There are times when my mind wanders as to what would make a good breakfast; most of the time, I’m having a cup of steaming coffee and a Clif bar (Apricot or Blueberry Crisp are my two favourite at the moment). But there are days, like today, when I have to have something more – so I made waffle sticks and had frozen blueberries on the side.

You see, I’m a loser – and I say that in the best way possible! I’ve dropped from over 280 down to around 210. I’ve managed to keep the weight off for over a year, all the while facing adversity of a bad economic enviornment, learning how to cook on my own (no, that’s NOT what has caused me to lose the weight! LOL), and being faced with situatoins where it’s hard to make good food choices. How did I do it, then? Portion control, and exercise. I learned that I didn’t have to have the whole cow to be satisfied. I learned that I could eat smaller portions, more frequently, and still have the things I love.

My problem, however, is a serious food allergy. Sure, you’ve heard of the lactose intolerant, or the gluen or nut allergies — but mine is a bit more insiduous. I’m allergic to aspartame. Yes, that sweetener sold as NutraSweet that appears to be omnipresent in just about everything (I was disheartened when Light n Fit Yogurt by Dannon altered their formula from Splenda (Sucralose) back ot a blend which included aspartame.

How bad is my allergy, and what is it, you ask? Aspartame causes immediate and severe depression in me. I start having suicidal thoughts, and nothing but time (or anger, for some strange reason) is able to get me out of it.

The good news is that I am able to have saccherine, sucralose, or good ol’ sugar. With the amount of coffee and tea that I consume, saccherine has become my best friend. I’ve started drinking flavoured blends because it allows me to feel that I’ve been ‘naughty’ when in fact, I have not!

So, with that said, welcome to my kitchen. I try to lighten up recipes whereever I am able, without sacrificing taste.