by Brandi Olden, R.D., C.D.
Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble
Be gone those foodie ties to holiday rubble
Good bye you nasty emotional baggage
I’ve got my own support to master that saggage
I say NO MORE to overeating at holiday celebration
With Pro bars in hand I will conquer any location
My accountable meal tracker will lead me to success
As I go through each rep of the bench press
So bubble, bubble, you holiday toil and trouble
I say farewell to you and your nasty weight stubble
Ahhh, October in the Pacific Northwest. Fall is settling in, the kids are back into their school routine, work is crazy as ever and your social calendar is settling down after a busy summer. Now is the perfect opportunity to plan ahead for the holiday season. Even though the glow of summer may still be upon us, October also kicks off the holiday season with Halloween treats. The desire for having something sweet every now and again can intensify as the fall time nears.
So, as you stock your kitchen with fun fall vegetables, also consider stocking up on fun dessert alternatives and craving reducing condiments. Some great tips for reducing cravings and keeping your belly in budget during Halloween and beyond are:
· Stock up on raspberries, cinnamon, and peppermint. The research has shown that these flavors can decrease hunger and cravings. The PRO Shop carries organic, alcohol-free extracts in Cinnamon, Peppermint and Orange flavors.
· Try adding 1 tsp of cinnamon to a shake, sprinkle on fruit, or try a cinnamon xylitol or sorbitol-based gum when in tempting environments.
· For a different shake flavor, use 1 cup Metromint water in a chocolate shake. This is a great pre-party treat or after dinner dessert!
· Keep your meal times and work out times sacred. Do not let meetings or social events encroach on these basic stress management skills.
Fun and Healthy Dessert Idea:
Baked Apples with Fage A’la Mode (serves 4)
2 large tart apples, sliced (optional to peel them first)
1 cup Fage 0% Greek Yogurt
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Place sliced apples into 8 x 10in baking dish. Sprinkle 1 tsp cinnamon and 1 tsp nutmeg over apples. Bake in oven for about 30 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile, in small mixing bowl, stir remaining cinnamon and vanilla into Greek yogurt. When apples are done serve on a plate and dollop each with ¼ cup of the Fage mixture. Enjoy! Nutritional Info: 94 calories, 19 g carbohydrate, 0.5 g fat, 5.2 g protein
20/20 Lifestyles Registered Dietitians are available to assist you with your specific nutrition goals. For more information, contact (425) 861-6258. For even more information, register to attend the Celebration Strategies class on Thursday, November 6 to learn helpful tips on surviving holiday cravings.