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I mentioned last time that I’ve been eating more lightly since the Thanksgiving feast simply because my body was telling me to. A couple of readers’ asked how one can learn to listen to one’s body. Good question. If I were listening to my body in one way, I would be biting into a cream-filled pastry horn right now, because that’s what it is craving.
However, I’m listening to my body say that it’s really not hungry right now. My mind is also saying that finishing this blog entry is my first priority. Then I need to finish off this month’s newsletter. This is simply not a good time to hop in the car, drive to the bakery and satisfy my craving. [I’m not going to mention that cream-filled pastry horn again because just thinking about it is making my mouth water!]
It’s really more a matter of “mind over matter” and using mental tricks and skills to convince your body to want what is good for it. I’ve trained my body, by habit, to feel hunger only at mealtimes. Or if I do feel a little hunger pang between meals, I think of what “must” be done or of something diverting I would “like” to do – other than snack.
If I have overeaten, as I allowed myself to do Thanksgiving Day, I convince myself that I am still full for days after. When I feel that way, I don’t even want to look at food and consequently I eat very lightly.
The mind is a wonderful thing; and so is the human body. Using them intelligently in concert is probably the best anti-aging strategy there is. Choose to be the best you can be – whatever your chronological age. Replace bad habits with good ones and you’ll be amazed how great you can feel.
Tags: healthy eating, diet tips, holiday eating
If you got off-track on Thanksgiving (as I did) by overindulging in all the wonderful traditional holiday goodies, please join me in getting back on track. It’s really not hard if you address the situation quickly. And over this loooong winter holiday season I expect to do this frequently!
Life is too short to deny yourself an occasional little treat – especially one that is a family or ethnic tradition. Traditions are so important. The older I get, the more I appreciate that.
I savored the traditional Polish kielbasa with sauerkraut, my mother’s recipe for turkey stuffing, Doreen’s world-class French bread and my homemade apple pie (which has become a family tradition).
So, it may mean a few extra workouts or extra-long walks for a couple of days after the splurge. It may mean taking in fewer calories than usual as well; but if you truly listen to your body, it will tell you that it stored away all those extra calories just for little old you! Isn’t that neat?
I’ve been eating more lightly since last Thursday just because my body is telling me to. I worked out Saturday and Sunday (days I don’t normally) and it felt good. Did you know that exercise actually helps your digestive system work more efficiently?
If you have any other tips for dealing with the season’s gustatory temptations, we’d love to hear them.
Tags: healthy eating, diet tips, holiday eating
OK, I admit it. Despite my usual discipline and mantra of “everything in moderation”, I ate entirely too much yesterday. Then because I was so tired from all the cooking and partying, I didn’t work out this morning as I usually do.This could be the start of the proverbial “Holiday 7” – the seven pounds on average that people are said to gain between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. There have been a few years when I matched or exceeded that average.I could make all kinds of excuses why I should continue to let myself go (wild). “The holidays only come once a year. I don’t want to offend the hostess by turning down that luscious dessert. I can diet tomorrow. I deserve a treat once in a while.” But I choose not to make excuses. I choose not to continue on the track of excess.I choose to be good to myself. I’m getting back on the track of moderation. I’ll eat lightly today. I have this little psychological trick of telling myself how stuffed I still feel. It makes me not even want to look at food. Another thing that often helps is to get absorbed in something I really love. Saturdays I don’t normally work out but I plan to tomorrow. Then I’m going to open up my sewing machine and sew up some Christmas gifts I’ve been wanting to make. That will keep my hands busy, my mind on my sewing and my feet far from the kitchen!Find more of my healthy eating tips and diet tips. Tags: healthy eating, diet tips, holiday eating
50 Cute and Tasty Christmas Cookie Ideas It's not too early to start baking for the holidays. Here are some Christmas cookie ideas and recipes from Linette to get you started. Cookie Pops Are Fun to Create with Your Kids … and they make wonderful Christmas gifts. Risotto with Red Peppers and SausageRisotto is the basis for many wonder meals: here's one with red peppers and Italian sausage! Cyndi also provides the link to her basic (more detailed) risotto directions – for those who’ve never made risotto. Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes These mashed potatoes are creamy, fluffy and garlicky -- everything good mashed potatoes should be. And they're perfect for holiday entertaining. March of the Penguins Cheese Ball
There will be smiles all around when your guests glimpse these cute little penguins marching around the cheese ball igloo submitted by my crafty sister, Eileen, at The Artful Crafter. Walking Can Reduce Chocolate Cravings But why on earth would you want to? Rhinestone RobotsCome and meet the Rhinestone Robots, a set of serving dishes made from recycled parts! Now I wish I had saved all those old fondue pots. These kitschy kitchen kreations are wacky and adorable. What great conversation pieces for a party.Tags: food blogs, Christmas cookie recipes, risotto recipe, cheese ball appetizer, march of the penguins cheese ball directions, recipes, kitchen gadgets
Fall Doily Bread BasketWhen you say Thanksgiving grace, let this lovely bread bowl grace your table. After the meal, you may want to make the empty bowl a gift to someone at the table that day. How To Grill Your Thanksgiving TurkeyLinette's brother in law is a supreme grill master. He grills everything, and everything turns out delicious. Here's his recipe for grilling your Thanksgiving turkey. Linette suggests you can also use this recipe for a large roaster chicken.Make Your Own Christmas Gifts: Black Currant Jelly With budgets tightening, and your dollar stretched thinner this Christmas season, why not make some of your own gifts for the holidays? Here’s an easy jelly recipe from bottled juice. Shhh – no one need ever know!Comfort Food Month Cyndi has decided to devote all of November to comfort foods. What are your favorites? Cooking GadgetsDo you love gadgets? Are you more than just a bit crazy about cooking? If so, you’ll love Cyndi’s new site.Tags: food blogs, fall doily bread basket, grilled turkey, easy homemade jelly, homemade gifts, recipes, kitchen gadgets
Tandoori ChickenHere's how to get the delicious taste of tandoori chicken, even if you don't have a dedicated tandoor oven!
Jean says: We love Tandoori Chicken! I need to pull out my recipe, compare it to yours and see if I should tweak it a bit. Thanks, Cyndi.Easy Holiday Table RunnerHere’s an easy way from my sister, Eileen, to pretty up your dinner table – or any table – for the fall holiday season. And you can use year after year! English Afternoon TeaEnglish Afternoon Tea, at Tea Time News & Notes, includes a recipe for scones. Jean says: Mary Emma, this is such a pretty website. I feel more relaxed every time I visit. Don't think I'll be trying the scones though - butter AND whipped cream! Definitely not on my diet ;-)Holiday Cocktail Recipes from Southern ComfortCookerati shares some very festive holiday cocktail recipes from Southern Comfort. Jean says: Yes everyone, please drink responsibly. I don’t want to meet you by accident! Hot Chocolate in a BagGreat stocking stuffers, gifts, or party favors. What's better on a cold day than a cup of hot chocolate? Jean says: Cute gift idea, Linette ... and very affordable!Tags: food blogs, fall table runner, easy tandoori chicken, scone recipe, Southern Comfort recipes, hot chocolate gift bag, hostess gift
Autumn Leaves Beaded Napkin Rings Do you need a special touch for your fall holiday table? Make these pretty beaded napkin rings. They’re easy enough that the kids can join in the fun. Do you Know what Rogan Josh is? I love the way "Busy Family Meals" provides healthy recipes from all around the world and makes them easy enough for me to try at home. This week Cyndi introduces us to an Indian dish called Rogan Josh. Wikipedia says, "Rogan josh is an aromatic curry dish popular in India. Rogan means clarified butter in Persian, while Josh means hot or passionate." I like that.Music Note Cupcakes Perfect for the premiere of High School Musical 3. I love the idea of finding ideas to celebrate. These are great, Linette!Simple Idea for Halloween Cupcakes These cute cupcakes would be perfect for your child's school Halloween party. Quick, easy and sure to delight. I didn't know about Halloween peeps. I'm heading to the supermarket candy aisle right now. I usually try to avoid but, once in a while ...Tea Time with Scones & BannocksAt Mary Emma's Tea Time News and Notes, learn about scones and bannocks.I've been traveling and stayed a week in a motel in Texas. Would you believe they served scones for breakfast two days! I guess the popularity is spreading far from the UK.Tags: food blogs, holiday table decoration, clever cupcakes, lamb rogan josh recipe, Halloween treats, tea time, scones and bannocks
50 Fun Homemade Halloween Treats, Snacks, and AppetizersHere are some links for great recipes and ideas for fun Halloween party food from Linette.Golden Raisin and Carrot SaladSandy shares a traditional fall and holiday salad ... plus a giveaway. Pumpkins Make Great Serving BowlsPumpkins have many uses, you can carve them, paint them, cook them, and did you know you can use them for serving bowls? You have to take a look at this – what a conversation piece it would make at any gathering.Tour of Indian FoodHere’s a real change of pace for us. Cyndi has been taking a delicious tour of Indian food this month ... come see what's cooking! Low Fat Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe DebDeb makes the real (high-fat) thing for holidays, but for regular family desserts she has made some low fat substitutions that preserve the delicious flavors. Winning Weighs with VinegarDip your bread in olive oil and vinegar as the Italians do to reap the appetite-suppressing and blood-sugar-controlling benefits of vinegar. Here are a few more ways to incorporate vinegar into your family’s diet.
Tags: food blogs, appetite suppressant, pumpkin serving bowls, peanut butter pie, Indian food, Halloween treats , fall recipes
Harvest Party Snack MixLinette shares a simple sweet and salty snack for a fall harvest or Halloween party. Holiday Cake with KiwiThis New Orleans holiday recipe from Sandy is as attractive as it is delicious. [I think the cake is simply gorgeous. It might look too good to eat!]Ohio Pioneer Apple CakeFall is apple season in Ohio and this traditional recipe is a great way to use the harvest fruits. Make this for dessert and top with whipped cream or serve it as a coffee cake anytime. Pumpkin Pies and MorePumpkin pie, so popular in autumn, has a long history, going back to the 17th century. [Some great variations. Thank you Mary Emma. The ice cream one really sounds delicious. All diets go out the window for Thanksgiving, right?
;-) ]Quick Apple CrispHere’s a sweet dessert to use up all those apples in season right now. Hummus on CrostiniDon't throw out your hummus, but do make room for a wonderful lentil topping! [Do you know what “crostini” means? Let Cyndi tell you.]Summary of Latest Fat Fighting ResearchIf you’re concerned about your weight or the weight of someone you love, clip this article and post it near your food shopping list. More thoughtful shopping will keep health-giving foods on hand and help you resist the junk food aisle of your supermarket. Tags: food blogs, apple recipes, snack mix recipe, hummus recipe, fat-fighting tips, New Orelans cake recipe, pumpkin recipes
Pumpkin CookiesHere’s a delicious treat for a harvest or Halloween party from Linette. These sound like a cross between carrot cake and pumpkin pie. I can't wait to try the recipe. Black and White Wedding CakesThese cakes put a beautiful spin on a classic wedding theme. The photos are gorgeous!Onion MarinadeIt's not too late to grill! Try an onion marinade for lamb from Cyndi before the north winds blow! Moroccan Beef with BulgurSandy sent in this beef kabob dish for an exotic and hearty fall entrée. I love the blend of spices in this recipe. My mouth is watering. I gave it 5 stars! Creole JambalayaCelebrate the holidays New Orleans style with this traditional Creole recipe. You’ll also learn about New Orelans’ tradition called Reveillon. This dish is a bit complicated for me. I think I’d rather go to New Orleans for “le Reveillon”!Foods that Boost Your MetabolismYou can rev up your metabolism, burn more calories and even lower high cholesterol by including certain foods in your diet. Read more here. Traveling, Meeting Authors & Finding New FoodsOn a recent trip to Wisconsin and Michigan Mary Emma enjoyed having tea with author friends and learning some new recipes from another friend. Since their oven was on the fritz, cooking was quite an interesting adventure.Tags: food blogs, boost metabolism, wedding cakes, onion marinade, beef kabobs, jambalaya, pumpkin cookie recipe
Witches Hat CookiesA fun Halloween party treat for all.
Jean says: Linette, you come up with the cutest recipe ideas! I’m using this one and last week’s witches’ fingers for an adult Halloween party. Why should kids have all the fun?Pumpkin CheesecakeGet a head start on your holiday dinner planning with this easy pumpkin cheesecake recipe that uses a standard pan rather than a springform one. Hot 'n Honey DipIn honor of National Honey Month, here’s a dip that's tasty and healthy, too. Hot Pepper JamTry hot pepper jam spread on crackers. You get sweet, hot, and salty all in one bite. Jean says: Spicy jam like this makes a real pretty and tasty appetizer or cocktail party treat. Put a block of cream cheese on a plate and cover with spicy jam. Let guests spread the combo on their crackers. It's the grown-up version of PB&J!Easy Chicken CacciatoreTry this fast and delicious chicken cacciatore recipe for a warm autumn meal! Jean says: I never thought of chicken cacciatore as a quick and easy meal. Thank you, Cyndi, for the revelation!Natural Appetite SuppressantsDid you know some foods are appetite suppressants which help you cut overall calories without feeling starved and deprived? Read more here. Glove Boxes & Victorian TeasThis was a fun column to write about gloves, glove boxes and Victorian tea parties. Tags: food blogs, appetite suppressants, chicken cacciatore, hot pepper jam recipe, witches’ hats recipe, honey dip recipe, pumpkin cheesecake recipe
Mandarin Orange ChickenMandarin orange chicken makes a great meal for tonight, and is an awesome Once-a-Month-Cooking recipe. While you’re on Cyndi’s site, be sure to click on the link to learn about her strategy for Once-a-Month-Cooking (OMAC).Grandma's Recipe for Canning Red BeetsIf you like pickled beets here's a recipe to can your own. I love pickled beets, but have never made my own. Linette includes a lot of tips for us newbies.MORE New Fat Fighting TipsBe sure to get enough protein in your diet. Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood. You’ll feel more satisfied and find it easier to keep off excess pounds. Stuffed Baked ApplesA sweet dessert to use up all those apples that are just coming into season. This is a scrumptious low-fat dessert from Linette. I just tried it myself and the family loved it.Tags: food blogs, fat fighting tips, chicken recipe, beet recipe, baked apple dessert, recipes, protein benefits
Witches Finger Cookies Gross out everyone at your Halloween party with this deliciously gross treat from Linette. Kids of all ages will love making them, eating them and saying “ewww” and “gross”!
21 Ways to Use Zucchini Sandy contributes twenty-one ideas on how to use all of those zucchini from your garden. Zucchini contains large amounts of folate and potassium, and the rind contains the nutrient beta-carotene, so to get the most out of your zucchini, eat the rind too.Zucchini Cobbler If you have so much zucchini that you need to disguise it so your family won’t say, “Not zucchini again!” here’s a recipe that Linnete swears tastes like apple cobbler. Shhh! They’ll never know.Busy Family Summer Meals Cyndi shares two weeks worth of late summer/early fall meals. These are full menus including the recipes. Most of Cyndi’s recipes can be made in a half hour or less and many can be made ahead and reheated. NEW Fat Fighting TipsResearch yields new fat fighting tips or confirms old ones. Find out what foods or food combinations can really help control your weight.
Tags: food blogs, summer/fall menus, zucchini recipes, witch finger cookies, Halloween treat, recipes, fat-fighting foods
Cyndi’s Cream-Free Chocolate GelatoCyndi has developed a recipe for a rich chocolaty gelato that her family thinks is just about perfect. And guess what? It contains no high-fat cream!Hot Raspberry CiderLinette gives a fruity twist to mundane apple cider. Hot raspberry cider is a yummy drink to keep you warm on those cool Autumn nights, perfect for a Harvest or Halloween party or your next tailgate party.Personalize Anything with Lazertran Decals What do you like to keep at the ready on your counter when you cook? Salt, pepper, your favorite herbs, parmesan cheese …? Eileen illustrates how to create a matching set of labeled canisters for your countertop cooking essentials with Lazertran Decals. 7 Healthy after School Snacks After school snacks don't have to be complicated with these make-ahead ideas. These healthy snacks are great for all ages.Lunch Box Memories Mary Emma muses about lunch boxes and what they have contained over the years. Add your reminicenses to the comments section. I’ve added mine. Monster CupcakesA frightfully cute idea for Halloween cupcakes from Family Fun. These monster cupcakes remind me of Cousin Itt from the Addams Family. The last two gave me a fun trip down memory lane! Come back Tuesday for the continuation of my answer to Brandi regarding her disastrous laser resurfacing experience.Tags: food blogs, gelato recipe, cider recipe, fall recipes, Halloween treat, recipes, Lazertran decals
This week: a contest – woohoo! – ; lots of healthful recipes; and a few just for fun.Win a Volumetrics Cookbook from Jenny CraigTo enter, all you have to do is submit a simple recipe of your own based on the Volumetrics principle of substituting low cal, high density foods for less diet-friendly ingredients.Crock Pot BrisketCyndi tells us how to prepare tough cuts of meat for grilling ... in a way that will make mouths water instead of wince!Freezer Pickles and Healthy Stuffed Peppers Linette went all out this week and sent us two recipes to help use up the bounty from our vegetable gardens. If you don’t have your own garden (or generous neighbors who do), this is also the time of year these treats are most affordable in the supermarket. Thank you, Linette!Nancy's Grilled Veggies RecipeOne of Jean's readers "weighs in" with a side dish recipe featuring red peppers and olive oil, two of the Sonoma Diet powerhouse foods. Minimize your time in the kitchen and finish this up on the grill.And now to the fun part …Smoked Salmon and Caper SpreadClip this elegant appetizer recipe for your next cocktail party.Halloween Recipes: Ghosts in the GraveyardSandy says it's not too early to start planning the food for your Halloween party. Kids of all ages will be delighted by this pudding-based dessert.40 Dorm Recipes and Resources Deb at Cookerati sends links for everything you need to know about dorm cooking. If you have a child or grandchild heading off to college, you'll want to send them this link.Food Ideas from NovelsMary Emma at Country Kitchen enjoys gathering new food ideas and recipes from the novels she reads. Mary Emma has been writing Country Kitchen and other food articles for nearly 45 years. Wouldn’t it be great if she would compile a cookbook of her “novel” recipes? Mary Emma???Tags: food blogs, Volumetrics, Jenny Craig cookbook contest, Sonoma Diet recipes, summer recipes, Halloween dessert, "novel" recipes, nature’s bounty recipes
August is National Watermelon Month. Celebrate nature’s bounty with this yummy watermelon salad recipe compliments of my friend Barbara. The blend of flavors is quite unique. Barbara’s Watermelon and Feta Salad¼ cup extra virgin olive oil2 T. balsamic vinegar4 cups ice cold watermelon in chunks or balls½ thinly sliced red onion½ cup crumbled Feta cheese Pour olive oil and balsamic vinegar into a jar. Shake and chill Just before serving, toss the last three items together in a large bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve.Read more about the health benefits of watermelon.Tags: recipe, watermelon and Feta salad, lycopene, antioxidants, fat-fighting foods, dressing recipe
Spinach Español Recipe Today’s recipe from Jean is a side dish and features the following Sonoma Diet powerhouse foods: spinach, olive oil and raisins. Corn Chowder RecipeThis corn chowder recipe from Stephanie at About.com brings together all the best flavors of summer. Enjoy it with a hunk of French bread and a green salad. Two Weeks of MenusCyndi helps us to spend less time in the kitchen these hot summer days with two weeks worth of summer menus. Chicken Skewers on Watermelon and Feta SaladHere’s a tasty way to celebrate National Watermelon Month from Sandy. Watermelon and feta cheese may sound like an odd combination, but trust me, I had some of this yesterday and it is scrumptious and refreshing. Cupcakes with Sprinkles- Fun and Simple Making your own cupcakes for a birthday party doesn't have to be complicated, just add sprinkles. Here are some tips from Linette.Party Appetizers- Artichoke and Bacon SpreadThis artichoke and bacon spread will make a delicious, quick appetizer for your next party. Recipes for an Olympic PartyHere are some fun and tasty recipes for your Olympics get togethers. Scrapbooking Family RecipesMary Emma Allen, at Country Kitchen, gives you ideas on preserving your family recipe heritage. Tags: food blogs, scrapbook family recipes, artichoke and bacon spread, Sonoma Diet recipes, summer recipes, summer menus, decorating cupcakes, National Watermelon Month
Shortbread Cookies with Lavender Lemon IcingTake a quick trip out to your flower garden to make these delicious cookies.
Hummingbird CakeHummingbird cake made with banana and pineapple is fun and fruity for summer parties. Mediterranean-Style Recipes: Vitamin-Rich Veggies and Fish Today’s recipe from Jean features several of the Sonoma Diet powerhouse foods (almonds, raisins, bell peppers and olive oil) and is served with your choice of (low cal) white fish filet. The Cook's Secrets Revealed Cooking columnists aren't always perfect cooks, but they learn to laugh about it. Mary Emma shares her worst cooking disaster. It’s a good one; but I think I can go one better.Once I was attempting to make borscht using a pressure cooker, in honor of my husband’s Polish heritage. You’ve probably already guessed what happened, but let me paint in the details.While the borscht was steaming away, the phone rang. It was my DH calling from the office. We started to chat when the pressure cooker blew. All I could do was scream, “Oh no. Oh my God! Oh no!!”My DH was ready to call 911 before I calmed down enough to tell him what had happened. I apparently had overfilled the pressure cooker. When the pressure got too high, the cooker just blew. Borscht all over the kitchen, from ceiling to floor to windows.We had to repaint and I’ve never used a pressure cooker since! LOL.Watermelon Rubiks Cube It’s watermelon season, so here's a fun recipe for a watermelon Rubik's(tm) Cube. This is simply amazing. You’ve got to check it out. Tags: food blogs, hummingbird cake, lavender shortbread, Sonoma Diet recipes, summer recipes, kitchen disasters, watermelon Rubik’s cube, recipes
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