Packing on Extra Pounds...

Are you worried about packing on the extra pounds through the holidays?

Now that Thanksgiving is behinds us, you may be wondering 

how you can survive the next few weeks without gaining a dress size.

How do we pass up the creamy eggnog and the delicacies like pecan pie

and butter topped biscuits and all the different cookies.

A lot of these dishes are once-a-year treats that a friend or relative

spent hours preparing. How do you say, "No thanks," without offending anyone?

Actually, here's a very good rule all year long! Don't let yourself become famished.

If you are starving when you arrive at a gathering and someone offers you 

a plate of brownies, you will not be able to resist. Make certain you've got

a nourishing snack handy to take the edge off; like unsalted almonds, 

a banana, or some whole grain crackers, or go for the vegetable tray.

Stay hydrated!! Many times what we think is hunger is actually thirst.

Make it a habit at social events to alternate between holiday

beverages and water. Alcohol, eggnog, and punches are loaded with empty

calories, plus alcohol is dehydrating.  Or create your own "mocktails"

with sparkling mineral water, and a splash of fruit juice with a little

cocktail-style garnish, like a lime or lemon wedge.

If at all possible, start off with soup and salad. Foods that contain water, 

like soup and salad greens, help us feel full faster.

This will increase hydration and you won't be quite so tempted to fill

up on other calorie-rich foods. 

Here's an idea; load up your plate with vegetables and a small piece of meat.

Eat the meat first because protein in your stomach turns off hunger

signals, then you'll be able to relax and eat more slowly.

Here's another idea; wait 20 minutes before going back for seconds. 

It takes that much time for your stomach to get the message that you are already full.

If you rush back too soon, then you'll most likely get that "overstuffed" feeling.

Building exercise into your day!! MOVE! Take a walk or jog in place. If your

schedule is too hectic for a half-hour of exercise all at once, then split it into

10-minute workouts, three times a day. If you are traveling, take some resistance bands,

Those are always a lot of fun. If you make the effort, you won't feel so tired throughout the day.

Instead of the traditional pumpkin pie, here is a Pumpkin Custard recipe.

All the spicy goodness of pumpkin pie, but without the crust's fat and calories.

Ingredients:

• 1 16 oz. can pumpkin puree
• 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 2 Tablespoons raw organic honey
• 1/2 cup heave cream
• 1/8 cup water
• 3 eggs, beaten

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter six small custard cups and place in a baking dish with 1" of water.

Mix spices, honey, and pumpkin together well. Mix in the eggs, then stir in cream and water. Pour the mixture into the buttered custard cups. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes or until the custard is firm. Allow to cool before serving.

If you still feel like you want something a little sweeter to munch on, maybe find a friend to share it with. Many times, just a bite of dessert is enough to satisfy you without disrupting your diet plan.

Here's to your health!

I am joining Martha for Tea Cup Tuesday.

Pictures by Microsoft.

The Lord heals your diseases, redeems your life from the pit, satisfies you with good, shows compassion to his children, and knows your frame. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

Psalm 103: 3-14