it with you. It has presented a greater challenge for me but along with that challenge has been many rewards. Hearing from people all around the world who benefitted from my work means more to me than I know how to put into words. My goal is to prove to you that losing weight does not have to be a painful, difficult endeavor. Anyone can do it, if you only set your mind to it!

What has happened to me has nothing to do with diet and exercise, but it has affected the quality of my life in a very negative way. It is horrible to be ill - especially when your biggest passion in life is wellness, health, fitness and nutrition. I am on the road to healing, but from experience I say, don't be careless with your health. You never know when something unexpected will hit you as it did with me, but many diet-induced illnesses can be averted. And if you have kept yourself in shape, your chances of recovery are always higher with just about any illness. Knowledge is your greatest power. I offer that knowledge.

Treasure your health, thank God for your health, and please, do your best to take care of your body - internally and externally. I'll do my best to guide you, but from there it's up to you.

I hope you enjoy the site!

Blessings to all.
Jeni
P.S.  If you wandered in here and are wondering what this is all about, visit my Web site, Fitness and Freebies. In addition, I've had many people e-mail me and ask if I would be "leaving" the Internet in the future - my answer is no, I have no plans to do so. Thank you!

I am a Survivor!

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