It’s hard to believe that Christmas is almost here. It’s been much more hectic than usual around here as we have sold two houses (my mother-in-laws and ours) and bought a much larger house so that we can help to take care of her after having hip replacement surgery. This was our first move after 31 years of marriage. Needless to say, it has been a little more stressful than usual around here, especially with the holidays bearing down on us. Even though we only moved into the new house the day before Thanksgiving, our kids still wanted to go out and get a Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving! I guess they didn’t quite get that the house was still filled with boxes and there was no room for a tree. (I told them to stack empty boxes in the shape of a tree and drape it with garland and lights. They didn’t think that was funny). But things are finally start to get settled and back to normal (whatever that may be).
Many of you have asked about the Weight Loss for Life program that I had promised. Although there have been some obvious delays due to the move, we’re still working on it, and expect to roll it out sometime shortly after the first of the year. In the meantime, let me encourage you that if you are struggling with a weight that is higher than you’d like or if you’d like to get away from the Standard American Diet and would truly like to eat your way back to health, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I’m putting the finishing touches on lessons like:
- Nutrient Density – What Makes This Work
- Eating Out – Possibly the Biggest Threat to Your Success
- Are Soft Drinks Making You Fat?
- How to Read the Label
- Why Changing Your Milk May Be Good for You
- Are You Addicted to Chocolate?
- Or Cheese?
- Macronutrients
- Just How Bad is Sugar For You?
…and there are many more in the works. So hang in there, help is on the way!
In the meantime, I wanted to highlight some recipes that should help to keep you warm this time of the year.
Bean and Oat Waffles – My children said these were the best waffles they had ever eaten, and believe me, they have eaten quite a few. With this recipe, I no longer cringe
when my son wants waffles every morning for breakfast.
Healthy Spinach Dip – If you are a fan of that traditional spinach dip served at holiday parties – but don’t like the fat and cholesterol – you will LOVE this one! It has a GREAT taste and is much healthier than the old-fashioned kind that’s loaded with sour cream and mayonnaise. We can’t get enough of this – we love it on pretzels, crackers, carrot sticks, bread and right off the spoon.
Crowd pleasing Chili – This is a great recipe to use when needing to feed a large crowd on a small budget. Everyone loves it and it couldn’t be easier. If you have a small crowd, adjust the ingredients accordingly.
Garlicky Scalloped Potatoes – An easy twist on an old favorite
Key Lime Pie – My family can not get enough of this pie. The first time I made it, I topped it with Cashew Whipped Topping, but it really didn’t need it. We never have leftovers when I serve this pie – even when it is just the four of us. Somehow you just can’t get enough of this pie. I have prepared it with regular limes as well as key limes and it tastes great either way.
No Crust Pumpkin Pie – It doesn’t get much easier than this for an old time favorite.
Gift Soup Mix – This is an absolutely WONDERFUL and BEAUTIFUL gift to give to those you care about. The soup looks lovely in the jar, and tastes even better. I am always amazed at how often I am asked for the full recipe from those I have given the soup mix to. At less than 2 dollars for the ingredients, it is also a very economical and practical gift.
I hope you have some time to try a few of these recipes, as they are some of my family’s favorites. Hopefully, your guests and you will enjoy them as much as we do. Until next time, have a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy New Year!!
