There are a lot of gifts changing hands these days.  While you’re giving good things to others this holiday season don’t leave yourself off the list.  Be good to yourself with mindful eating, time to “de-stress” with a good workout or with a half hour time out, healthy foods on your plate and plenty of water to stay hydrated. 

Another quick tip: mark your calendar for January 2nd and join us for our first class of 2012 when we get BACK TO BASICS….BECAUSE IT WORKS !

Classes are always included in your membership.  If you’re already a member you are automatically enrolled.  If you’re not yet a member what are you waiting for?

There’s a lot of sugar coming at you these days.  It’s often hidden in the products you buy, places where you least expect it.  At this time of year it’s also putting in a bolder appearance in cookies and cakes and that candy bowl at work. 

 There are a lot of good reasons for avoiding the sugar overload and your weight is only one of them.  Check out this article for a reminder on why we count sugar as one of the health robbers.

http://fitbie.msn.com/eat-right/tips/6-scary-side-effects-sugar

Avoid sugar overload by sharing these with others.  They’re easy to make but you’ll enjoy the accolades when people flock to your dish.

1 sleeve all natural saltines crackers (Barbara’s is one brand)

1 cup Earth Balance margarine

1/2 cup Sucanat

3 ounces sliced almonds

12 ounces Tropical Source semisweet chocolate chips or any other vegan brand (Ghirardelli is another brand that is dairy free)

Preheat oven to 375.  Line a cookie sheet with foil, making sure it goes up the sides.  Place a single layer of crackers on the sheet, covering it completely.  In a medium saucepan, melt the margarine and Sucanat, whisking the  whole time, just until it starts to get frothy and the slightest golden brown.  Do not carmelize and do not let the Sucanat dissolve completely.  Pour the mixture over the crackers, using a spatula to cover as evenly as you can.  Bake immediately for 7 minutes or until caramel colored.  Sprinkle the crackers with the almonds, then the chocolate chips, and bake for 2 to 3 minutes more, until the chips are soft.  Swirl the chips with a butter knife or offset spatula to spread the chocolate over the surface.  Cool, then refrigerate about 30 minutes until the chocolate is set.  Cut into bars or break into pieces.  Store in the refrigerator.

“THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT HEALTHY HOLIDAYS ARE ULTIMATELY THE MOST SATISFYING AND REWARDING HOLIDAYS.”

Marilu Henner, Healthy Holidays

(We hope you’ll stay connected through the remainder of the month.  There’s nothing like community to keep us focused on our goals.)

Today will rival Black Friday when it comes to traffic, crowds and shopping insanity.  If you’re going to be out in the crowds today try to build some margins into your day to keep it manageable.

- Allow for traffic.  If you know that the roads are going to be busy then allow for it and don’t let your impatience get the better of you. Bring along some favorite music or audio books.  Better yet bring a friend.

- Park far from the entrance (you might not have a choice anyway) so that you can get more steps into the day.

- Plan time for a cup of tea or lunch with a friend.  Give yourself a “time-out.”

- Look into direct shipping.  Many stores will wrap and ship (for a fee) anything you buy.  Even if it’s going to the same destination as you it might be worth taking some of the weight off your own shoulders.  It’s okay if the package arrives at your uncle’s house the day before you do. 

- Skip it !  That’s right.  Think about staying right where you are now and checking out a few websites.  Try Amazon.com, Woot.com, Living Social and Daily Deals.  Some of these sites offer amazing discounts.  You can use Pricegrabber to comparison shop.  You might pay more to have things shipped in time but weigh it against the cost of being out for the day, gas money and wrapping paper. 

- Give the gift of health.  Think about a gym membership or a gift card at your local health food store. You don’t need to brave the mall for these.  Better yet you can purchase a gift membership right here at Marilu.com and have a friend join you for 2012.

If some of these ideas free up your Saturday then put the time to good use.  You might get in a work out, a game with your kids, catch up on your e-mails or organize a closet.

Visit us on the boards and tell us what you did with the extra hours.

Today is the last day of our Hot for the Holidays class.  Many thanks to Jan for all of the hard work that she puts into this class.   Not only does she coach this class but she also coaches our yearly Viva la Vegan class with her daughter Kyra each summer in the member’s area. as And those are in addition to the What’s Cooking forum, which she guides all year. 

If you liked this taste of our classes be sure to check out our New Year class beginning on January 2nd!  We’ll start 2012 on the right foot to get the best possible jump on our healthiest year ever !

We all have it.  An area where we sabotage ourselves.  Maybe it’s procrastination. Maybe it’s eating the crusts from your kids sandwiches and their leftover cookies.  (Not wanting to “waste” could be showing up on your waist.) Maybe you use the holidays as an excuse for excess and your budget is straining under the load. 

Today we’re going to be our own best friends and be brutally honest with ourselves!

This is Day 4 of our on-line class and we welcome your perspective on this.  Add your voice to the discussion.  We learn from one another !!

Holiday Travel!   There’s so much about this that’s out of your control.  There’s nothing you can do about airport delays, gas prices, or traffic jams.  But there are areas where you ARE in control !

Even in you aren’t traveling over the holidays, today’s post on the message boards is full of information that will help you move through the holidays looking and feeling your BEST !  And the travel information is going to come in handy at some point so don’t miss this incredible tutorial.  Make it easy on yourself….learn all you can!

Join Coach Jan on the message boards today for some end of the year planning advice.  These next few weeks can be a pleasure or they can run you ragged. 

 Jan has some great tips for you to stay calm.  She’ll tell you how to “make a new plan Stan” and finish out 2011 feeling SENSATIONAL !