Discretionary budget is for those things you want but don’t need
Balance & readjust as circumstances change
So with our budgets in mind, we can have fun without blowing the bank! Like all good budgets, by cutting out things that are less important to us, we will have more resources for things we want. Do you want a week for 2 at all an inclusive 5-star hotel or a cottage for a month for your family & friends? Do you want burger & fries or a fresh grilled trout, roasted potato, a basil tomato salad and fresh blackberries for dessert? It’s all a matter of choices, so go ahead, life is full of choices! Just remember all choices have a price… Don't feel deprived and enjoy your food
Healthy Food Choices:
Ice Cream
Vanilla is the lowest calorie choice. Make a sundae with fresh fruits, your eyes will tell your mouth to water, this is not denying yourself! Flavoured ice creams, sauces and toppings all add fat & sugar with little nutritional value and the low amount of fibre will still leave you wanting more. Fruit smoothies are a good satisfying alternative: Add your favourite berries or fruits, plus low fat yogurt or milk alternatives, a couple of ice cubes, blend for a drink or dessert. Possible combos
Barbeque
The grill adds great flavour and by marinating or making a rub of salt, pepper, fresh herbs, dried spices, citrus juices or oil, you can add even more flavour.
Try portobello mushrooms lightly rubbed in olive oil, serve them on a bun like a burger; slice them up and toss them into salads, add a little balsamic vinegar & they make a great side dish; leftovers, if any add great depth to a soup for those chilly nights.
Combinations of parsley, cilantro, garlic, paprika, cumin, thyme, salt, pepper, lemon juice, cayenne, garlic, lemon, rosemary and a bit of olive oil are great for poultry.
For red meats, experiment with a rub of salt, pepper, coriander, cumin, paprika, thyme, chili powder, dark brown sugar and cinnamon for a spicy, sweet rub; and for an Asian flair try fresh ginger, Chinese 5-spice powder, salt, pepper and a little bit of vegetable oil.
For fish, use a lighter hand to let the delicate flavours come through, a little salt & pepper and a sauce on the side is all that is usually needed, especially if the fresh is really fresh.
For lamb rosemary, oregano and olive oil is a natural.
For pork, it’s the other white meat, try cumin, coriander and crushed garlic into the pork using a little olive oil to moisten it. Let sit a few minutes before grilling.
Salad dressing
"Buy fat free alternatives or use balsamic vinegar and finely chopped herbs, freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a tasty dressing on its own. Other choices
Beverages
Alcohol 12 ounces of regular beer: 150 calories
12 ounces of light beer: 100 calories
5 ounces of wine: 100 calories
1.5 ounces (a "shot") of 8 0 proof distilled spirits: 100 calories
355 ml Flavoured Soda: 160 calories
All you can drink: Plain Soda Water: 0 calories
Summer heat increases our needs for liquids but don’t be fooled, alcohol dehydrates, and you will need a ratio of at least 2 to 1 to replace fluids lost to alcohol consumption. Alcohol free choices include ice teas, fruit juices & water.
12 ounces of regular beer: 150 calories 
