From the editor...

July and August are prime for family reunions and gatherings! Who doesn’t look forward to Uncle Willie’s ribs and his secret recipe for sauce or Aunt Janie’s egg and mayonnaise-rich potato salad? After all, these are the things that sweet memories are made of — a tradition that has been in existence for generations.

We are planning our family get together this year and with yours truly being the newly appointed “chief of food police,” my goal is to help cook up a good but healthy flavor.

Honestly though, I am in my element when presented with such a challenge. And why is it a challenge? It is a challenge because my family is in the south y’all, and if you want your family to disown you, take away the ribs, fried fish & chicken and potato salad. I have already planned my getaway, just in case what I have planned doesn’t fly.

I know there are those of you who may also have the same concerns and so this issue is devoted entirely to new and healthy flavors, minus the grease and other stuff that weigh you down.

I have pulled out the best stuff from my private stash of food creations and the plan is to have them (my family) singing a different tune by the end of our weekend.

On a serious note, when I think about what this magazine stands for and the desire to help your family live healthy, happy lives, it seems a little hypocritical not to begin this message with the family I call my own. The good news is, I believe that after many years of my trying to live a good example, it is not going to be too hard to convince them to try something new. And in case they are reading this, I am doing this for one reason and one reason alone — it is because I love you!

So, if you have been looking for creative and healthy ways to tackle your next family gathering or barbeque, I hope you will enjoy reading this issue. And remember, I value your honest feedback, so, please let me hear from you. If you have ideas you would like to share, please email them to me at bonnie@bonniemcdanielgoodliving.com, and I will do my best to share them with your fellow readers.

Okay, gotta go. I have a lot of prepping to do! Until next time, eat, live, be well & thrive!