I'm working on getting some pounds off and have also eliminated sweets for a while. That doesn't stop me from wanting sweets, however. Here's a recipe that not only helps with the cravings, it helps pump up my energy level in the mid-afternoon. And while not typically party fare, a smoothie is actually very versatile, just perfect for breakfast,, brunch, or burger night. Make them very frothy and icy but without having to add ice by using very cold milk and freezing the fruit. Serve in place of ice cream shake for burgers with the kids. They will love it and you'll love that they ate fresh fruit.

This recipe takes about one minute to make and clean up if you use an immersion blender. If you don't have one, I'd suggest getting one- it is my #1 kitchen tool. So much easier than getting out the big blender or food processor!

FAST AND FRESH FRUIT SMOOTHIE

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chilled and sliced

1/2 cup frozen blueberries

1 tablespoon agave nectar

1/4 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup skim milk, super cold

dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, powdered ginger or whatever spices you like.

DIRECTIONS:

Put all of the ingredients into a glass and buzz them with your immersion blender for about 30 seconds or until smooth. If you chill the milk and the berries, you will not need to use ice and the process is fast and easy. Makes 1.

For supper, I put together a quick "hobo pack" dinner of chicken and veggies which is far superior in taste and quality to pre-packaged diet food yet equally convenient. And it is only 300 calories for a lot of food with no preservatives.

Welcome to Food Lovers Fit Club where we will do our best to support each other as we get fit, lose weight, and eat healthier.

Since I was on Food Network Star in 2012, I've changed and not in a good way. As part of my work, I've visited and eaten at hundreds of restaurants. I've traveled non-stop. I've developed recipes and taste-tested them all. I've eaten millions of amazing calories and have the pictures and the pounds to prove it. To put it mildly, it's time to do something because the weight is getting to be a problem! Today, on Facebook, I told everyone I was on a mission to cut some calories and pounds before Easter. Many of my friends offered to help me and go on the journey with me. As a result, I've created a new event page where I'll post my daily activities... hopefully, that will keep me accountable.

FEBRUARY 18, 2015

DAY 1

FOOD: I've given up sweets for Lent and am committed to more exercise. Today is Day 1.

Total calories: 1420.

I'm really bad about skipping meals and drinking enough water. Today I did much better and ate 3 small meals during the day (including breakfast) and have a lot more energy without the mid-day slump. I whipped up a fantastic smoothie in 1 minute around lunch time with blueberries and strawberries. Using the immersion blender, the whole thing took 1 minute to make and clean up. Get the recipe...

FIT:

I'm extremely lazy when it comes to the exercise! I get so bored and I do much better if I am at the gym than when I use the treadmill at home. I did 20 minutes today on the treadmill but admit to stopping because had work calls scheduled. I need to get up earlier and get an earlier start. Going to buy a Fitbit tomorrow, I think. Everyone raves about it.

What about your progress? How did you do today?