First Word

  I admit it's sometimes hard to be creative with these recipes. A helpful tip is to always keep your eye on maintaining the goal of fresh food. Trust me, some days I would rather jump in my car and get takeout (as I'm sure many of you feel the same way). Problem is you can't count on restaurant food not having preservatives, additives or being frozen, processed foods.  Most notably since I started the Challenge, I've been pleasantly surprised by how others are already on this bandwagon, too. I was pleased while watching Real Time with Bill Mahr on HBO to see he's taken a lead in promoting the same ideas I already have embraced. In fact, if this book had been finished, I would have pitched it to the show. I have to confess that since I became strict on staying on the guidelines for the Challenge, I've enjoyed many health benefits (and taste treats). I simply don't want to cheat on the program and go backwards. Plus, what kind of example does that set for th...