Survival Kit for the Holidays!!!

Hi All!!

We are RIGHT in the middle of the holiday season. Here are some survival tips to keep you going...

1. Stay Active!!! Don't sit on the couch like a slug all day, sucking down candy canes and chocolate Santas. Take a walk. If there's snow..throw some snowballs, go sledding, take a "hike!". Have fun because all those extra calories need to be burned up some how!!

2. Don't overdo it on the big meals. This is definitely a time of celebration, so you should enjoy yourself. There IS, however, a big difference between "enjoying" and "gorging". Make sure you balance out portions of your favorites with other lighter options. And what do we always say? Eat lots of lean protein and plenty of veggies!

3. Give away your food gifts! People LOVE to give edible holiday gifts, whether it's a tin of cookies or a homemade fruitcake. However, you don't have to eat it! Regift, or even give it all to a homeless shelter. You're not only saving yourself from all the extra calories, but your doing a good thing, as well!!

4. Holiday shopping. Walk the mall a few times before buying anything. Then go on a shopping spree having a great time enjoying the holidays!!! When it comes to getting hungry head the the court yard and take a breath before chosing a sensible meal! Don't get overwhelmed by it all..remember in a few days all the "hoopla" will be over and you don't want those extra pounds as YOUR present to yourself!

5. Drink lots of water! If you don't, you'll likely get cranky, mistake thirst for hunger, and make bad decisions. By drinking a lot of water, you'll be fully hydrated AND you won't feel like you need to eat everything you see.

6. Leftovers?! Freeze them so they are not so accessible for a late night nibble.

7. Watch the calories you drink, party animal!!! Celebrating is fun, but try and keep your beverages on the lighter side. Eggnog may be a time-honored tradition, but it's also traditionally LOADED with fat and calories. Keep it simple with cocktails made from seltzer or diet soda and a shot of vodka or rum -- skip juice-based drinks and heavy liquors.

8. Bring your own low fat/low cal recipe to the party!! This way you will always have something to eat! Here is a great one!

Squash Pie

2 containers of frozen butternut squash
4 eggs
1 1/3 cup honey
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup oil
2 frozen pie shells (optional....not using will lower the calories..and it is just as good!!!)
cinnamon (for the top)

Mix everything together (except cinnamon) and pour into pie shells. If not using pie shells, use two round aluminum tins. Sprinkle cinnamon over top. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until the middle is solid. Then ENJOY!!! Tastes great cold too!!

HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY SEASON!!!!!!!!

Warmly, Susan