Oprah has gone public about her challenges with weight loss. She'll be talking about all the weight she re-gained in her magazine and her TV show this month. If Oprah can't keep the weight off with a her own healthy chef, a personal trainer, someone who sets her schedule and access to Dr. Oz, how can we mere mortals ever expect to let go of unwanted weight?

The NY Times ran an article on why New Years Resolutions don't really work. and why "change" is so very hard for so many of us. Clearly this is another example of how we need a new consciousness to solve our weight problems.

January has always been a huge month for diets, but not really the best time of year to stick to it. Why not ditch the diet and instead create a resolution to eat less junk and more veggies this year? For more inspiration and information on how to ditch your diet mentality, check out my E-Book, Dump Your Diet Oprah could use this book to improve her Food IQ!

Looking to undo some of those holiday pounds this January? Join me at In The Pink on January 5th 6:30-8:30 for a lively discussion of what to eat for winter wellness that will help you to let go of unwanted weight. I'll help you to cut thru de-tox and dieting myths that make many of us sick, fat and unhappy.

In The Pink Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing social programming and emotional support to young women with breast cancer.
"The Pink Place" 8 Madison Avenue Valhalla, New York 10595 For more information,
Call 914-681-9737 or 914-764-5400
Email inthepinkinfo@aol.com

Are you confused on what to eat to lower your cholesterol? You're not alone! I've been researching the cholesterol conundrum for quite some time now while writing an E-book about it. In order to put the last finishing touches on my book, I'd like to hear from you what questions and concerns you have about cholesterol.

I'm setting up a free conference call about cholesterol on Monday January 12th at 8pm. All you need to do is to RSVP by replying to this newsletter and I'll send you the information on how to call in with your cholesterol questions.

The Bedford Environmental Summit will offer a full day of informative lectures and workshops addressing issues such as oil consumption, school food, a climate action plan for Bedford, locally supported agriculture and school and community gardens. With a roster of speakers representing some of the best minds on environmental policy, it will provide attendees with a better understanding of global and local environmental issues; information about local green resources; and specific action steps for what they can do within their community.

I hope you can join me at this important event. I'll be speaking on a panel on school food and will also be representing Slow Food Westchester at the summit.

One of the big food trends for 2009 will be foods that save you money. Eating less meat as in Meatless Mondays have always been part of my plan. Winter time is bean season. Beans can be a great inexpensive protein source that can transform into delicious meals. A crock pot can be the perfect tool to use when cooking bean recipes because they are truly foolproof. This simple black bean recipe is a great place to start.

Ingredients:
1 pound dried black beans, soaked overnight
4 slices bacon (optional)
1 small onion, diced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons dark molasses
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 fresh jalapeno pepper, minced

Directions:
Drain and rinse the black beans and place in a crock pot.
Fill with fresh water to cover the beans. Start heating the slow cooker on high.
Brown the bacon in a skillet over medium heat with the onions. Cook until the bacon is cooked and onions are softened. Stir into the beans along with the brown sugar, molasses, spices and the jalapeno.
Stir to blend, then cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until beans are tender.
Serve as a side dish, or as a filling for tacos or burritos