Lucky that I’ve found this recipe that lets me have BBQ back in my diet. This homemade BBQ sauce uses less sugar and instead focuses on spices and onion to get an amazing BBQ flavor without packing in more calories.

• 1 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups water
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup lemon juice
• 4 white onions, chopped
• 1 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/3 cup ketchup

*I like my spicy so I’ve added in some crushed red pepper flakes or Sriracha.

Instructions

1. Add all of the ingredients besides the ketchup to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn to low and simmer for around 25 minutes, stirring every 3-5 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and add ketchup.
3. Serve warm or store in the fridge for later.

Love recipes — me too, grab 30 more right here!

The post I Love Me Some BBQ appeared first on Kim Barnes Jefferson.

Are you sabotaging your own weight loss’ Find out. #diet
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One of the biggest myths about dieting and weight loss is that it’s a temporary solution. When you set out to lose weight by changing your diet, that should be something that you adopt permanently or, over time, you’re simply going to see the same problems begin to arise all over again. However, just making those changes might not be enough to keep the weight off because, as creatures of habit (and being prone to take the easy route) there are easy ways to slip and sabotage all of your hard work. Here’s some quick things you should be looking out for that could bring your weight loss progress to a screeching halt.

1. Falling back into old habits. Let’s start off by coming right out and saying that nobody’s perfect. We make mistakes, it’s all part of being a human being and that goes double for weight loss. Whether it’s a quick unhealthy snack or leaning on some comfort food during a stressful time this kind of eating can be damaging to your weight loss goals. That’s not to say that slipping occasionally or allowing yourself a few treats every once in a while is bad. Just the opposite, unless your dietary restrictions are for medical reasons an occasional treat can help stick with your healthy in the long run. Let’s be honest, willpower can only take you so far. This is why I encourage all of my clients to have 2 treat meals built into their plans. This keeps them from losing their stuff and going on a bender. If you feel like you’re slipping a little more often than you’d like then try keeping a food diary and at the end of the week look at everything you’ve eaten. It doesn’t need to be fancy. A food journal is very telling and can help you see where you maybe over doing it.

2. “Healthy” substitutions.  A huge mistake that a lot of people make, especially if they’re new to dieting and weight loss, is trying to go for a healthy food choice over an unhealthy one that can be just as bad for you as what you’re switching out. One thing in particular is switching out fruit juice for sugary drinks like soda. We’ve been told all our lives that fruit is healthy, but if you’re not selective in your choices you could just be pumping yourself full of unhealthy sugars. Opt instead for something hydrating and equally delicious like herbal teas or (responsibly) flavored water. There plenty of “faux” health foods that make you think it’s better than the real thing. Here are a few examples.
   • Example one
   • Example two 
   • Example three — just in case I haven’t convinced you.

3. Twelve of one, dozen of the other.  A big part of maintaining healthy weight loss is making sure you portion your foods properly. The problem with that is that the reigning mentality when it comes to food is, generally, that more is better. When setting new portions you should try to avoid the pitfall of eating too much. Although it may be healthy we still want to make sure that you aren’t over eating.

If you have struggled with losing weight and are tried of counting steps, points and everything else. I encourage you to learn more about my Lean and Sexy program. During our time together I will teach you how to:

• bust through stalled weight loss
• time management
• how to eat without feeling deprived
• how to tame your cravings
• and how to live a healthy overall life

To get on the waiting list for more information click here. Program starts again on Monday, May 24th.

The post Eating Habits that Sabotage Your Weight Loss appeared first on Kim Barnes Jefferson.