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Last week, we talked about fat alternatives. But let’s be real, fat isn’t the villain, it’s the flavor MVP. Used right, it brings taste and nutritional value to the party. The trick? Don’t drown your dish—use high-quality fats in small, smart doses. Let me show you 👇️ 

✔️ Use flavorful fats: A little goes a long way with oils like extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, ghee or butter. Use less, but choose bold.

✔️ Measure, don’t pour: Always spoon or spray oil instead of free-pouring. It’s easy to overdo it. *This is one of my favorite oil sprayers from Amazon

✔️ Sauté with broth: Soften veggies in a splash of beef/chicken broth, then finish with a teaspoon of oil for flavor without soaking.

✔️ Roast smart: Toss ingredients in a small amount of oil (1–2 tsp per tray) or use a spray to evenly coat.

✔️ Add fat at the end: A small drizzle of olive oil, knob of butter, or spoon of pesto added after cooking gives big flavor with less.

✔️ Combine with acid and salt: Brightness from vinegar or lemon juice + salt enhances flavor, reducing your need for more fat.

Fats are the most calorie-dense macronutrient, over twice the calories per gram compared to protein or carbs, so yeah, they add up fast. That’s why it’s smart to weigh or measure them instead of eyeballing. But don’t skip them entirely. Fats are essential for flavor, satiety, and nutrient absorption.

🔑 The key? Use them with intention, not abandon.

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Fuel

🔥 This Raspberry Chicken Summer Salad is everything you want in a summer meal—light, fresh, and bursting with flavor that actually cools you down instead of weighing you down. When the heat’s cranked up, you don’t want a heavy dish, you want juicy grilled chicken over crisp greens, sweet-tart raspberries, crunchy pistachios, and a zippy homemade vinaigrette that tastes like summer in a bite. Plus, it’s packed with 50g of protein to fuel your beach days, workouts, or long shifts, without loading you up on calories. It’s healthy, refreshing, and downright energizing, exactly what your summer body (and taste buds) ordered.

Follow along with me in this video and I’ll show you how easy this is! *Click the image below for the recipe 👇

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Lead

Imagine being on a burning house’s front yard debating tactics by committee, yeah that’s not leadership. This article argues that true leadership means setting frameworks (SOPs and SOGs) and letting your crew own the finer details. You mentor, guide, and establish guardrails, but permit your team to ask questions and find solutions. This transforms them from passive actors into engaged problem‑solvers prepared for moments when every second counts.

When non-emergency tasks (like station upkeep or equipment planning) are entrusted to team members, even the newest firefighter gains ownership and responsibility. The officer remains involved but shifts from micromanager to mentor. Assign a dynamic rookie to lead and pair them with a seasoned veteran - let their strengths complement each other. The result: ownership, advocacy, and less burden on leaders’ shoulders.

Also known as “force magnification,” this philosophy isn’t just clever wording, it’s a force multiplier. When responders feel ownership, they become ambassadors. They embody the mission, troubleshoot issues, and spread acceptance of new changes. A firefighter who helps design new gear is more likely to maintain it. Someone invested in uniforms will wear them with pride. Inclusion drives accountability, and excellence. Of course, there are real challenges. Leaders may fear losing influence or control. But the article draws on Truman’s famous line, “The buck stops here”. You still hold ultimate responsibility, even if you delegate. If things go sideways, you help your team learn, and lead through it. And always, when success comes, shine a light on the people who helped you get there.

The article offers a memorable metaphor, “letting the kids have the keys to the car”. You’re nervous, of course, but with training, guidance, and a clear roadmap, confidence takes over. Let others drive. Watch them grow. And trust in the strength of shared ownership to elevate the whole department.

🔥 Why Does This Matter?

• Leadership with impact: You get to mentor (not micromanage) shaping critical thinkers who operate confidently under pressure.

• Shared ownership: By empowering others to lead, you gain advocacy, smoother transitions, and faster buy-in across the team.

• Legacy through mentorship: You’re grooming individuals who embody department values—and helping them reach their potential.

💪 Final Thoughts

This article is more than management theory, it’s a rallying cry. When you set clear boundaries, support your team, and let them lead within parameters, you unlock potential. You move from directing to inspiring. The next time you're hesitant to give someone "the keys", remember: leadership isn’t about control, it’s about creating leaders.

Read the full article here by Robert Ulrich from Firefighter Nation.

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