Feeling stressed? Reach into the cookie jar. Yes, you read that right! Learn in today's Lean Plate Club column why making this move can work to your waistline's advantage. And while you're at it, here is one strategy to keep the cookie calories at bay.
So, how's the Holiday Challenge going for you? Tell us in today's Lean Plate Club Web chat. Or e-mail me any time at [EMAIL PROTECTED]. And by the way, it's never too late to join the Holiday Challenge. If you're starting now, just maintain your weight from now until New Year's Day.
By the way, in today's Health section, learn why being overweight may affect your X-rays and other medical tests.
Lean Plate Club Bonus
In addition to the regular Web chat today, there will also be a special edition Lean Plate Club Live Call-in on Friday, Dec. 17, at 11 a.m. Call in during the discussion, and we'll chat live! Or listen via the Internet on your own computer.
Joy of Motion
Yes, you can still burn some extra calories during these hectic holiday days. Self magazine offers speedy toners, including one--a door pull--that you can do at the office. For those stuck at their desks, Yoga Journal offers some yoga that can be done at your desk or in a confined space.
And the American College of Sports Medicine offers a way to calculate your target heart rate.
Always wondered about lifting weights, but never sure how to do it right? Or maybe you just want to move to a higher level? Men's Health has a video series on weight workouts that you can watch from the comfort of your computer.
And in the Moving Crew, learn more about the after-burn from activity.
What's for Dinner Tonight?
Eating Well magazine's Pasta and Bean Soup is fast and easy--just right for this time of year. It's filled with flavor and healthy carbs, and it's high-volume, helping you feel full with fewer calories. Plus it's loaded with fiber.
Or make a large pot of this Chicken Noodle Soup with Dill, also from Eating Well magazine, and you'll have good sipping all week long. Make either soup a meal by adding a salad and some crusty bread. Indulge in fruit for dessert and you've got a healthy, fast meal.
Whether or not you celebrate Hanukah, the Jewish festival of lights, you can still savor this healthy version of latkes (the Yiddish word for pancakes). Made with zucchini and potatoes, they're lightened with egg whites in addition to a whole egg. At just 151 calories each, they can be eaten for meals or served as appetizers for upcoming holiday parties. Plus, they count towards the seven to nine daily servings of fruit and vegetables as advised by the National Cancer Institute.
Add some applesauce for another boost of flavor and more healthy fruit. And if you really want to go the extra mile, try making this Roasted Mashed Apple-Pear Sauce a favorite the folks at our Food section, who promise that it's not too difficult and worth the effort.
Like latkes, Chicken and Hoisin Rolls can be either dinner or an appetizer. They're ready in just 25 minutes and clock in at 429 calories. Or there's Saucy Ham and Cabbage from Woman's Day magazine. It takes just 30 minutes to make. That cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, which is linked to cancer prevention. Besides, this meal won't break your wallet, as it costs just 71 cents per serving.
'Tis the Season
Woman's Day magazine, which has been featuring participants in past Holiday Challenges, also offers 29 ways to take the stress out of the holidays.
Feeling a little pressured this season? Men's Health offers 12 simple steps to reduce holiday stress, and Family Circle has three stress beaters.
The Gift of Food
Food is a central part of the holiday celebrations, so why not make it healthy? Here are some options for your eating pleasure or to give to those you love: Eating Well magazine offers Burnt Sugar Lollipops with cinnamon sticks. (And if lollipops are your thing, washingtonpost.com's Kim O'Donnel has a slide show on how to make them.)
No snickering please about this next item: the much maligned fruitcake. Eating Well magazine says it's a fruitcake that everyone will love. So if you try it, please be sure to report back about it in a future Web chat, or e-mail me your opinion anytime to [EMAIL PROTECTED]. Another bonus: This fruitcake is rich in both vitamins A and C.
You don't need an excuse to make Chocolate Bark, but if you're looking for one: It's a good source of healthy fat from both nuts and the stearic acid in chocolate. Drunken Prunes, also from Eating Well, are made to spoon over frozen yogurt, mascarpone cheese or plain yogurt. Their ingredients include both Darjeeling tea (a good source of healthy antioxidants) and French brandy. Plus, each serving provides 12 percent of the daily value for fiber.
For the vegetarian or vegan in your life, try Vegan Double Chocolate Banana Cookies. And this Gingerbread is a classic.
What healthy creations are you making this holiday season? Tell us in today's Lean Plate Club Web chat, from 1 to 2 p.m. EST. Can't join live? No problem. Just leave comments, tips or questions ahead of time, and come back later to read the transcript. Or e-mail me any time at [EMAIL PROTECTED]. And don't forget the special edition Lean Plate Club Live Call-in on Friday at 11 a.m.!
