Southern Living Slim Down South Cookbook

Book excerpt: With the combined expertise of Southern Living and author Carolyn O'Neil, The Slim Down South Cookbook offers strategies, recipes, and expert tips for enjoying great Southern food while maintaining a healthy, balanced diet-without feeling deprived! Carolyn's Slim Down South plan offers smart, simple ways to manage potential overindulgences and maintain a healthy weight-one day at a time. This book's philosophy: Having your biscuit and being fit too-it's all about balance. Carolyn O'Neil reveals easy-to-follow secrets to staying slim in the land of bacon, butter, and biscuits. Carolyn's stratgies for success include: Savor the South. Explore and embrace the variety of genuine Southern ingredients, from greens and black-eyed peas to sweet potatoes and shrimp. Linger longer. The Southern lifestyle is about enjoying food and the people you share it with. Take time to appreciate each bite and the beauty around you. Indulge a little. It's not all about deprivation, darlin'. Splurge a little now and then with a reasonably sized treat, whether it's Banana Pudding or a Mint Julep. Make it happen. Like any good Southern magnolia, use your grit and grace to sidestep sticky situations, navigate temptation, and stick to your guns.