Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Auld Lang Syne.



I wanted to take the time to wish all my friends and readers a very HAPPY and SAFE New Year. 2009 was a wonderful year for me and I hope 2010 is even better.

In 2010, I have many new and exciting projects I will be working on, so sadly this will be my last blog post since I won't have the time to keep up with it any longer. I truly enjoyed blogging for the last couple of months and I not only learned a lot but made a few new friends along the way. I hope the information I have given you has in some way helped you and kept you focused on staying happy and healthy as much as it has for me.

So---thanks for your kind words & support and please feel free to revert back to this blog for some great healthy advice and recipes.

And remember---little steps toward your goals are better than no steps!

Here is a final quote I want to share with you that I feel everyone should live by.

The Greatest Wealth Is Health. ~Virgil


Carpe diem!

Images Found -pdnachicago.com, worpress.com, flickr.com

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Christmas Addiction.





Every Christmas I am addicted to watching "A Christmas Story". It is simply hilarious and unlike any other Christmas movie ever made. It spoofs on family relationships around the holidays and how we felt as kids, we sometimes seemed to be invisible or unheard by our parents, but in the end we find out we actually weren't all along. If you have never seen this movie it certainly is a must see and you have no excuses because it runs on TBS for 24 hrs on Christmas day.

Remember laughter is perfect for healing what ills you!

Two thumbs up, 5 stars.... etc, etc!!!!!

images found - flickstongue.com

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Just Treading.

So excited--- recently my boyfriend and I got a treadmill for our home. We created our own home gym, including this, an exercise bike, free weights and this machine called The Infinity which is great for squatting and pull ups. We also set up a TV to keep us from getting bored in the meantime and to watch workout DVD's. I know with all the great food over the holidays we will be using this gym often in the new year. And it is something we can do together, what's better than that?

Make your own home gym with all your favorite equipment!

image found - wordpress.com

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Oven-Roasted Spicy Sweet Potato Wedges.

This is the perfect side dish recipe for any occasion and uber healthy!

You Will Need:

Nonstick baking spray
2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled or scrubbed, cut into thin wedges
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, depending on taste
Finely ground sea salt, for seasoning
Freshly ground pepper, for seasoning

What to Do:

1. Preheat oven to 450° F.

2. Spray baking spray on large baking sheet.

3. Combine oil, sugar, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in small bowl.

4. Place potato wedges in large bowl; pour oil mixture over potatoes and toss to coat.

5. Spread potatoes in single layer on prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake potatoes for 15 minutes; remove from oven and turn potatoes.

7. Bake again until potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized, about 15 more minutes.

8. Transfer potatoes to serving dish and season to taste with salt and pepper; serve immediately.

Serves 6

image/recipe by Marie Saba, found - rd.com


Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Just Say No To Eating Snow!





Your parents always told you not to eat the yellow snow. Well now it's bad to eat the white fluffy stuff too. The reason you shouldn't eat snow is because snowflakes form on small pieces of dust. When they fall from the clouds they pick up pollution in the air. The pollution sticks to the snowflake, then the flake falls to the ground. If you eat the snow you might also be eating pollution and dirt, among other things.

The cleanest snow is in Antarctica. Because Antarctica is far away from cities and their pollution, the snowflakes aren't as dirty. The snow there might even be clean enough to eat.

Want to test the snow in your area?

You Will Need:

> a plastic container that is empty, clean, and has a lid

> a coffee filter or piece of paper towel

> a bowl

> a magnifying glass

1. Go outside and fill the container with fresh snow

2. Put the lid on the container and let it melt inside

3. After it has melted place and hold the coffee filter or paper towel over the bowl. Pour the melted snow slowly over the filter or paper into the bowl. Can you see dirt and stuff piling up on the paper or filter? If you can't tell, use the magnifying glass.

I admit that I've eaten my share of snow, but that was in the 70's & 80's when eating snow was more socially acceptable. But with all I know now, I just think it's kinda gross with all the dogs, plows, bacteria and pollution. Anyone else?

Follow your own instincts on this one! Ha,ha!

images found -imageshack.us, wordpress.com, telegraph.co.uk, premiumhometour.com, ref .thinkquest.org


Monday, December 14, 2009

Winter Wonderland.






Is there anything more breathtaking then looking out the window after it's been snowing all night and seeing the snow nestled perfectly on top of all the tall trees and rooftops? For me--- the feeling of peace and calm comes over me and it makes me feel like snuggling up in a cozy blanket, sipping a warm cocktail and reading or watching my favorite TV shows or movies. This feel good feeling is what winter and the holidays is all about for me. If you have a certain someone to share it with it makes it even more special.

So, embrace all of these beautiful picturesque moments and worry about all the shoveling later... :)

images found: refriedteacher.com, chehrehasocial.com, desktopexchange.com, .wordpress.com, uasd.edu

Friday, December 11, 2009

Doggie Treadmill.

With the DogTread you get a regular exercise routine for your pet. This machine gives your canine friend a workout that increases muscle tone, improves vitality, increases life span, and helps curb destructive behavior or excess energy. Now you can keep your dog healthy regardless of weather or environment.

It's very durable and won't wobble, it also has adjustable speed settings.

This is not a replacement for regular walks in the nicer weather, your pet still needs fresh air and a new environment to stay mentally happy and healthy.

Hop on your own treadmill as well and walk together! Instant work-out partner!

image/info found - cache.gifts.com

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Healthy Hot Cocoa Recipe.

I recently read that Scientists have confirmed that hot cocoa is even more anti-oxidant packed than green tea. And it's great for the skin. The store bought packages aren't very healthy so I thought I'd find a healthier home made one and I did. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

~2 cups milk (you can substitute lowfat, skim, soy, or rice milk, if you wish).
~2 heaping tablespoons organic fair trade pure dark-chocolate cocoa powder (more or less to taste).
~Pure maple syrup, to taste (some of us prefer a sweeter cocoa)

PREPARATION:

1. Heat the milk in a saucepan and add cocoa powder, whisking to combine.

2. Add maple syrup to taste, stir again, pour into a large mug, and serve hot.

Makes 1 serving.

How great is a hot cup of cocoa after coming in from a snowy cold day? Tops on my list!

image/recipe found - care2.com


Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Healthy Appetizers - Part Cinq.


~Oven-Fried Zucchini Sticks

Oven-baked zucchini sticks taste every bit as good as their deep-fried brethren with only a fraction of the fat and calories. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, marinara goes great with them.

Ingredients

  • Canola or olive oil cooking spray
  • 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1 1/2 pounds zucchini, (about 3 medium), cut into 1/2-by-3-inch sticks
  • 2 large egg whites, lightly beaten

Preparation:

  1. Preheat oven to 475°F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
  2. Combine flours, cornmeal, salt and pepper in a large sealable plastic bag. Dip zucchini in egg white, shake in the bag to coat, and arrange, not touching, on the baking sheet. Coat all exposed sides with cooking spray.
  3. Bake on the center rack for 7 minutes. Turn the zucchini and coat any floury spots with cooking spray. Continue to bake until golden and just tender, about 5 minutes more. Serve hot.

Nutrition:

Per serving: 127 calories; 2 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 23 g carbohydrates; 7 g protein; 4 g fiber; 427 mg sodium; 524 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium (15% daily value).

*Tip -"Make sure you space these out enough in the pan or will remain soggy.

Great alternative to the greasy french fry! Sure it will be a crowd pleaser.

image/recipe found eatingwell.com

Monday, December 7, 2009

Healthy Appetizers - Part Quatre


Today's appetizer is packed with Omega-3's.

Ingredients:

  • 16 slices “party size” pumpernickel bread
  • 1/2 cup horseradish cream
  • 16 slices smoked salmon
  • Dill sprigs, for garnish

Preparation:

  1. Top each pumpernickel slice with 1 1/2 teaspoons horseradish cream and 1 slice salmon. Garnish with a sprig of dill.

Nutrition:

Per serving: 48 calories; 1 g fat (0 g sat, 1 g mono); 4 mg cholesterol; 5 g carbohydrates; 4 g protein; 1 g fiber; 171 mg sodium; 28 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Protein, omega-3s, niacin, vitamin B6.


Presentation is just stunning!

image/ref eatingwell.com


Friday, December 4, 2009

Healthy Appetizers - Part Trois.

~Guacamole-Stuffed Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup Quick Guacamole, (recipe follows)
  • Kosher salt & cracked black pepper, to taste
Preparation:
  1. Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and cook at the barest simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, pour out hot water and run a constant stream of cold water over the eggs until completely cooled.
  2. Cut each egg in half; remove and discard yolks. Fill each half with 2 teaspoons guacamole. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Nutrition:

Per serving: 55 calories; 3 g fat (1 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 2 g carbohydrates; 4 g protein; 1 g fiber; 223 mg sodium; 48 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Protein, fiber, no cholesterol.

Gotta love this yummy protein packed snack!

image/ref found eatingwell.com


Thursday, December 3, 2009

Healthy Appetizers - Part Deux.

And continuing on my easy holiday appetizer recipe series for this week..... :)

~Spinach-&-Brie-Topped Artichoke Hearts

Ingredients:
  • 1 9-ounce box frozen artichoke hearts
  • 2/3 cup cooked chopped spinach
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 18 thin slices brie
Preparation:
  1. Preheat broiler. Prepare artichoke hearts according to package directions.
  2. Combine spinach, lemon pepper and salt in a small bowl. Top each artichoke heart with the spinach mixture and brie. Broil until cheese melts, 1 to 2 minutes.
Nutrition:

Per serving: 20 calories; 1 g fat (1 g sat, 0 g mono); 4 mg cholesterol; 1 g carbohydrates; 1 g protein; 1 g fiber; 94 mg sodium; 78 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A, folate, potassium, magnesium.

Creative, healthy, tasty and eye pleasing!

image/ref found - eatingwell.com

Candy-Canes.


Don't throw away the left over candy-canes! New studies show that Peppermint may do more good than we knew–everything from fighting germs to helping digestion problems. In fact, some researchers say that having a tablespoon or more of fresh peppermint a day can be a healthy habit. Candy canes contain peppermint oil, which is said to help with irritable bowel syndrome. And researchers say that one day peppermint oils and other oils may be used to help prevent bacteria growth on food.

So these beautiful decorations may have some health benefits after all. Just be sure to brush after eating one-they do have sugar and are a candy, after all.

It may actually be time to rethink about those candy canes before getting rid of them. Maybe a candy cane a day will help keep the doctor away!

I'm crunching on one right now! Delic!

image found - candysnob.com, Ref - onhealthyliving .com

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Healthy Appetizers - Part One.

Since the holidays are here and I'm sure you will be throwing either a Christmas or New Years party or maybe just having a few friends and/or family over for dinner. I wanted to try to find some great healthy appetizer recipes that won't only taste delightful but they won't pack on the pounds and they will have a beautiful presentation to boot.

*I will be adding a recipe daily for the rest of this week and next week. Hope you find a few that you just love.

~Tomato Basil Skewers

Ingredients

  • 16 small fresh mozzarella balls
  • 16 fresh basil leaves
  • 16 cherry tomatoes
  • Extra-virgin olive oil, to drizzle
  • Coarse salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preparation:

  1. Thread mozzarella, basil and tomatoes on small skewers. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Nutrition:

Per piece: 46 calories; 3 g fat (2 g sat, 0 g mono); 8 mg cholesterol; 1 g carbohydrates; 3 g protein; 0 g fiber; 217 mg sodium; 34 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium, protein, vitamin C, potassium.

I'm definitely making this one for our New Years party!

image/recipe found - eatingwell.com


Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Tis The Season!


Believe it or not Christmas shopping is great exercise, going from store to store looking for that special gift for the special people in your life. Add an extra healthy jolt to your shopping experience by parking your car far from the mall, take the stairs instead of the elevators, walk to one store and then go to the farthest store from it for your next gift so that you walk further by going back and forth from one side of the mall to the other. It may not be great exercise for your wallet (but you'd be spending the money either way), and it's great for your heart and body.

Happy Shopping!

image found - gift-center-online.com

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Counting Our Blessings.






"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them,
is the true measure of our thanksgiving."
~W.T. Purkiser ~

"He is a wise man who does not grieve
for the things which he has not,
but rejoices for those which he has.
"
~Epictetu~

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! Gobble, gobble. :)

images found - s3.images.com, newsday.com, victorialodging.com

Monday, November 23, 2009

Ain't It Sweet!


Snacking on sweet potatoes can help your skin stay clear, smooth and young-looking. The reason is the vibrant colored orange in sweet potatoes comes from beta-carotene, an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A in your body and switches on DNA that's in charge of producing new skin cells and shedding old ones. A regular influx of new cells keeps the surface of your skin smooth, fresh-looking and resistant to irritants and damage.

Did I also mention they are so delicious? Find your favorite sweet potato recipe, eat them on a regular basis and keep your skin beauteous!

image found - tofufortwo.net, ref self.com

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Healthy Banana Bread.


~Healthy Banana Bread Recipe~

You will need:
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup brown sugar (or you can also use honey)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 egg
1 1/2 cup mashed bananas (4-5 bananas)

Instructions:
1. Mash the bananas and beat the egg. Now mix them both together with sugar (or honey), salt and cinnamon.

2. Now take a large bowl and mix in flour, baking powder, baking soda.

3. Stir and you are done. Now all there is left to do is pour the batter into the bread pan and bake at 350F (180C) for 50 minutes. You can test the bread by sticking a knife into the loaf and if it comes out clean it is finished.

Mmm, can't you just smell it baking now!

Image found - wordpress.com, recipe from banana-bread-recipe.com

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

eda-whaty?

Yes ---ED-A-MA-Me.

One of my favorite snacks is edamame. It is the perfect food to eat when you just want something lite and tasty or just want to cook something quick. I love to eat them steamed and with a little bit of sea/kosher or garlic salt. Some people prefer it with pepper on it or cold and/or in a salad.

Here's the nutritional facts you'll find in a half-cup serving of shelled edamame (or 1 1/8 cup edamame in the pods):

  • 120 calories
  • 9 grams fiber
  • 2.5 grams fat
  • 1.5 grams polyunsaturated fat (0.3 grams plant omega-3 fatty acids)
  • 0.5 gram monounsaturated fat
  • 11 grams protein
  • 13 grams carbohydrate
  • 15 mg sodium
  • 10% of the Daily Value for vitamin C
  • 10% Daily Value for iron
  • 8% Daily Value for vitamin A
  • 4% Daily Value for calcium
The bottom line: "It remains prudent to recommend soy in a heart-healthy diet because of [its] nutritional value and as a healthy substitute for protein sources that are higher in saturated fat and cholesterol," says Pennsylvania State University nutrition researcher Penny Kris-Etherton, PhD, RD.

How Do You Buy It?
In the supermarket, you can find two types of edamame in the frozen vegetable section: shelled or with the pods. Both are already cooked and ready to be thawed and eaten.

Try several different ways to eat it, find your favorite, enjoy and be healthy!

image found - health.discovery.com, ref - medicinenet.com

Monday, November 16, 2009

Healthy Shopping List.

I know how hard it is to find the time to grocery shop, never mind writing a shopping list. But! I made a pact to myself that I'm going to start thinking of healthy meals I want to make for the week. If you go in the grocery store with a written list and stick to it you will not only notice you will be eating better but also it will be easier on the wallet and it will save you from hitting the fast food places on the way home from work.
.
Here is a healthy grocery list to help you make better choices at the market:

Canned Foods: Black Beans, Tomatoes, Marinara Sauce, Tuna, Salmon, Pinto Beans, White Beans, Pineapples

Meats: Lean Hamburger, Pork Chops, Steaks, Fish, Shell Fish, Chicken, Turkey Ham

Grains and Cereals: Whole Grain Bread, Whole Grain Pasta, Whole Grain Cereal, Oatmeal

Beverages: 100% Fruit Juice, Sparkling Water, Tomato Juice, Herb Tea

Dairy and Eggs: Low Fat Sour Cream, Low Fat Milk, Cheddar Cheese, and Butter, Low Fat Cream Cheese, Colby Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Yogurt

Miscellaneous Items: Herbs and Spices, Sesame Oil, Low Fat Dressings, Mustard, Low Fat Mayonnaise, Honey, Low Sodium Soy Sauce, Walnuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Mixed Nuts, Almonds, Pecans, Flax Seeds, Olive Oil, Walnut Oil, Garlic


*Notice there are many meal options and combined with a great recipe healthy foods can taste delightful as well!


image found - toolazytodoit.com, food list about.com

Friday, November 13, 2009

Friday Flick.

One of my favorite pastimes is going to the cinema to watch a great flick. The smell of freshly popped popcorn, the large advertising posters everywhere that gives us a glimpse of wonderful movies to come. The movies are something you can do any time, any weather, any season.

Maybe like me you love a good suspense film or a hilarious romantic comedy. I love getting swept away in the plot and trying to guess the next twist and turn or to just laugh until I cry and my stomach hurts.


So, if you have nothing exciting to do tonight and want to get your heart pumping or just want to relax and enjoy a heart-felt-feel-good movie, then what are you waiting for?!

Make it a girls/guys night or a romantic night out with the one you love!

And that's a wrap!!

image found - coolboom.net

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Give ME Some Sugar Baby!

Ok---So what's the safest, best sugar substitute?

Three popular chemical, artificial sweeteners are saccharin (Sweet 'n Low), aspartame (NutraSweet and Equal) and sucralose (Splenda). Their appeal has always been to have a sweet taste with no calories; here are additional facts about each one:

Saccharin

  • 300 times as sweet as sugar
  • Listed as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1972
  • Proposed ban in 1977 under suspicion of causing cancer
  • Switched back to safe in 2000

Aspartame:

  • 180 times as sweet as sugar
  • Approved in 1981
  • Used extensively in diet sodas and thousands of other foods
  • Thousands complain to the FDA about bad health effect
Sucralose:
  • 600 times as sweet as sugar
  • Approved in 1998
  • Made by attaching three chlorine atoms to a sugar molecule
  • Failed animal tests and long-term safety unknown
.
Scary but true facts! These much-used sugar substitutes are causing disquiet because of continuing evidence that their use causes people to actually gain weight and suspicion that they increase the appetite for more sweets. The substitutes have no nutritional value, cause numerous unhealthy symptoms and have failed animal tests that have been overlooked by the FDA.Natural Sweeteners
Natural sweeteners have an advantage over the artificial sweeteners in that they contain nutrients, are trustworthy and healthy, but most contain calories.

Honey:

  • One third sweeter than sugar and least processed of the naturals
  • Doesn't spike blood sugar
  • Raw honey aids in digestion (not for children less than two years of age)

Maple Syrup:

  • 60% sucrose
  • One gallon uses 30 to 50 gallons of maple tree sap
  • Has a low glycemic index (54)

Tagatose (Naturlose):

  • Made from milk sugar
  • 92% as sweet as sugar
  • One third calories of sugar

Xylitol:

  • 60% as sweet as sugar
  • Used in chewing gum and other products
  • Doesn't increase blood sugar; laxative effect at high doses
.
~Guess we have to follow our instincts on this one, I think I will stick to the natural sweeteners but in moderation.

image found - pyagri.gov.cn, statistics suite101.com

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Mocktail Anyone?

One to try: This zero-alcohol treat—from Williams-Sonoma Holiday Entertaining. It’s low-cal and even packs an antioxidant punch. Cheers to that!

Mocktail: Pomegranate Frost
Serves 6

Ice cubes
1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice
1 1/2 cups cranberry juice
1/2 cup each fresh Meyer lemon juice and fresh lime juice
1 bottle sparkling water
8 finely shredded fresh mint leaves

1. Fill a pitcher half-full with ice cubes. Add the pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, lemon juice, lime juice, 1 1/2 cups sparkling water, and the shredded mint; stir until well mixed.
2. Fill 6 tall glasses with ice. Pour the mixture into the glasses, and serve immediately.

Great for the holidays!

Image/recipe found - Health.com

Yoga Pose Of The Day.

Cobra Pose

Lie on your belly with your hands under your shoulders, fingers pointing forward. Hug your elbows in tightly to your sides as you draw your shoulders together behind you. Stabilize your lower back by firming the abdominal muscles and drawing the tailbone down toward the floor.

Begin to lift the chest up to the ceiling, taking care to keep your neck long. This action is supported by the arms, but the majority of the work should be done by the para-spinal muscles in the back. Only go up to your comfort level—you don’t get more points for “going higher” in the pose. Hold for 5 to 15 breaths, then gently lower your body to the ground. Repeat 3 times.

~Namaste~

image/instructions found - Health.com


Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Night Snacking.

We all know how easy it is---mainly because of boredom-- to snack all night long after we have already ate dinner. We will sit and shove one high calorie snack after another in our mouth until we are so stuffed we can't move. Here are a few steps we can take to stop this unhealthy cycle and to also learn to eat more low calorie foods so we don't pack on the pounds.

  • Eat slowly - The slower you eat the fuller you get quicker.
  • Switch the spicy chips for whole-wheat pretzels dipped in mild chipotle salsa. Subbing deep fried, fatty chips for more nutritious and quick-digesting crunchy pretzels satisfies the taste craving for crunchy and smoky.
  • Grab some chocolate graham crackers and spread them with some all-natural jam or a smidge of peanut butter. While not totally all natural or sugar-free, it satisfies the sweet tooth and gives us some fruit and protein.

Here are a few low calorie snacks to choose instead of high calorie junk food:
  1. If craving chocolate try "Hershey Kisses" - only 100 calories in three pieces.
  2. Half a cup of strawberries and lite Cool Whip - Only 90 calories.
  3. One half an english muffin and a teaspoon of protein-packed peanut butter - 95 calories.
  4. 2 sheets of graham crackers - 100 calories.
  5. Jello fat-free pudding - pick your favorite flavor - 100 calories.
  6. Frozen yogurt - 3 ounces - 100 calories.
  7. A cup of juicy cherries - 100 calories.
  8. One hard boiled egg - 81 calories.
  9. 10 raw almonds - 100 calories.
  10. 3 cups of air-popped popcorn - 93 calories.

Smart Choices = Better Health

image/ref found - nationalpost.com, aolhealth.com

Monday, November 9, 2009

Sweet Tooth.

I love sweets, especially after dinner. There is nothing better than dessert and a warm drink especially in the winter months. Ok---so what can we do to satisfy our sweet tooth's without feeling guilty afterward?!

  • Share your dessert: Share it if you want to minimize both the calories and the guilt and maximize the pleasure. When two or even three of you eat one helping of dessert, you satisfy your sweet tooth without feeling like you’ve deprived yourself of a treat.
  • Take small helpings: If you’ve made dessert at home or are at a friend’s or family member’s place for dinner, don’t skip the dish altogether, especially if it’s a favorite. Instead, eat a small helping so that you get to enjoy yourself and limit your calorie intake.
  • Choose dark chocolate: Chocolate is good for you, if eaten in the right amounts. If you like this sweet treat, try dark chocolate to satisfy your craving for something sweet. It’s not just a dessert, it also has health benefits for your heart.
  • Eat more of fruit: Fruit is good for you and also sweet tasting. So fill up on this instead of the cake or cookies. Yogurt is also another good choice for dessert.
  • Fill your stomach first: If you are in danger of over-eating dessert, eat your fill of the main course, thus leaving yourself very little room to indulge your sweet tooth.
  • Treat yourself occasionally: If dieting, don't feel guilty eating sweets now and then. Instead, treat yourself occasionally to your favorite dish so that your cravings don’t get out of hand.

Remember everything in moderation and don't forget to exercise!

image found - kirstensdanishbakery.com, info sweetsfoods.com