Driving my kids to and from summer camp has meant more meals out and more treats, than we tend to do in the school year.  And yes, we try to mix it up, adding boba tea (no milk, no sugar, half lychee jelly) or small ice creams, but sometimes it's easy to spend a brief air conditioned afternoon with a true treat like the Snozen "Summer Sunset" pictured above. Noticing is a good first step toward change. So is doubling down on the planning. Getting to exercise (for me it's dancing at the gym when I can, or walking my daughter to camp when possible), cooking dinner in the afternoon (making friends with the slow cooker and rice cooker again and again) and some big time forgiveness and empathy.  We're counting treats like this as multiple reds (although the shaving of the snow means it takes up more space on the plate than a small ice cream, there's lots of air too.)

One of the joys of Northern California living is the ability to have lunch outside in January. The salad pictured here contained black beans, lettuce, corn, peppers and tomatoes. I had to ask carefully when ordering, and I sent it back when it came with items I didn't know would be included. Instead of dressing I opted for a mix of mild and spicy salsas, also pictured. My dining companion had the salad as written on the menu, with dressing, chicken, avocado, cotija cheese and tortilla chips. I reckon I saved a few calories and enjoyed my lunch just as much.