Do You Want to Conquer the Holidays? Change Your Focus

Posted on November 26, 2019 by Deb Hart

Tips to help you do just that.

You’ve worked hard to eat better, move more and put new coping skills in place. Here come the holidays—the hardest time of the year for most to stick to healthy habits. Rather than overindulge with abandon, look for ways to experience the joy of the season in a new and improved way.

Look at the holidays a little different—rather than a focus on excessive foods, strive to connect with people. Focus on gratitude. Think about new ways to treat yourself and your family that honor your healthy lifestyle. Spend time on those people and things that energize you and limit those that are depleting. Feel great this holiday season!

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Do You Want to Conquer the Holiday’s? Pumpkin Cheesecake

Posted on November 25, 2019 by Deb Hart

Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake

2 packages (8 oz. each) light cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup Splenda, stevia or erythritol
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
½ cup egg substitute
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 cup Cool Whip Light

Preheat oven to 325 F. In large bowl combine softened cream cheese, Splenda, and vanilla. Beat with electric mixer until smooth. Blend in egg substitute. Spray the bottom of a glass baking dish sparingly with non-stick spray and spread one cup of batter into the bottom.

Add pumpkin and spices to remaining batter and stir until blended. Carefully spread pumpkin layer over first layer. Bake for 35-45 minutes until center is almost set. Allow to cool and then chill for several hours or overnight. Serve with a dollop of Cool Whip Light. Makes 8 servings.

Nutrition information per serving:  168 calories, 5 grams protein, 10 grams fat, 9 grams carbohydrate, 286 mg sodium.

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Do You Want to Conquer the Holidays? Give Back

Posted on November 22, 2019 by Deb Hart

Tips to help you do just that.

Give Back 

Helping others is a way for us to practice our gratitude. From small acts of kindness to major missions, reaching out to others makes us feel good.

Each evening, think of one thing that you plan to do for another that day. If you are able to perform the deed anonymously, all the better. Little things like placing a single flower from your garden in a vase on a co-worker’s desk before she arrives or putting a small note in your son’s lunch box will have a big impact on both the recipient and the giver.

 

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Do You Want to Conquer the Holidays – Sweet Potato Casserole

Posted on November 21, 2019 by Deb Hart

Sweet Potato Casserole 

3 lbs sweet potatoes
1 cup pecan pieces
2 teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
5 tablespoons butter
¼ cup egg substitute
1/2 cup Splenda, stevia or erythritol

Poke sweet potatoes with a fork and bake at 400 F for 45-60 minutes until soft.

Place ¾ cup of pecans in blender until ground into meal. Add ¼ cup Splenda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch of salt and 2 tablespoons of butter and blend until well mixed. Stir the remaining pecans in by hand.

Allow the sweet potatoes to cool for 10-15 minutes. Remove the skins and discard. Place sweet potatoes, 3 tablespoons of butter, remaining seasonings, egg and ¼ cup sweetener in blender and mix until smooth.

Place sweet potato in casserole dish that has been sprayed with non-stick spray and sprinkle pecan topping over the top. Bake at 375 F. until the topping is browned. Makes 12 servings.

Nutrition information per serving: 214 calories, 4 grams protein, 12 grams fat, 25 grams carbohydrate, 278 mg sodium.

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Do You Want to Conquer the Holidays? Take the Focus off of Food

Posted on November 20, 2019 by Deb Hart

Tips to help you do just that. 

Food has become the focal point of many holiday traditions, but it doesn’t need to stay that way. Expand your focus beyond food and you’ll be a positive influence on those around you. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Indulgences are part of the season–treat all of your senses, not just your taste buds. Flood your life with music that uplifts and soothes. Create a peaceful retreat spot in your home complete with soft lighting, instrumental music and pleasant fragrances. Take a bubble bath. Snuggle up with a soft throw. Indulge in a massage, manicure, pedicure or new hairstyle.
  • Gatherings of friends, families and co-workers should have more going for them than the food that is served. Plan activities that help people interact and enjoy each other’s company. Take a walk together, go bowling, have a team laser tag tournament, decorate, make a craft or play games.
  • Start or participate in a Secret Santa program. You’ll have fun searching for small gifts to delight another and in the thrill of delivering the gifts without getting caught. This works well in many workplaces or neighborhoods.
  • Be inspired through reading. If you’re short on time, a collection of one-page stories, devotionals, or quotes may be the answer. Listening to an audio book while driving or exercising is an alternative.
  • Make an extra effort to reach out to family and friends, especially those you don’t regularly connect with.
  • While you are out shopping, pick up small things for yourself that you wouldn’t normally buy.
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