Holiday Snacking Tips

The holidays are almost over but I wanted to share some holiday tips with you. My computer was down so I was unable to post earlier.
The New Year is almost here which means you will most likely be invited to parties where there will be tons of high calorie goodies. It's hard to resist mouth watering goodies especially when you are out celebrating with friends. Not only do you have to worry about how much food you put into your mouth, you have to worry about how much alcohol you drink. Alcohol is loaded with calories so watch out!
Here are some things I do to keep from eating or drinking too many holiday treats

I pack snack packs (in baggies) and take them with me whenever I leave the house. They help keep my cravings satisfied and keeps me from snacking junk food.

Here a few snack pack ideas:

I peel oranges, wash grapes, chop applies and make a little fruit salad (minus the whipped cream).


A handful of Almonds is always welcomed! I read (this has not been verified ) that studies show that almonds actually help you lose weight.

Hummus and pita bread is a filling snack (hummus needs to go into a little plastic container or you can find snack pack size containers at the grocery store)

Veggies and Hummus- slice veggies so you can dip them in hummus (mmmm delicious)


If you feel self conscious about taking your snack pack to a party, you can just eat a small healthy meal before you get to the party. You won't feel hungry so you won't snack on junk food. If you do feel hungry, go for the healthy stuff and DO NOT taste the high calorie stuff. If you are anything like me, one taste will set you off and you'll start filling your plate with high calorie goodies. I won't even give my taste buds a taste because once I do I can't stop.
Before I get to the party, I always promise myself that I will have only one serving. I serve myself some good healthy food and stick to my promise. I always feel better about my choices later and I feel even better knowing I can still fit into my little black dress.

If you have any tips, please share them. I would love to hear what you all do to stay on track during the holidays!

My computer is down...

My computer quit on me so I have been unable to blog. I really want to share some holiday weight management secrets with you all. I will try really hard to find a computer that I can use for longer than 20 minutes so that I can share some ideas with you and I am hoping you will share your holidays weight management secrets with all of us!

Busy

I have been really busy which is why I haven't updated my blog. Lots of things going on in my life right now. I am taking some nutrition courses and can't wait to share what I have learned.
I am also working on starting my own weight loss coach business. It's something I've always wanted to do but I just kept putting it off. I think now is the time to give it a try.
I will update with new info as soon as I can!
Take Care and Stay Healthy!

Recipe: Protein Muffins

I am always on the lookout for great recipes that are not only healthy but tasty. I haven't tried this one yet but it looks like something I would enjoy. It's got all my favorites and it's low in fat and sugar!

INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups egg whites

• 1½ cups oats or 1 cup instant oatmeal or 1½ cups quick oatmeal

• ½ cup whole wheat flour

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1 cup 1% cottage cheese

• ½ cup whey protein powder

• 1½ tsp baking powder

• 25 almonds

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• ⅛ tsp or pinch of salt

• 1 cup strawberries or your favorite fruit

INSTRUCTIONS:Pre-heat oven to 350˚F. Pour ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Mix in fruit by hand, if desired, or include in the blender. Pour into regular-sized stick-free muffin cups. Cook until toothpick comes out clean (about 40 minutes).

NUTRIENTS PER MUFFIN:Calories: 120, Total Fat: 2 g, Sat. Fat: 0 g, Trans Fat: 0 g, Cholesterol: 5 mg, Sodium: 125 mg, Total Carbs: 17 g, Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Sugars: 3 g; Protein: 9 g; Iron: 1.20 mg

Flavored Water Recipe

If you like flavored water then you'll have to try this one. It's a nice refreshing drink with only 13 calories.

What you need to make this refreshing drink:

ice cube tray
1 1/2 cups of pure cran-raspberry juice
1/2 cup of frozen strawberries, raspberries, blueberries
H2O

Pour 1 1/2 cups of pure cran-raspberry juice into the ice cube tray.
Drop 2-3 blueberries or raspberries or 1 strawberry into each cube
Put ice cube tray into freeze and leave till the jiuce cubes are frozen

When you're craving a sweet low calorie drink, pour yourself a glass of water and add your juice cubes.
Sit back and Enjoy your delicious drink!

Whole Grains Are Better For You

Switching from refined white starches to whole grains is a good way to start losing weight. Studies show that white starches cause an insulin deficiency which can lead to diabetes and weight gain.
It's really hard to quit cold turkey. I am not going to lie. I still eat white starches but I limit the amount I eat. I only eat flour tortillas twice a week. I used to eat them 1-2 times a day. I no longer eat white bread. It's all whole grain for me. The same goes for rice...only whole grain rice is allowed in this house. I've also switched to whole grain pasta. I actually think it tastes better, but my husband and son don't like it much.
Making even just a few changes will benefit not only your health but also your waistline. So go ahead and start making the changes today. You'll be glad you did!

Health and Wellness forum

I love spending my free time reading about health and wellness. I also love joining forums that promote health and wellness. Yesterday I found a new one that I really liked. It's called The Health Forum and there are a variety of topics to choose from. I've spent quite a bit of time on the forum asking and answering questions.
It's nice to know there are places where you can get advice from people who have experienced the same symptoms you are experiencing.
It is nice to get advice from people but if you are feeling sick or have unexplainable symptoms, go see your doctor. A doctor is the only one who can properly diagnose you. Don't rely on people you've met online to give you a diagnosis.