Pineapple-Ginger Shrimp Cocktail

Combining the tropical treasures of pineapple and ginger with America's favorite shellfish results in a delectable taste sensation. Cooked, shelled shrimp should look succulent and plump with no hint of ammonia odor. Fresh pineapple spears are available in the produce section of most supermarkets.Ingredients:

9 fresh pineapple spears (about 1 package), divided
1/4 cup apricot fruit spread
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 pound medium cooked shrimp (about 32)
1medium red or green bell pepper, cored and cut into 12 strips

Preparation:

1.Chop 3 pineapple spears into bite-size pieces; combine with preserves, onion, ginger and black pepper in medium bowl.
2.Arrange shrimp, bell pepper strips and remaining pineapple spears on 6 plates or in 6 cocktail glasses. Top with pineapple mixture.
108 calories per serving; makes 6 servings.

Are you reading your food labels? Make sure you look at the number of servings in the package, calories per serving, as well as the amount of fat, carbohydrates and protein.

Here are a few healthier lifestyle choices to encourage around the office:
• Cut back on beverages, like regular soda, with high sugar counts.
• Encourage bringing a low-fat lunch to work instead of opting for fast food.
• If you eat out at lunch, grab a takeout box to keep portions in control.

Inch by Inch Update

The Centennial Experience

How are you doing on your first goal? What was that one thing you chose to work on for the first couple of weeks after keeping and reviewing your food journal? Now that you've made that initial change, what is the second change you are willing to make? Tell it to your weight loss buddy so they can help keep you accountable for making that change!

DO create a plan. DON’T wait for "someday" to roll around. Setting the goal is just the first step. Know where you’re going, what resources you’ll need, who can help and – most importantly – what Plan B is when life throws a monkey wrench into Plan A.

DO start small. DON’T focus on too many things at once. Try focusing on one goal at a time. Use a small goal that you know you can do each day for the next two weeks, like getting up without the snooze or drinking eight cups of water. Build that first habit to boost your confidence and pick up speed.

DO write it down. DON’T forget to give yourself a deadline. Deadlines turn wishes into goals. The act of writing down your goal is powerful enough to keep you committed and focused. Better yet, find a visual that represents your goal or how your life will be different. Seeing it makes it seem more possible.
 

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Ingredients