Are you in the Holiday 37%

With the holidays come high fat, high calorie foods. Weight gain between Thanksgiving and New Year’s on average is between one to ten pounds. According to survey, published in 2011, Consumer Reports asked what Americans dreaded the most about the holidays; at 37%, weight gain tied for second, along with going into debt.

The holiday spread does not need to happen, if you are careful about what you chose to eat. Instead of loading your plate with heaping portions of everything, try a small spoonful of your favorites. Drink water instead of wine or other spirits. Save the wine for the toast at dinner or midnight. Prefer soda; try a diet version or less sugar/calorie version like Pepsi One.

 Studies have shown if you drink a glass of water before your meal, you will consume less food. Did you know it takes 20 minutes for your brain to realize it is full? No wonder we all over eat! If you drink a glass of water before you hit the buffet line, this will give your brain time to realize you are not as hungry as you think. Slow down, chew slowly, and engage in the conversation around you, thus giving your brain and stomach time to chat with each other.  

Most importantly, listen to your body; you do not have to be a part of the clean plate club. It is ok to leave food on your plate, that is why everyone asks for doggie bags when they go out to a restaurant.

 Yes, you can have dessert, with small portions and smart choices. I know for me personally, I just want a taste of something sweet. Just a fork or spoonful, cures my sweets tooth.

The recipe I am giving you today, nobody will ever know it is low fat unless you tell. My friend Cheryl has had this recipe for over twenty years. I cannot stand peanut butter, but I love this. You can of course make it full fat, but you do not need too. So what does this taste like? Peanut butter mousse.

Peanut Butter Fluff

Ingredients:

Graham crackers (if you can find the low fat ones even better) enough to line a 9” X 13” pan (about six full crackers)

16 ounces Sugar Free Cool-Whip

2 cup low or nonfat milk

¾ cup peanut butter

1 6 ounce box sugar free Vanilla Jell-O brand pudding

Directions:

Line a 9” X 13” pan with graham crackers.

In a large bowl, mix milk and peanut butter until smooth.

Add pudding to the mix; beat for one minute.

Fold in ¾ of Cool Whip.

Spread mixture evenly on graham crackers.

Spread remaining Cool Whip on top and refrigerate one hour.

A little known symbol of hospitality is the pineapple. In Colonial America, social visits to ones homes were the way to show ones wealth, share news and entertain. Thus came about the way visitors were accepted into the home. A meal became a part of formal entertainment, boasting the hostesses status and individuality. This soon became a competition, to see who had the best feasts and decorations; food was displayed in tiers and garlands. The pineapple even today can be seen as inspiration of home décor.

So what is so special about this fruit? The outside resembles a pine cone and the fruit inside has an apple like texture. But the sweet taste of the fruit is what places a smile on your face.

Did you know Pineapple has enzyme called Bromelain? Bromelain helps break down inflammation proteins in your body. Breaking down these proteins can relieve pain and speed healing in soft tissues. Next time you have a sinus infection reach for a cup of fresh pineapple juice, to help reduce the pressure in your nasal passages.

Pineapple inspired lamp

For breakfast in our house, we drink smoothies. Smoothies are a healthy fast food that can be personalized to ones taste. A favorite of ours is blending 1 cup pineapple chunks, 1 banana, ½ cup of milk or container of yogurt and 1 cup of orange juice. For myself, I will also add in a scoop of vanilla protein powder. If you like, your smoothie frozen, you can add 6 ice cubes. If you wanted to go a bit exotic, you could always turn this into an adult beverage with a little tequila.

When you pick a fresh pineapple, if you can pull a leaf out of the middle with ease, then you know it is ripe.

For a quick and easy pineapple upside cake, I omit the traditional butter and brown sugar in the bottom of the pan. For a twist, instead of yellow cake mix, use a chocolate fudge cake mix.

1 yellow box cake mix mixed to directions, substitute the water for pineapple juice

Pineapple slices, rings

maraschino cherries

Spray pan with Bakers Joy baking spray

 Arrange pineapple in the bottom of the pan, place one cherry in the center of the pineapple

 Gently pour cake mix over the top, do not dislodge the cherries.

Bake for per box instructions, plus five minutes

Another idea if you are having a get together, make individual cakes by using your cupcake pan!