Here I am! Today’s the day! Diet Central . . . only not, it’s Healthy Eating . . . read on . . . enjoy the MUSICA! Comes with crazy love, as usual!
First off, we should define diet. You can’t understand a word until you get the pure dictionary definition:
di·et1
/ˈdīət/
verb
1. restrict oneself⚡️to small amounts or special kinds of food in order to lose weight.
“It’s difficult to diet.”
synonyms: follow a diet, be on a diet, eat sparingly, abstain, fast.
I’ve never cared much for the word Diet. You can probably tell I don’t like “restrict.” And also not wild about “sparingly.” The entire subject has always been confusing, seems more for selling books than anything else . . . low-fat, no-fat, low-carb, Mediterranean, Vegan, Atkins, cabbage soup only, the Blood Type Diet, Volumetrics, Paleo, Nutrisystem, the Baby Food Diet 😳, too many ~ and none of the ones I tried over the years “took.” Pounds kept sneaking up on me despite the fact that I’m a life-long walker! Just wasn’t enough, I guess. I think another synonym for “diet” could easily be “failure.” All I really wanted was a little balance! So I just call my “diet” Whole-Food Eating because it’s not a diet, it’s how my mom fed us. Simple, healthy, balanced, nutritious meals. Your basic protein, roughage, fiber, fats, the stuff that feeds your brain and gives your life zing. And, best of all, I discovered there is absolutely NO reason comfort food can’t be good for you.💖
Look at that! Yum! I’ve been talking about healthy eating on most blog posts since February . . . as I’ve gone along I’ve been showing photos of meals ~ some Girlfriends have been asking for more, so I thought I’d post the entire thing. There’s no calorie or carb-counting with this way of eating, I really made it up ~ you fill your plate and eat it all ~ cravings go away, and it’s all due to plain-old-fashioned, healthy, common-sense, whole-food eating.
It all started when I began to see (for the first time because I honestly did not know it was a real “thing”) the detrimental effect of STRESS on my body. I wondered why, no matter what I did, I couldn’t lose weight and keep it off. I was getting fluffier all the time. So, I went ALL OVER the Internet to learn about invisible stress and how chemicals like cortisol produced by the brain effect our health without us even knowing it, and how I could get my brain to produce more good chemicals and less of the dangerous ones.
I learned a lot . . . there are many ways to reduce stress, everything from exercise to meditation to aromatherapy (Google for more stress info if you feel you need it), but one way to make an instant change for good is to cut out white flour and sugar. Stress LOVES sugar and together they run you down, wear you out, and make you fat, then if you aren’t careful, they give you diabetes. If you change no other part of your diet, this will give you a very wonderful head start toward better health. Learning about stress just led me naturally to a re-education of food.
I learned that fats are good (if they’re the right kind, just Google “good fats” if you want to know). That “good, 
fruity, olive oil” in the recipe above is wonderful for you! Alcohol, on the other hand, is full of sugar so I decided to save it as a treat for when we go out to dinner.👍 Water is important too. If you don’t like to drink water, add ice, a little juice or mint to make it taste better, and take it like medicine if necessary. Eight 8-oz glasses a day is perfect. There IS such thing as too much water, so don’t overdo it, but it’s a very good secret weapon for a whole variety of reasons.
I know we don’t all have the same tastes, I’m only telling 
you about what is working for me, but I’m sure with a little editing, you can find something out of all this that will work for you. I researched healthiest whole-food eating and generally speaking, I discovered that the very healthiest, fiber-rich, stress-fighting foods that fill me up and leave me happy and satisfied, are these:
you about what is working for me, but I’m sure with a little editing, you can find something out of all this that will work for you. I researched healthiest whole-food eating and generally speaking, I discovered that the very healthiest, fiber-rich, stress-fighting foods that fill me up and leave me happy and satisfied, are these:
For breakfast, it’s usually Bob’s Red Mill thick-cut organic oatmeal (which, btw, is naturally gluten-free), sprinkled 
with crunchy, chopped mixed nuts and seeds, a tablespoon of ground flaxseed, a half-teaspoon of cinnamon, blueberries, strawberries, and/or chopped apples ~ I pour toasted-coconut/almond milk on my cereal (new to me and I LOVE it) and there’s also coconut-almond cream for my tea. Sometimes breakfast is grapes, blueberries, watermelon chunks, with good granola and a little yogurt.
with crunchy, chopped mixed nuts and seeds, a tablespoon of ground flaxseed, a half-teaspoon of cinnamon, blueberries, strawberries, and/or chopped apples ~ I pour toasted-coconut/almond milk on my cereal (new to me and I LOVE it) and there’s also coconut-almond cream for my tea. Sometimes breakfast is grapes, blueberries, watermelon chunks, with good granola and a little yogurt.
We have lots of salmon, chicken, grass-fed beef, omega-6 organic eggs, and salads with all kinds of crisp, fresh, organic greens and veggies. More: grapefruit and avocado salads are so refreshing in the summer, a baked sweet potato (wash it, rub it all over with butter, salt it, bake it at 375º, slit open, sprinkle with 
seeds, have butter if you like, be sure to eat the skin. Or, make this killer sweet potato recipe. Delicious peas, roasted carrots,cauliflower rice, brussels sprouts, pea pods, broccoli and broccoli slaw, green beans, pickled onions, spinach, asparagus, artichokes, 
quinoa (which is good with everything, esp. avocado and hummus, see p. 84 Girlfriends Forever for delicious recipe), organic canned kidney, black, or white beans (Google for some easy recipes, or try my bean salad recipe). Beans are a good side-dish with everything, love those gigantic white beans, I never paid much attention to them before, they’re delicious and they’re good for you! There are also these wonderful veggie-based noodles called shiritaki I found at our supermarket, the brand is Pasta Zero . . . with them you can make full-on spaghetti with either turkey or beef meat-sauce (buy sugar-free organic tomato sauce in a jar, add it to sautéed chopped onion, garlic, crumbled burger, sprinkle with fresh basil).
quinoa (which is good with everything, esp. avocado and hummus, see p. 84 Girlfriends Forever for delicious recipe), organic canned kidney, black, or white beans (Google for some easy recipes, or try my bean salad recipe). Beans are a good side-dish with everything, love those gigantic white beans, I never paid much attention to them before, they’re delicious and they’re good for you! There are also these wonderful veggie-based noodles called shiritaki I found at our supermarket, the brand is Pasta Zero . . . with them you can make full-on spaghetti with either turkey or beef meat-sauce (buy sugar-free organic tomato sauce in a jar, add it to sautéed chopped onion, garlic, crumbled burger, sprinkle with fresh basil). 
As advertised, there are almost ZERO calories in shiritaki 
noodles, no flour, no carbs, but lots of good healthy fiber, totally satisfying, so anti-“diet,” anti-“restricted,” there are no words. Sprinkle with Parmesan for perfect comfort food. Less than 100 calories in that bowl⤴️! But who’s counting!? Have two! Or make chicken-noodle soup with them, with good healthy chicken stock and all kinds of veggies. Yum.
noodles, no flour, no carbs, but lots of good healthy fiber, totally satisfying, so anti-“diet,” anti-“restricted,” there are no words. Sprinkle with Parmesan for perfect comfort food. Less than 100 calories in that bowl⤴️! But who’s counting!? Have two! Or make chicken-noodle soup with them, with good healthy chicken stock and all kinds of veggies. Yum.
Another favorite is toasted whole-grain Ezekiel bread, which I eat maybe three times a week … with butter, and a sprinkle of seeds ~ or mashed avocado with salt and pepper. Have it with scrambled Omega-6 free-range eggs and a side of steamed veggies. Or have the toast with this! ⬇️
Meals like this are quick to make: Flash-frozen veggies like organic peas and green beans make life REALLY easy. So do the canned organic beans.
Last night for dinner I had two scrambled eggs, steamed spinach, and half an avocado sprinkled with Trader Joe’s Chile-Lime seasoning.
HEAVEN. Takes about 15 minutes to make. And plenty to eat . . . this is a “skinny” dinner . . . if I ate this every 
night I think I’d lose a pound a day. But I don’t. It’s ALL about health for me, not really about losing weight although that and getting a better understanding of stress was my original goal ~ I didn’t care how long it took, I just wanted me back.
night I think I’d lose a pound a day. But I don’t. It’s ALL about health for me, not really about losing weight although that and getting a better understanding of stress was my original goal ~ I didn’t care how long it took, I just wanted me back.
I set times of day for eating. I don’t eat until 8 am even though I get up very early, I have two cups of tea and do my stretches then begin making oatmeal at 8am. I start lunch around noon or when I feel hungry and then dinner at 6pm. I stick to that as best I can. I hardly eat between meals, all those cravings have left me, but if I have to eat something, it’s ALWAYS healthy, a piece or two of celery dipped in organic hummus, a cup of yummy Bengal Spice tea with almond cream, usually takes away any random cravings. Guacamole with plantain chips.
OR, a square of “over 70% cacao super dark chocolate” is a WONDERFUL after-lunch treat. Now I just want to lose a few more pounds, start wearing my cute belts(!) again, and STAY this way. And since eating healthy never leaves me hungry, because I LOVE the food I’m eating, because it’s SO simple, I think I can do it.
If you’re already on your way or if you’re about to jump in, Good Luck! Hope this helps! Eat well, move more, and don’t be too hard on yourself, you are wonderful just the way you are. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Start slow. ❌⭕️
BRANDS
Shirtaki noodles (made from root of the konjac plant, a pure miracle), at supermarkets.Bob’s Red Mill makes Organic Oatmeal, and lots of other wonderful products.
Also, Ezekiel Bread, and Califa Farms Toasted-Coconut/Almond Milk and Coconut-Almond Creamer. (Never thought I’d say this, but I LOVE this stuff in my tea and on my cereal, do not miss milk at all.)Mixed seeds: get them at Trader Joe’s, or here: Amazon
Make or buy clarified butter, it takes high heat, scramble your eggs in it . . . melt in pan, get bag of organic cauliflower/broccoli “rice” and saute it, salt and pepper and Yum. Fast and easy. Have it with sweet potato and salmon.
Other good oils, coconut oil, avocado oil. ~ Olive oil YES, but it’s not good to use for high-heat cooking, put it on your salads.
Here I am, bringing the requested Blueberry Angel Food Cake recipe from Heart of the Home (the new version) to a Fourth of July party . . . Lot’s of sugar but very delicious, always a hit, and rules ARE made to be broken! I follow most of the rules at home, but I’m happy to break them when I go out!
it’s a good thing!
So much happening at the Studio, here’s a quick review!
Did you get your Year in the English Countryside 2020 Calendar? If you preordered and you don’t have it yet, you will! Kellee and Sheri sent out over 900 of them this week! Yes, they’re here! Dying to know what you think? Because it was a new format for me, mostly photographs, we only had the England Calendar up for presale, but the rest of them have arrived too, the Mini, the 12 x 12 Wall, the purse calendar and the large Blotter Calendar!
And this! My brand new “Isle of Dreams” Giclee Print has finally come in! A limited edition of 750, all hand-signed and numbered. A keepsake, for anyone who’s been to the Island and fallen in love, and for all those still dreaming. Fits a standard 11″ x 14″ frame. Read more HERE.
I’m in love with the paper! It’s so thick, just like watercolor paper . . . acid free and archival too!
And the Zinnias are back too . . . watercolored flowers from my Holly Oak garden, summer of 1984, before Heart of the Home, and hanging in my Studio ever since!
Signed and ready to go!
And YESSSS! The newest cups came from England for approval. And they got it! They turned out SO gorgeous! Supposed to be here by September first, and if that isn’t perfect timing for fall, I don’t know what! Something wonderful to look forward too! See their bottoms and backsides HERE!
We still have a few of these left, I ordered enough so we would hopefully have them for Christmas this year, and so far so good! Bottoms and backsides, HERE!
(PS Save the fire for when the cups come in!) There’s more, but it’s time for me to go! And I have to save some surprises for next time . . . I have a good one coming!
Love you guys! Stay cool! Have fun. Spread the love. xoxoxo
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Hi Susan: You look GREAT! Drs orders for me to loose some pounds and your “diet” looks like what I could enjoy eating. Love the pictures. Sometimes simple is best and more easily accomplished. Thank you for another informative blog .
You’re welcome Beverly!
I am inspired with all the great healthy food ideas. These will work with my eat less, move more goals. We are on the edge of our seat waiting for the “surprises” hmmmm….always love your blog & twitter updates.
Love hearing from you Kathy!
Thanks so much, Susan! You’ve done a good thing here! ❤️
Thank you back Kim!
Beautiful pictures of colorful healthful food always inspires me to take the time to put a simply simple delicious meal together. Thank you for that little bit of extra inspiration we all need. Girlfriends are the best!
Could not agree more, thank you Karen!
Oh Susan…. you are amazing!!!! Don’t you love having a weight loss as a “side effect”? I’ve managed to shed over 40 pounds in this past year as well. My “diet” has changed too. Mostly Whole Foods and very little sugar and flour. But the question I have is this… why the almond milk? Is it necessary to stay away from a little 2% cow’s milk? Does it make a difference? Now I understand if one is lactose intolerant. Just wondering… Keep on keeping on👵🏻😇Marilyn
You get all the back and forth about dairy these days. I don’t think I have a problem, but this coconut almond milk sounded interesting and when I tried it I loved it, even in my tea! Thank you Marilyn!
Wonderful, Susan! I love this. 🙂 I’ve been trying to teach myself some ways to eat better that isn’t a diet, and this is just chock-full of great things. Trader Joe’s dark chocolate is one of my favorite things!
I LOVE how the new mugs turned out—I can’t decide if I want a Little House mug or a Castle Cottage one next, though! SOOOO many choices!
XOXOXO Thank you Emily!
We live near Bob’s Red Mill in Oregon. If you ever make it to Powells bookstore in Portland, Oregon you must treat yourself to a breakfast or lunch at Bob’s Red Mill. Incredible!
I so linger ov
er the pictures in your posts. Thnx
I can just imagine!!! xoxo HAVE to do that!
I know there’s lot to see here – but your painting of the canning jar and those flowers! SO true to life – I would think a clear jar would be hard to do. Truly – just magic:)
Thank you Karen!!!
Good for you Susan. One important message in losing weight are the health benefits. As you mentioned diabetes. Who wants that. Sometimes it’s so hard for people to know where to even start, keep on track and not get frustrated. Hopefully with your example everyone will do their best. All one can do is their best and stay positive.
Oh and I’ve been meaning to ask why you changed the script writing?
Thanks again, now for a big drink of water. Sharon
Here we go Sharon, I found it! I changed the script just for fun! As you probably know, I love fonts! Wish they gave me more choices! xoxo
Hi Susan, I hope you’re keeping cool on this sweltering Summer day. Thank you for all the eating tips! I’m a lifetime member of Weight Watchers but they’ve changed the program so many times and it’s become too time consuming and it’s actually expensive. My husband lost 80 lbs. doing what you’re doing and I’m trying to stick to eating this way, too. Our Roma tomato plants are going wild and I’m looking forward to making homemade sauce and putting it on “zoodles” with plenty of vegetables! I picked a bunch of hydrangeas and put them in a pitcher on my kitchen island and have been relaxing and reading through some of the books that I’ve collected. Hopefully I will get to some counted x-stitching! Have a great day and best to Joe and Jack. Love, Karen 🙂 xoxo
All lovely! xoxoxo
awesome post I think in our senior years our bodies really change on us and then all of a sudden “how did I put on all this extra weight-ugh” that’s what happened to me-I don’t like the word diet either, I have been really restricting high carb foods, which has helped me-losing weight is a much slower process too as seniors-I am guessing you may be a senior too-hugs Healthy-or “real” food is the best way to eat I think too hugs
Oh yes, senior! I never had trouble with weight when I was young, so I really didn’t notice the extra pounds until one day I thought I looked like a frog when I sat down! And all attempts to follow a diet failed. For years. Then February, I lost patience with it. SO glad I did! Hugs to you Kathy!
Hi Susan,
What an interesting blog today. I’m sitting here having a peanut butter sandwich and reading all the wonderful ways you have suggested to improve my eating habits. I will try to use your suggestions to ease into a more healthier eating style. I am such a creature of habit that I always have a peanut butter sandwich on whole grain thin sandwich slices for lunch, so I’m afraid that will be hard to change. However, your other suggestions will be easier to incorporate into my daily routine. You look great and are a perfect example of what you have been eating. Thank you so much for all the recipes and food suggestions!❣️❣️
I see nothing wrong with your joyful enjoyment of a peanut butter sandwich. Have you ever tried buttering the bread first? Mmmmmm!
This is SOOOOO inspiring Susan, thank you! I so desperately NEED to lose weight. I am 47 years old, but I feel 77 carrying all this extra weight around. It’s crazy. I KNOW everything I need to do and then I start but then I cave and eat whatever my craving is, which is usually something very unhealthy. After this, I hate myself yet again and say I will start “tomorrow”. Tomorrow comes and the cycle starts ALL over again. See, I grew up a bit chubby but not obese. My family has had weight issues all their lives. My weight was under control for my teenage and young adult life, then I went on antidepressants after my Dad committed suicide. I HATE blaming the weight gain on the meds, but they definitely contributed to it. I have since lowered my dosage but I am afraid to go off of them completely. So, now I need to get my health back on track. I don’t know what is stopping me, but your posts on this topic are helping me immensely. Thank you so much for listening to me babble on……Keep the healthy posts coming…P L E A S E.
Yes, weight does age us! Dragging that thing around gets very old very fast! 🤣 It’s really not about what you CAN’T have, it’s about what deliciousness you CAN have. You lay in bed in the morning and revel at the delicious breakfast you’ll be making for yourself! Somewhere around your age I realized that I could no longer pin things on my childhood or parents or situations, that from then on, I was the one in charge. It was a BIG help in the quest for happiness! I do so understand. No fear, you will be ready and when you are, you’ll do what you need to do to fall back in mad love with yourself. XOXOXOXO
Great blog dear Susan! Been thinking of eating healthier and planning to start during my vacation next week. Can’t wait for the surprise!! Enjoy your summer! ❤️
You too Nicole!
Oh Susan, your Sunshine Tomato Dressing sounds yummy. However, most of my tomatoes are grape or cherry sized (because they ripen sooner, a necessary consideration in the PNW) so can you give me a ballpark estimate of what the equivalent of 8 tomatoes might be in cups? I have a bowl of them sitting on my counter right now, just waiting to be used. Your new cups look great, too! Thanks for helping us with our stress levels, I really need it right now.
That’s one of those recipes where measurements really don’t matter, just adjust ingredients depending on how many tomatoes. But I would think that there might be 8 cherry tomatoes to a cup. Cut them in quarters so the flavors can fuse. Hope this helps!
This is perfect, Susan! With my new schedule taking care of Gene, I hardly have time to look at a recipe!! I’m going to print this off — the whole thing, and it will be my food guide in the kitchen!!! Yay!!! We already do a lot of the things you mention — just fine tuning and tossing a few things, and we are good to go!!! Thank you for making life easier!! Love your art prints! The map of MV is perfect! That heavy watercolor-like paper for prints makes all the difference doesn’t it! That’s what we use, too!! Wonderful blog! Happy mid-July!! xoxo Jane
Sometimes I think I love the paper more than the art on it! 🤣 Glad things are looking up at your house! xoxo
Golly, Susan, so many great healthy meal tips! Very appreciated.
Looking forward to the English countryside calendar!
Hope you like it Patti!
Dear Susan,
I got the blog this time! I never did resign up, because I had trouble with that. Maybe the bug worked it self out.
Working on my DIET too. I had been walking a lot until this oppressive heat hit! Plenty to do inside, plus yoga. 🧘♀️
Awaiting the mug. ⛵️
OXOX
Margot
Nutty computer world! But I’m happy it went in our favor this time Margot! xoxo
“The Skinny”
“Ewe’s Not Fat – Just Fluffy”
Of course, YOU would pick the PERFECT, eye-catching title for a BOOK! Your signature art and photographs would make this BOOK a terrific seller for women who buy “diet” books. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the gentle feel of the title…it evokes love and your gentle hand for common sense advice on reuniting with our skinny. Added journal pages for our own notes on our journey back to skinny would make it an even more perfect guide towards personal successes.
Yes, we can print off the blog, but it is NOT a beautiful Susan Branch book to use in our kitchens…to display on our cookbook stands…to lovingly turn the pages.
I truly appreciate the beautiful blog, but I want the skinny on food on my kitchen shelf/counter for handy reference. I want to pre-order “The Skinny”…
I am pushy-pushy-PUSHY, I know, but thinking about “The Skinny” book makes me smile…and even relax!!! Take a survey…see how many of us would buy this book. How about a celebration picnic in USA to celebrate our skinnier selves and the opportunity to give you personal, squeezy hugs for being our very special guru on life choices.
I can smell the newly printed pages…I can relish in the photos up close and personal…I can use the suggested shopping list and head out to stock up the pantry/fridge…I can plan out my days of eating…I can challenge myself and BEGIN “The Skinny” journey. Of course, I could rely on myself and NOT depend on YOU to do everything, BUT you make everything beautiful…even “The Skinny” book would be considered a welcome companion, not a “diet” book.
DRoooooooooooooling…when can we pre-order???
Seeds of thought for skinny…
The Pest,
FayE in CA! ❤️❤️❤️
PS: A toast to your successful journey to your skinny. Cheers & Congrats! 🍸🍸
PPSS: Just received your English photo calendar. Beautiful addition to your lineup of 2020 calendars. Thanks for each month’s journey back to England, etc. Peaceful and beautiful calendar.
You’re not a pest, you’re pure inspiration! Every word stuffed fat-full of love. XOXOXOXO
I will buy it!!!
Your timing is always perfect, Sue! I’m stopping at Trader Joe’s on my way home from work to stock up for the upcoming week’s meals, and I’m taking a print out of this blog with me! I will need all the inspiration I can get in order to break away from my carb-loving habits, and this is the perfect place to start. And I’m soooo glad that butter isn’t verboten! I will, however, need to reduce the amount of butter a little for this new way of eating…. well…. perhaps more than just a little…. ;D
Christie, grab a Trader Joe’s clarified butter! See what you think!
Okey doke! Thank you! (Oh, do you know if it is from grass-fed free-range cows? ~ I will check. My kids have been educating me on how much a nutritional difference there is between the egg and dairy products from happy grass-fed free-range cows & poultry and their more unfortunate cousins.)
I think it is, but I forget. No Trader Joe’s on the island. So we have to wait and collect when we’re out and about! Yes, about those eggs, what a difference! And brain food!
I believe clarified butter is a better alternative esp for anyone who is fighting inflammation (which weight gain can be symptomatic). I think I’ll pick up one, too :-).
Joe will make it every so often with about 8 sticks of butter. Lasts forever. Don’t know if it saves money. But the first time we got it premade at Trader Joe’s and it was very handy! xoxo
You are beautiful and an inspiration!! Thank you ❤️
How exactly do you make those roasted vegetables in the top photo?
I can never get mine quite right. Thank you!
They have to be dry before you drizzle on some oil and or clarified butter and toss. Spread into one layer. Little bit of space between pieces makes them brown better. Oven needs to be HOT, like 425º … or even hotter. Sprinkle over salt, pepper, and seeds when they come out. xoxo
Oops, I should have read this first. I asked the same thing further on down in the comments. (Sorry!) But if not clarified butter, what kind of oil?
Avocado oil is good! So is coconut oil!
Okay, that’s helpful; I wasn’t sure which oil could take the high heat. Thanks.
Just want to tell you how great you look! I too “eat healthy” and it makes such a difference in my whole being-body, mind and spirit. Am going to put in this request again but will you please do another printing of “Girlfriends Forever”?! Such a wonderful gift book for friends. Gave many out to friends when it first came out but now I have new friends I’d like to give it to. Pretty please?!
Look at it for me, is it too dated? xoxoxo
Never!!! I love that book! I reread it every so often. It’s such a positive influence. Not dated at all. Every girl (😉) should have a copy.
Laurie
=:3
Has those old websites. Recipes were mostly Low Carb! I went through to see what I would have to do to make it more modern without taking out all the old fashioned wonderful stuff like how to take a shower! Seemed a LOT to do!
Okay Susan. I pulled out my copy & paged through the entire thing. Pages 52 & 53 list some web sites which may or may not be current. There’s some info on tofu that might need an update. Just that you can eat too much of it since they found a link between tofu and estrogen.
The diet and exercise advice appears to be good, common sense served up with a side of humour. Always appreciated.
And…The recipes are to die for! The art work, as always, is to die for! The short essays and stories you tell regarding your personal experiences are…to die for. I can really see how this book led you to start your more autobiographical books.
If you were to reprint “Girlfriends”, I would be buying copies for my sister in law and my niece.
Laurie
=:3
Yes, the tofu, Ha, everything has changed. I love that book too… seems good for girls of all ages. I’ll think about it. SO SO SO expensive, and they make you print THOUSANDS. We did Heart of the Home, so glad we did, but we do have a warehouse full of them, whittling away slowly, and you know what? The government TAXES you on anything you DON’T sell in a year. It’s the nuttiest thing!
Th ank you for sharing your meal plan – all of it looks delicious and easy to prepare. Summer is the perfect time to begin with so many fresh vegetables and fruits available. Oh! and I love good surprises!
Coming soon from a blog post near YOU!
Thanks for the information and motivation!! You look wonderful!
My pleasure Lorraine, thank you!
I was almost hysterical. No blotter calendars this year! What would I do? Then like magic they were on your site! I ordered my calendars for 2020. Life is good.
Treese/Colorado Cowgirl.
Whew!!! xoxoxo
I love this post, Susan! Thank you so much. The food is beautiful, fresh, and delicious looking. This could be a wonderful new book for all the girlfriends to savor. And you look fab!
Mary from Pennsylvania
Thank you Mary!
We’ve had a lovely surplus of tomatoes from our garden this year, so I’m looking forward to trying your tomato dressing recipe! I can almost taste it now.
Oh it’s heaven. Kissed by the sun!
Susan..this is brilliant and you look amazing…..
Thank you so much ..gives a focus…..encouragement and we need to think so much about what we eat and the effects is has on our lives and well being
This could be a book…an idea…????
You could use recipes from your other books …that focus on this,..there are so many
Thank you…just wanted to print it all out..that’s when I thought this needs to be your next book…please think about it…..
Loving thoughts from the UK
Sandra from. Birmingham
I am Sandra, it’s really a wonderful idea. Yes, so many healthy recipes already in my books!
You look FABULOUS!
I have lost 33 pounds and I am back to feeling myself again. You are SO right about STRESS! Moving to a new city, new job, new house, leaving my friends and family behind – 2017- 2018 was a STRESSSSSSSSful time! In March 2019 I said ENOUGH OF THIS! And you were part of the inspiration! I also decided I wanted to feel really great when I turned 55, which will happen at the end of September. And I do feel REALLY REALLY great! Lots of walking, gardening in these steep hills of southeastern Ohio. So, thank you for that inspiration to change my eating habits for the better.
I have to also tell you, this morning when I checked my personal email address, I thought to myself “today would be a great day for a Susan Branch blog.” This happens so often, and I can’t explain what makes these thoughts pop into my head, and then WHAM – there is your blog! I love it! It’s a worldwide GIRLFRIENDS connection that must send out some cosmic energy!
We’re all in the midst of this stifling heat, and I look forward to Autumn, my favorite time of year. In the meantime, sweating off a few extra pounds is ok!
Yes, moving, what a nightmare despite the joys. Joys cause stress too and leaving everything is much harder than we ever imagine. Thrilled at how your feeling, having your old self back. Love our synergy! On the same page, as it is with Kindred Spirits! xoxoxo
Thank you for the food plan. It does look possible! So many times these plans start out with too many special things you need to purchase to get started you feel defeated before you begin!
I know! When all you really need is eggs, avocados, and spinach! xoxoxo
Hi Susan: You look absolutely wonderful – congrats! Most of us who want to lose weight hate the word diet. When I used to follow Richard Simmons, he said, “Do you know what diet stands for?” And the answer is: “DID I EAT THAT!” I love that and think about it all the time. I first got your cookbook at a home show in New Jersey back in the eighties and have been following you since. I love all your happiness and enjoy your blogs. I am glad you enjoyed Williamsburg (that’s where I live now) and what restaurants you went to. The Trellis is well known for their 12-layer chocolate cake. It is enough to serve 4 people. Keep up the happiness and good work with your healthy eating!
What a wonderful place to live, with all that amazing history, both old and new! xoxoxoxo
I would love to eat like this every day but my husband…hmmm not so much! Does Joe eat like you do?
He does, although he will often throw an additional cow on his plate! And save his ice cream until midnight. And STILL lose more weight than me! 🤣 xoxo
I’m really enjoying the fresh veggies and fruit of the summer. And my new beverage is Spindrift, which is just fruit juice and seltzer but made for lazy people like me. As always, you make even dieting sound romantic. 🙂 Happy July, stay cool!
Life is but a dream! xoxoxo
Great post, thanks! I can imagine you feel great, and your energy level is up, eating nutritious meals like this! I am inspired to try several of your ideas, they look delicious. Making my shopping list now.
Hooray for you, Gail! xoxo
Everything sounds delicious and healthy!! My daughter has changed up the way she has eaten and it’s very similar. She’s been working on me.. Going to forward your blog to her. Know she is going to give you a big thumbs up. She’s a personal trainer too and has been training my husband and me! Feel stronger and better for sure! I’ve always eaten healthy but the pounds have crept up too as I’ve gotten older so changing up my eating even more. Going to make some pasta sauce tonight to serve on spaghetti squash. Will have to try those noodles sometime too. Thanks for the inspiration as always!!!
Love,
Beverlee
SO nice to have a personal trainer in the family! Tell her I said hello! xoxox
Thank you for sharing the recipes! I had to make changes about 4 years ago due to Hashimoto’s (autoimmune thyroid issue) and it’s nice to get some new recipes or inspiration. I can tell the new change you’ve made in your eating is working, your photo looks great! 🙂 Have a wonderful summer!
Thank you Nancy . . . I probably already asked, does your Mosley name have a connection to any Mitfords?
Thanks so much for your inspiring blog post today. I’ve been trying to follow the clean way of eating and I think it is working. So not a “diet”, just plain good food like mom used to make. It’s not rigid and you can have lots of fun making up recipes and using interesting ingredients. Love your new photo, you look happy and healthy and so unstressed.
Plain good food! xoxo
Thanks for all the great info! I’ve looked for the Pasta Zero and can’t find it anywhere here, but will look on Amazon. I have a question about the ‘white flour’ …. you mentioned having French bread in the recipe…..isn’t that white flour? I’m sorry to bug you with this but I really need definition! Can I eat bread? Just not wonder bread? (not that I do) And I guess I really can’t have my wine, but Susan, Jesus drank wine! OK, I’ll try it! You look radiant and thank you so much for all your encouragement and love!
Yes, that was probably with a recipe from one of my books. French bread definitely has white flour. It’s up to you, but I probably wouldn’t need it at this point! Yes, you can eat bread, but try the Ezekiel Bread, it’s so much better for you! You may have another brand of shiritaki in your market, look for the one made from vegetable root.
Thank you, SUSAN!!!!! I really needed this today I am too very fluffy and this is something i can do… simple and yummy and I have everything already except those noodle. on my way to order them. Dinner tonight is salmon spinach fresh guac and sweet potato. I am loving this. Your cups and prints are as gorgeous as ever. I am so excited for the calendars too. I preordered from Patty. I can’t wait for ur surprise I am on pin and needles hugs to you xoxo
Hugs back to you Charissa, love seeing you wherever we are!!! xoxo
Thank you for sharing this wonderful post of recipes & tips for healthier eating! We all want to do it and are inspired when we see the photos and your text about the process that is working for you. We all dislike the word “diet” and I’m all for eating to stay healthy. You have encouraged me to work towards that goal.
Yay! xoxo
Your beautiful art makes healthy eating look like an adventure. I’ve been fighting cancer for 3 years ,and eating healthy is part of my arsenal. I really hope you publish a cookbook with a “Healthy Eating” theme.
Three years, you must be winning.💖 Sending all my love… xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Keep fighting!💪🏼💪🏼
So refreshing Susan !
Love your ideas for eating healthier and taking better care of ourselves and ones we love.
Happy to have you here!
Hi dearest Susan,
Enjoyed the blog in my inbox this evening, thank you! The recipes look super and the colours just make me want to make everything and eat it all…but not all at once! 😂
I have been told for years not to eat sugar as it causes inflammation and I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia last year…..so I try my best not to eat any! Also, for the past few years we have been sticking to real food…not much processed food at all. Just trying to keep off the alcohol now!!
Loved seeing your pretty cups and the giclee pictures.
Hugs and love to all across the Pond,
Karen Williams
Cambridgeshire
U.K. 🇬🇧
Just so you know I got it! xoxoxo
Thank-you for this inspiring post!
So welcome Terry!
Hi dearest Susan,
Enjoyed the blog in my inbox this evening, thank you! The recipes look super and the colours just make me want to make everything and eat it all…but not all at once! 😂
I have been told for years not to eat sugar as it causes inflammation and I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia last year…..so I try my best not to eat any! Also, for the past few years we have been sticking to real food…not much processed food at all. Just trying to keep off the alcohol now!!
Loved seeing your pretty cups and the giclee pictures.
Hugs and love to all across the Pond,
Karen
Cambridgeshire
U.K. 🇬🇧
Hugs flying over the water right back to you Karen. xoxoxo
Just bought, on line, TJ’s Chili-Lime powder….and several avocados ….and I have spinach and eggs….I can’t wait to make that dinner! OR lunch….
Nummy! xo
You’re simply the best, Susan. Your sensibility, humor, artistic talent, inner and outer beauty, friendship, pc language, encouragement, compassion, service, generosity, to name a few of the attributes I admire in you, make it a joy to open your blog!!! You probably blush at these compliments but they are sincere and ‘silent appreciation is of no use to anyone’. Thank you for this wonderful edition. God bless you and I would nominate you for a humanitarian award like the Nobel Peace Prize. Hugs from Washington State.
I do blush! And tear up! That was so sweet. Now you know why I love my girlfriends so much. The support is never-ending, filled with charm, inspiration, and beauty. Blessings on you Cheryle! xoxoxoxo
Your way of eating is the best one I’ve seen. Thank you so much for sharing. I am going to be 91 next month and still trying to stay healthy and keep moving . Thank you for your inspiration and beautiful quotes and fun pictures They are the best!! Hope you are feeling less stressed . Stress is a killer. Keep having fun👏🏼👏🏼
Charlene
.
You are the exact 91 I am aiming for. Your voice, even here, is an inspiration! xoxoxo
Delicious and so sensible! I have been eating Turkish yogurt and fruit for breakfast with my beloved for over a year now and have saved all the litre buckets to pick and freeze blueberries in this season!
I have ordered and paid for an English calendar from your shop, but am still waiting to be told how much extra for postage to Norway! Will your lovely Kelley email me about that?
Have a lovely summer on your island of dreams. Xx
Hopefully you’ve heard from her? I sent this note to her as wee reminder! xoxoxo Thank you Gill!
Dearest Susan- Thank you for the inspiration! I am loving this time of year with the delicious bounty from the garden, neighbors and local farms. Just the pep talk I needed to get going. You look fabulous and so does the cake! Can’t wait to make Gazpacho this week. Happy days of summer to you and Joe!
And right back to you Kerri! xoxo
Thank you Susan!!! Got my 2020 calendar yesterday! It’s luverly!!! 💕💕💕
👏 Hooray!
So proud of you Susan, sticking to good healthy eating and saving wine for special times! Wish I could be that diligent. You are also so lucky to have your organic garden right in your backyard. Is Joe following along with Sue’s Healthy eating plan too? ❤️
Yes, he is, and he’s lost much more than me because that’s what men do just to be irritating! 🙃 xoxo
Oh, just in time! Thank you! Healthy vs. diet is much more user friendly – I can do this. 6 1/2 lbs. have suddenly appeared in 2 months time and I was already way beyond my comfort zone. The stress connection makes sense and might explain a lot in my case. I think my current stress buster of a daily vodka tonic is working against me. Hard to give up on summer evenings but…choices. Make them and reap the rewards. You did! Bravo!
Maaaaaybe, and I’m just saying, have it with diet tonic? Weaning is always good! Thank you Mimi!
Got my calendar today! Love it… since I’ve been to England twice it was the
more so relavent for me. I also have your Fine Romance tea mug…
Thank you so much for bringing memories back to me!
I hope you enjoy your year in the countryside! xoxoxo
You have lost weight and look great!!! This blog is a great start to the weekend!!
Cheerio and thank you!!
Cheerio right back to you Judy!
Thanks for putting this together! Will the glycee prints be st the Simon Gallery this summer? Love my calendar! On July, what’s between the dog and sheep? Fleece that has been sheared? Have a great summer!
I do think Robin is carrying them! Yes, they gave us a shearing display too! You could even do it yourself!
This is something I think I can do. Thank you
Love hearing it Tammy!
Hi Susan
Love love love hearing about your meals and how you are eating. I am trying to eat the same. Your right its not hard to do and so filling. Love all your ideas* on what to eat also. Your zinnias are fabulous* just like you***
deezie
Just like you Deezie! xoxo
Got the photo calendar today, great job! Nice and sturdy, good quality paper, big enough, and great photos. Now if only it could transport me physically to that beautiful island and countryside!
I know EXACTLY what you mean! Maybe after a month on the wall! . . .
Thank you very much Susan! I am coming to many of the same conclusions, but you have helped to seal the deal❣
You look great, and your suggestions and tips are most helpful…here’s to our continued successes, good health, some weight loss, and joy❣ 🍓🥦🍉🥑🍑🌹
xoxo Thank you dear!
I started healthy eating on May 1. I feel much better and have lost 28 pounds. It surprised me how easy it was to give up ice cream every day and juice in the morning. I made other changes and it has been remarkably easy. Thanks for the tips. My nutritionist/dietician will love them.
Twenty-eight pounds is not just whistling Dixie! Congratulations Nancy!
Oooo you are looking ever so healthy and happy! thanks for your wonderful photos of all your healthy foods and the recipes. cheers, from your friend down in charleston sc!
Thank you Susan, nice to hear from you!
Thanks for being a role model. I started Weight Watchers or “WW” as it’s called now, and I’ve lost 14 pounfs so far. Like you, I don’t want to be “skinny” just healthy. It feels so good to eat better. I hadn’t realized I wasn’t eating nearly enough fruits snd veggies. Here’s to eating well, and feeling great!
I think, as the years go by, we get in a rut. Quit changing it up. Forget about peas, or beans, or whatever. There’s SO much delicious variety out there!!!
I’ve never liked the word diet either. It just feels restrictive, plus the first 3 letters spell “die”. I’d much rather eat to live! There are so many wonderful fruits and vegetables available right now and the pictures you’re showing are an inspiration for meals!
LOL on those first three letters!!!! xoxoxo
My Weight Watchers leader always said diets are what you “cheat on” or “break” or “go off,” such a loaded word! Much better to think of it as the foods we eat to enjoy, and healthy nutrition to nourish our bodies, as you do.
I’ve appreciated your ongoing blogs with recipe suggestions…well done, and thank you!
Yesss! I’m LOVING this food. Look forward to every meal! I don’t even WANT to break it!!! xoxoxo
You look fantastic. Always trying
my best to eat healthy. Began a similar
eating plan to yours about 10 months ago.
Feel better although the weight comes
off too slowly for me. Slow is better I know.
Keep up your excellent work.
I envy you, your talent, and being in MA.
Long-time residents of MA, Cape Cod,
finally took the plunge and moved to
Central Florida. Will always miss MA
especially the Cape. ❣️🌴
I know. Once you’ve had the seasons, time passes, and as it does, you miss them even more! Come visit in winter, could make you feel better in more ways than one! xoxoxo
I have to tell you that I was so excited to read about the shirataki noodles on your blog a few months ago and have loved having “pasta” in my life again! I have been working on losing weight since recovering from a health problem last year and cutting carbs always works best for me. So far I’m down 23 lbs. and want to lose another 10 lbs. or so to get to my happy weight. Thanks so much for your great support and information to benefit us all. I love that you share your successes and how-tos with all of us galfriends.
WOW, 23 lbs! What a difference! Yes, for me too, I love pasta and comfort food, and finding those noodles was a true gift!
Always lovely to see a post from you. Some delicious things here.
Great eating plan Susan! I just wondered if you’ve tried using grass fed, organic Irish or French butter, Kerrygold is my absolute favorite and so soft. They sell both at TJ’s and most grocery stores, give it a whirl!
Love Kerrygold too. I try every butter I see, have a thing for it! Thank you Colette!
I just used Kerry Gold to make Mr. Tom’s grilled sandwich. Soooo good. I was ‘good’, too, and had a wonderful chicken salad with dried cranberries, toasted walnuts on salad stuff….and a bit later I’ll have a small piece of the rhubarb (rubab, or rubub, as they say in Down East Maine) pie I made yesterday with our own rhubarb. Next on my to do list is making another jug of gazpacho. Will be so nice during this heat wave!
All sounds fabulous and delicious!!! Stay cool Debbie!
Love love love this post! I’m so done with “diets” … you just reinforced everything I’ve always known and what I’ve spent my life studying. Also … your Sunshine Tomato Dressing is a weekly staple in my summer menus. THANK YOU!❤️
I am still waiting for our tomatoes to ripen and it’s almost killing me!!! I should go to farmer’s market and jump the gun!!! XOXOXO
Losing one pound of weight = losing 4 pounds of pressure off the knees. I have lost 48 pounds of pressure this summer! If I can do it, anyone can!
Happy Summer to all!
I think like that too! Pressure off your lower back too! xoxo
What a great post! I love to read all about whole foods eating with pictures, too! Love it! Such an informative newsy letter. I look forward to hearing from you. Have a great summer, and stay cool!
You too Sally!
This is soooo wonderful! Taking all your tips and working on them a little at a time but it’s past time to get serious. I have to ignore the drama that seems to keep finding me. If I do, maybe it will stop! The recipes are always a help. You have a photo of what looks like cabbage and apples slivers or radishes, not sure. What is in that bowl, did I overlook what it was? It’s between the scrambled eggs and pink grapefruit splash. It looks so appetizing. And you look really great in the photo. Visual results are a good motivator for me, although I may have seen it before but on my phone. (smaller photo) I need to make some changes as I have a great deal of inflammation and it’s so bad for so many things that are starting to occur.
I received my English Countryside calendar the other day and couldn’t wait to sit with my Corgi cup full of tea…I like black tea too as that’s what I was raised on with my Irish parents. But I stopped taking sugar in my tea when I was a teenager. Do you remember all the various shortages in the early to mid 70s? Sugar was one of them so we had to stop taking sugar in our tea as my mother refused to give in that nonsense! God love her. I don’t take sugar in anything, even coffee. My tastes lean to savory and crunchy but that means lots of carbs. ANYWAY, I love the calendar photos, they are so heart warming and charming. Very peaceful. And I really love the art work bordering them. Some look new to me. The blue and white is my favorite.
I printed this blog so I can keep it in the kitchen and start incorporating more into our daily meals. My husband bought some broccoli slaw today, which we only started eating it and eating it cooked, because of one of your blog posts.
Sorry for the long post. I just get so excited when they come as I believe God is teaching me something through them, for me to return to who I am, which is essentially what you share with us each month and the beauty you have surrounding you and the beauty you create. 🙂
Thanks again~
In that bowl was the beginnings of cold slaw! Your last paragraph touched my heart. Love you too Maureen. oxoxoxo
Thanks, I should have known with cabbage as an ingredient. 🙂 I forgot to share with you my husband found Pasta Zero, at Walmart of all places, last week. We haven’t tried it yet, but plan on it for Monday or Tuesday. I’ll let you know what we think. Have a great weekend.
Be sure to rinse it well. I hope you like it!
Maureen, I enjoyed your post and wanted to comment that I too felt the same as you. A number of years ago, after a long period of troubles and the accompanying depression, Susan helped me to return to myself too. I actually used those words too and yours immediately struck a chord with me. She helped me to remember who I am and what I like and what is important to me. And for that she forever has my unending gratitude and loyalty and love. Inspiration and joy just ooze out of everything she does and who she is. Kindred spirits are abound here xo
Oh Charissa, you are making me cry. It’s hard for us to figure out who we are, then one day we wake up, and there we are! What a nice surprise! Love you dear! xoxo Now YOU are the inspiration!
Love you too, Susan. Actually, I remember what your Dad said, so I will say it from him and from me… I Love you, Sue, I love everything about you.
xo
BURSTING into tears now. How I miss him! Thank you Charissa. 😭😘
Reply #2 Hugs to your heart, Susan and Happy Birthday to your Dad. (I saw on Twitter) I really felt connected to him somehow when I was typing you. I hope that doesn’t seem weird. It was such a wonderful thing to say to someone you love and it really stuck with me after you shared it with us. I have tried to say it to all of my family because of you both. Thank you for that. I can only imagine how much you miss him. I know that he lives on in you and he is watching over you. xo
Brought him right home to me Charissa, I LOVED it. Thank you sweet person. xoxoxo
Charissa, I just saw your note to me. Thank you for your kind and hope filled words. It does sound like we have had similar experiences. I too had troubles, depression and moderate to severe hormonal issues including some loss of memory. Although thankfully some of my memory has improved. I agree that all that Susan does is of great beauty, worth and joy. Kindred spirits for sure. Thanks again. xo
Hugs to you, Maureen! That sounds like a very troubling time and my heart goes out to you. I am so glad to hear you have improved. Thank you for sharing of yourself. It is nice to have someone that understands. See you here again next time:) xo
This is exactly what I needed to see at this moment. The heat index is 106 and all I want is ice cream. But. I decided this morning that today is the day to get back to my healthy eating (not diet here either). I had wandered far and wide after being in a good place for a long while. And then before going on an ice cream run, I opened my email and found your inspiration, in both pictures and words. Perfect! Thank you!
Timing is everything! xoxoxo
Gail, you could also try freezing fruit: a banana, grapes, or, just until slush stage, watermelon; all are refreshing and healthy alternatives. Enjoy!
I find that I need a program in order to lose weight. Someone to be accountable to. So 3yrs ago, I rejoined Weight Watchers and managed to lose 62 lb in 8 months. I’ve also managed to keep it off. Most of what you talk about is part of WW. We say we are not on a diet, we have changed our lifestyle. I applaud your discipline and being able to lose on your own. Keep up the good work. You will feel so much better when you get to your goal. I’m off my blood pressure medications and can walk and tolerate exercise so much better.
Any way we can do it, or even NOT do it at all, our own choices, is perfect for me!!! It’s really such an individual thing! Love to hear your successes!!!
You look amazing in that photo. Thanks for encouraging all of us.
Spreading the good word! xoxoxo
Every food looks good on pretty dishes. My favorites were the salmon, beans, and tomatoes. The pitcher of water with the lemons, cucumbers, and mint(?), so refreshing. Happy 50th Anniversary of the walk on the moon🌚🌒👨🚀👨🚀👨🚀
Have you been watching those re-enactments? Riveting!
~Susan~
Thank you for sharing the healthier eating, I know I can do this too!! but of course those little cravings always get me , would M&M “peanuts” be healthy haha?! You look great , how much have you lost since starting, and I was wondering if Joe has lost any weight ?men seem to lose faster just giving up a piece of bread !!
Have a lovely weekend!
xo Paula
IN
Yes, Joe too. And you’re right. It’s so unfair! I’m getting close to 30 lbs now! That’s a LOT of butter!
This has to be the epitome of the most ignorant posts you have ever written. Just what women need, another “diet” plan to reinforce every female on this planet’s struggle with their body image issues. And Suie? Organic, Trader Joe’s, & Whole Foods products do not fit in to anyone’s budget who are subsisting on Food Stamps & Food Pantries for their meals. BTW? Go ahead & Google “Food Stamps”. We both know you don’t know what they are. It’s okay you won’t allow my comment to be posted. But I believe you truly need to be knocked out of your Ivory Tower now & then.
Trader Joe’s is much cheaper than our supermarket. Which is why I love it. Sorry this wasn’t your cup of tea. I know what food stamps are. You are a very good Ivory Tower knocker. Not that the world needs more of that. “Suie” was my favorite.
I am so sorry you had to read that last comment. We, the girlfriends, love you. ❤️ Pphhtt to the haters!
Laurie
=:3
I know. xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
It was so disturbing just now to read such a bitter comment. Harsh words in print are almost worse than if said in person. What happened to, ‘if you can’t say anything nice, just don’t say it’.
They are harsh. Never get comments like this. Would be very difficult to me to press “delete.” Wasn’t sure I should, or should NOT, publish it. What do you think I should do if it ever happens again? I CAN stop free speech around here, but I don’t feel all that good doing it!!! 🤗 On the other hand, I hate subjecting my darling kindred spirits to it. Not what we come for!
Wow. I wanted to treat myself to some time to read all the sharing and comraderie between all the girlfriends today and found this. I am sorry, Susan. You did not deserve that and have done nothing wrong. If that is her true opinion of you than why is she still here. I just read a quote that said… “Our reactions to other people, their words and behaviors, their actions, and their opinions is often nothing more than our insecurities and issues pouring out in an unhealthy manner. Our lack of respect for others is a byproduct of our unhappiness with ourselves.” So don’t you worry. We all see that. You are good and wonderful and wanting the best for everyone and of course not perfect (who is? Not me), but you are my friend and this makes me angry to see someone say something like that to you. Especially, when you give so very much to us all the time year after year. So hugs to you. Luv you always xoxo That being said, i still feel compassion for her because i would venture to say that all of us, at some time in our life, have felt so bad about ourselves that we lashed out and said something we weren’t proud of our couldn’t even see why it was wrong because we were in so much internal pain. She has to have good in her for liking you enough to be here in the first place, i hope. So I will say to her that i hope whatever she is going through resolves and she knows that not everyone is against her and send a hug.
It’s how mad she was that interested me, because I’m only trying to help! You’d think she would see that and give me the benefit of the doubt. But she was angry. This is such a rare event. Really never happens. Everyone is SO SOSOSOSOSOSO NICE! I feel surrounded with love. So don’t worry! And yes, it’s a good sign she found here way here, and I hope she comes back. I send hugs to her too. I’m never mad. And hugs to YOU dear Charissa! xoxoxo
This is the first time I have read a sad, disrespectful comment on Susan’s blog. I live on a meager Social Security check every month. I learned how to do without and still eat healthy. Rid yourself of your anger by walking more. This is not the place for animosity. You didn’t even leave your dream name. 😕
It never happens Peggy, really. I post everything. Including this, despite her anger. Don’t worry dearest Peggy. xoxoxo
I’m picturing an Ivory tower with Trailing lobelia and nasturtiums, cozy picnic table and chairs at the bottom with lots of terrific salad and seeds to munch on. Piffle I say, to mean spirited comments. Sometimes a person is having a bad day and it just comes out. I’m sending a vision of the blue bird of happiness to her.
I got my Moon cup a couple days ago and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Its my favorite. So happy sipping from it. Gotta try the avocado and spinach routine, looks so good.
Perfect, bluebird of happiness! xoxo
soundsofsilence, we all heard you! Ouch.
Some in this country are struggling with our foundation of free speech and Susan believes in our forefather’s words of wisdom that established us as a nation. Susan believes in free speech as shown in publishing your comment. Everyone has an opinion. She is not the ego that believes she is the righteous answer to all things womanhood.
Most women struggle with body self-image and the challenge to love themselves…even when they are fit and lovely! You are right, society has put a burden on women when it comes to our body types. Susan actually respects all of us no matter our shapes or beauty.
Susan would never disrespect any one of her Girlfriends’ personal journeys. It seems that reading this blog has caused you stress. I am sorry for that. Sometimes I feel that my days and myself aren’t good enough after reading a blog from Susan, but that is MY fault! Again, self love. Susan shines her light of energy, joy and friendship. However, would you want to read a blog from her that shares her dark days, her sadnesses, her disappointments and her rage? She has chosen to be uplifting for all of us…many who may be in difficult places, but Susan is HUMAN and therefore not without her own sadnesses, hurts, frustrations…and yes, rage. Negativity is not her cornerstone for life.
I hope that joy will come to you in small ways…like the chirp of a baby bird, the bud of a flower, the notes of music, the hug from a small child…like Susan says…”It’s the little things”…and they are all free.
Susan does not expect Girlfriends to be Stepford Sisters…perfect and all identical. It is our differences in looks, life experiences, financial situations…and, yes, body types that make Girlfriends a cross section of womanhood. I have learned so much from Girlfriends’ comments and seen so many words reaching out to a Girlfriend having hard times. This blog has a happiness vibe that reaches to women across the world, literally, and puts motivation and joy into her Girlfriends’ hearts. I am sorry that this blog did not do that for you.
Many of us have a perceived “perfectness” of Susan which is the fault of those of us who have put her on a pedestal!!! She doesn’t put herself anywhere but another woman living her life her way. She would never want to live in an Ivory Tower…too many steps down to her garden!!
And, most importantly, Susan is very aware of food stamps…she may not be relying on them as you need to, but she is compassionate about our country’s citizens. AND! Since she doesn’t live in that Ivory Tower, she meets women walking many paths of lives through her blog, her travels and her book signings while chatting with multitudes of us.
Everyone has value even when we don’t feel that we do.
Joy to all.
PS: Susan really IS perfect for herself…and me. ❤️❤️❤️
So nice FayE, and you know, I’m FAR from perfect (even for my own critical self), but I figure, we’re all about the baby steps, and if I can do this, go to England, put a flower in a vase, lose weight, ANYONE can, but ONLY if that’s their very own cup of tea. xoxoxoxoxo
Clearly, some people online will say something in print that they wouldn’t say to your face, so I guess the big, wide, ‘wild frontier’ of the internet is, in general, ripe for lack of reserve under the guise of free speech.
(There’s a lot of people out there who are hurting; they lash out.)
My husband (my rudder) says that there’s no first amendment rights on personal blogs; that private business is not the government. We have to sign up to leave comments here for you (with name and email address); in so doing, we’re ‘subscribing’ to (and accepting) your content, and you’re the gatekeeper (moderator) of your own site. You have control of the content of what you post and that includes the comments. You’re the owner. You decide.
(So, I guess that’s one opinion. I think you have a lot of other blog owners here who are also your commenters; wish they’d weigh in to help answer your question. It must take a thick skin to create and own and manage a blog. Bravely put yourself ‘out there’. A lot of work! Of course you’re also trying to run a business. Stress! Blogs are so dramatically changed from how they started out so long ago [online journals, sometimes only intended for family and friends].)
I was just feeling so bad for you to have to read something hurtful when you’re only trying to be helpful; and, of course, the rest of us will jump to your defense. MANY of us wanted to know all the details of your new way of eating. You were merely answering!
I read very few blogs these days. On two of them (both feel-good blogs about, again, gardening and beach reads, collecting & antique-ing, food and fun; nothing controversial), one refuses to print the hater comments and the other just lets it flow; so it’s a very individual choice as the blog owner.
But I also can make a choice as blog reader.
(And go to another blog. Or just read the author’s post and not scroll down to a negative comment section. I get enough negativity in my everyday world; I don’t need it in my cyber world, too. If the community on a particular blog isn’t friendly to each other or toward the blog owner, who needs it? There are SO many blogs from which to choose where to spend time. Thing is, when the community IS good, like what’s usual and the majority of Susan Branch.com, you get so much from reading the ‘Girlfriends’; like, for instance, when everyone threw in comments about visiting Colonial Williamsburg; I so loved all those tips!)
It’s so rare. But I think if it ever happens again, I’ll just delete it. No reason to put people I love through total nonsense. xoxoxo
Wowza! I’m sorry you felt compelled to be so ungenerous. Maybe you were too busy to actually read the post. It was all about eating to FEEL good, strong and energetic. Women across all economic lines can make better food choices(and lots of other choices) when information is shared.
Written by a woman with a heart deeply rooted in gratitude, this AD FREE blog, encourages each of us to bloom where we’re planted while reaching for the stars!
Tawni Urrutia
No ads for my Girlfriends. Enough of it in the real world!!! This is OUR corner. Love you Tawni. xoxoxo
This is truly the BEST blog out there. No ads, so uplifting and happy. PLEASE don’t ruin it with negativity. Maybe you should take your own name into consideration and listen to the sounds of silence. Meditation might help.
Thank you Susan for your lovely, uplifting newsletters! They never fail to inspire. After a summer of grandkids in the house I needed these wonderful ideas to get me back on tract with eating healthy. Bonnie
Happy to hear it Bonnie! xoxo
Thanks so much for these great ideas on simple fresh food meal planning. I am a picky eater (don’t love tomatoes and really don’t like beans) but I think I can take these ideas and make some healthy substitutions. I do know from past experience that once you start eating healthy foods, the cravings for carbs and sugar do go away. The hard part is getting started and making that commitment! I really appreciate the motivation though especially since the pictures of your meals look so yummy! 😋 Here’s to a healthy and active summer! ☀️
Good luck Wendy, there’s really something for everyone out there!
Oh Susan, I really needed a “girlfriend” chat today…a bit low..and after this…I’m rising up and feeling much more positive . Thank you sooo much for the encouragement and the loving support you send out so often!! My calendar arrived too and I LOVE IT !!!!! XXOO Sara
Love having you here Sara!
I am inspired……
👍
I LOVE this!! Printed it out, and now I have my very own “Lookin’ Better Every Day” book – – full of dozens of helpful tips and great recipes. Some months back, when you first wrote about your oatmeal with delicious things added to it and coconut/almond milk, (it sounded like dessert!), I went out and bought all the ingredients – – things I would never have thought to add to oatmeal. What a great way to start a morning! Then I started to pay attention to other recipes and ideas you had about eating. I really didn’t think about it as a diet – – just great food. One day, when putting on my slacks, I was surprised to realize I could almost pull them up to my rib cage, and it dawned on me that my tummy was getting smaller. Well, I’d like you to know, I’m down 7 pounds since May!! And it came off without my even thinking about it. YAY!!! I was just having fun with food. It’s definitely not a diet. It’s a way of life. So, this has become my newest hobby. So fun when you can “see” results!! 🙂 Thank you so much, Susan. You are such an inspiration!
Hearing that tickles my happy bone Ruth, exactly how it should happen! Yay for you! xoxoxo
Since you paint watermelon slices with black seeds, I thought I’d point out that you will have a hard time finding that kind of watermelon now. They mostly have white seeds….which is the indication that it’s GMO….isn’t that awful???!!!!!
Worse, no seeds at all! I try to actually BUY the kind with seeds. And the curly tough spinach with all the sand in it. Give me the old fashioned REAL food. Don’t fix it for me! Some people really hate that our industries are “being regulated” but I wish they’d regulate the HECK out of food industry. Remember when we didn’t have to worry about chicken, eggs, GMOs, pesticides, and having to cook things to death? The almighty dollar wins every time these days. No GMOs allowed in England makes eating in restaurants there a whole lot more fun!
Just to make you laugh, Lynn (I hope)…I live in the UK but we have an Anglo-American family close by and they invited us to their 4th July pot luck barbecue. Amongst other things, I decided to make fresh Watermelon Lemonade. Let me tell you…our watermelons definitely have black seeds, About a million of them! I had to purée a whole 16lb melons-worth of flesh and it took mr about 3 hours to get all the seeds out! But it actually was worth it because the lemonade was gorgeous and a huge hit with our friends. Xx
.
did you get my comment about black vs white seeds in watermelon?
Yes! Wrote you back! xoxoxo
Thank you, Susan!❤️ Love your column so much! You seem to always hit on the topics that are going on in my life too! Stay cool! You are an amazing artist!🎁 You rock!
XOXOXO Marcia!
Usually really enjoy your blog, and love the occasional recipe. Lately, you seem to be more about your eating plan than anything else. I may be in the minority, but I have not enjoyed them as much.
Only this blog post, because so many asked. I always love to include homey recipes. Sorry to disappoint, I will do something different next time! xoxoxo
Susan!! So happy you are succeeding with your new LIFESTYLE. We have a lifestyle too, we are whole food, plant based. And it is great!!!!
Thanks for the wonderful photos of FOOD!!!
Hugs,
Linda in PA
Happy you liked them Linda!
Hi Susan, thank you for the wonderful inspiration of healthy eating. I love what you eat! For the most part, I eat healthy, just too much of it. I also stress eat and eat out of boredom. And summer cocktails, wellll………
But I am inspired to do better. Trader Joe’s “Everything but the bagel” seasoning is so good. Thank you again for making my day.
Love, Stephanie
Thank you back Stephanie! xoxo
Watermelon with lime juice- a great summer desert!
Heaven!
I have tried so hard to love those Shiritaki noodles. I just can’t. 🙂 I do like spaghetti squash though and zucchini noodles that I spiralize. So I guess I’ll have to stick with those. All of your food looks so delicious!
Are you getting the soy ones or the root ones? Rinse like crazy and make your sauce more garlicy! But the veggie noodles are good too. Zucchini, fyi, very GMO, so watch for that. xoxoxo
Lovely blog as usual. Thank you for all the fresh healthy food ideas and encouragement. I keep trying!
Trying is my favorite word in the English language. Nothing matters more. Never give up is the key to success!
Thanks for “dropping in” today, Sue! Loved the food ideas. Healthy eating looks good on you! Can’t wait to try avocado toast with my homemade grainy bread. There is always at least one photo in your post (often more) that gives me a heart hug full of old-timey memories. This time it was the one of the 1950’s water pitcher with lemon and mint. I grew up with one of those and it shouts happy summer times under the sycamore trees to me (I’m from California too). Have a great summer week.
Love hearing that! We make things so pretty for our eyes! xoxoxo
Thank you, thank you, thank you Susan!
My pleasure Amy!
Thank you so much for your inspiration and simple ideas. I have been reading your books and ordering your calendars since the 90s when my children were small. You are my favorite and always have been! Keep on keeping on being you.
You’re dear to say that Kristy! xoxoxo
You look fantastic; it is easy to switch to better choices when you are open to it. I think your post will be a great conversation starter for many that follow you; you’ve done good girlfriend!
I love that. My dad always said that, you done good. xoxoxo
❤️ My Dad said that too ❤️
Dear Susan, I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful healthy eating ideas, I recently joined Noom on line, the two combined should…I say should make me a winner too!
You bring such joy into my life reading your joyful and encouraging words and wonderful watercolors. Love hearing about everyday happenings, comings and goings ,it is somehow soothing to my spirit.
Thankyou for casting your spell and sharing, Your devoted follower, Jill
Thank you back dear Jill! xoxoxoxo
Susan,
What a wonderful surprise at the end of a long hot week to find you had put up a new post. Thank you so much for sharing your transition to eating good ol’ healthy whole foods. I have studied nutrition for over 30 plus years and it all keeps coming back to vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish, whole grains and nuts. Getting off the sugar and processed foods is key to feeling better and really doing the best for our overall health and longevity. You are doing it the right way by gradually transitioning and also treating yourself on special occasions. Keep us posted on how it is going and new recipes you are trying. For a great easy workout to add to your daily walk you might want to try Classical Stretch with Miranda Esmond -White. Her show is on PBS or you can order her DVDs. It is an excellent workout for all ages and you will be amazed at how your stamina and over all strength with increase. Plus she also has great exercises to help with balance and other issues we encounter as we age.
Sorry I got a bit carried away but I just so excited for you.
Any update on the possible movie deal??? Can’t wait for your new book to be out and I have also pre-ordered you latest mugs.
One more thing – thank you so much for including the sweet little plate vase with my order of the tiny pitcher and vase that I had ordered back in December. It was not necessary but I love that you are always so thoughtful to all of us. Take care and enjoy the rest of this lovely summer – best to Joe.
I know how you feel! Thank you, I’m sure our kindred spirit Girlfriends love your inspiration as much as I do! There is someone new looking at the movie deal right now . . . they never want me to talk about it while in infancy, so I don’t but you know it kills me! Oh yes, a thank you for patience is always necessary when possible. I can’t tell you how upset I was putting everyone through that. But the Girlfriends could NOT have been kinder! Thank you Julie! xoxoxo
Susan, thank you so much for another wonderful blog! I have been struggling with being healthy for many different reasons, for most of my life. Your photos of the food you’re eating and the encouragement to not “diet” was just what I needed to hear. Stress has been so much a part of my life for so long, I was beginning to act like it’s normal and nothing can be done about it. Your blog is very soothing for me, so again, thank you!
Get some lavender oil and smell it every night before bed. It actually sends the GOOD chemicals to your brain. Dark Chocolate too . . . meditation too. You can google, how to combat stress.
Love this blog post. So much yummy food! I too am feeling the effects of stress right now & know it’s not good. I start off the week ok with plans to prep my lunches & healthy snacks but it seems to all go haywire by Wednesday. 😔 I need new lunch inspiration, easy, quick & healthy is what I need right now. Co-workers are no help btw, they love to celebrate with sweets but so glad they like to celebrate ❤️
Before you get out of bed, lay there and plan your three meals. Done! Take cold salmon, carrot sticks, celery, broccoli & hummus with avocado half to work. They will be so jealous.😁