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.

A healthy lifestyle can be simple AND affordable.  So should your gift giving.  This article suggests some great gifts for the health enthusiast on your list.   We aren’t endorsing all of these products ( two of them are food items so the responsibility falls on you to read labels and choose the healthiest versions of that type of product) but there are some great ideas for you to check out.

This list might spark ideas of your own so please visit us on the boards and share your thoughts.

One more item that isn’t on the list?  MEMBERSHIP AT MARILU.COM ! 

If you’re already a member we have a special offer for you.  Gift a new membership to a friend at the renewal rate. 

If you’re interested in membership for the first time contact us for special group rates.  You (and your friends) can join Marilu’s new class, beginning January 2nd, and get a strong start in the New Year !

Curious about classes here?  Beginning Monday we’re offering a free class on the message boards.  Join Marilu and Coach Jan for 5 days of keeping it simple and staying healthy through the hectic holiday season.

This easy and delicious dip can be served with corn chips, or thinly sliced baguettes.  It works for a casual party, or on an elegant buffet table.  Serve it to your guests or take it with you the next time you’re asked to bring a dish. 

This is just in time for the holiday parties !

Gina’s Eggplant Dip

1 Eggplant
1/2 small red onion
1/2 cup of basil
2 Table spoons of Olive Oil
1 teaspon of red wine vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

Roast one eggplant on 400 for 30-40 minutes until soft in the middle. Slice in half and place the sliced side down. Scoop out the Eggplant from the skin. Chop 1/2 of a small onion. Chop 1/2 cup of basil. Add the Olive Oil and the vinegar. Mix together and refrigerate until cool.

Because we’re thankful for each one of you, and this amazing on-line community we’re going to revisit a tip from Coach Robbie in her recent “Ever Grateful” class:

Who doesn’t plan to have leftovers on Thanksgiving?  That’s half the fun…that turkey sandwich or slice of pie while you’re watching a holiday movie.  That’s okay…but let’s be honest.  Do you reach for the pie at breakfast, pick at the leftover stuffing throughout the day?

Have a plan in place so that you’ve got some healthy meals that are just as easy to grab and go.  Keep fruit on hand, washed and ready to grab in the morning.  Tossing a few pieces in the Vitamix or blender is super easy.  A hearty grain breakfast is filling and if you add cinnamon and nuts you’ve got a seasonal treat that will feel like a great start on a holiday weekend.  Members can find Coach Jan’s crock pot grains in the recipe section along with more of her tips for avoiding over indulgence in the Hot for the Holidays forum.  You’ll notice we said “over” indulgence.  I little indulgence is to be expected, but you don’t need to be a runaway train.  

 Enjoy the holidays without falling victim to the typical 7 pound weight gain most Americans experience between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.  Stay connected, stay accountable.

In a few days most of us will face mounds of food.  And many of us will face the proud family members who created those mounds of food.  You may have made some lifestyle changes since the last time you were together with friends and family.  We’re not suggesting that you forego the feast and huddle up with the raw veggies.  Everyone has a little cheat now and then so if you want to taste that pie and it won’t set you off on a binge, go ahead.  Keep in mind though, that if you want to say “no thanks” to something that you (or your doctor) have determined is not good for you…then stand firm.  Enjoy the company, enjoy the healthy dish that you brought, and keep your eye on your ultimate goals.  We’re going to get lofty and quote George Patton today:

“YOU NEED TO OVERCOME THE TUG OF PEOPLE AGAINST YOU AS YOU REACH FOR HIGH GOALS.”

If you’re running out of ideas for ways to enjoy the summer, try some of these. Make a “bucket list” for the next six weeks and see what you can accomplish. And don’t forget your sunscreen.

Go to a water park.
Watch a movie under the stars.
Explore a cave.
Visit a brewery.
Learn to sail.
Take a hot-air balloon ride.
Tour a winery.
Take a dinner cruise on a riverboat.
Play bocce.
Have supper at a farm.
Tube down a river.
Attend a polo match.
Sleep in a train.
Catch a water-ski show.
Learn to golf.
Explore the Milky Way.
Rent a boat.
Go geo-caching.
Go fishing.
Have a mini-golf-a-thon.
Enter a triathlon.
Learn to water-ski.
Visit a sculpture garden.
Take a road trip to a weekend festival.
Learn to wake-board.
Attend a concert in a park.
Explore a scenic waterway.
Watch a baseball game.
Take a river rafting trip.
Go to a flea market.
Hit the beach.
Visit an art fair.
Watch a regatta.
Camp in the backyard.

Indoors or out, bicycling is a great way to burn calories while having fun. Outdoor bicycling is a great way to spend part of your holiday weekend, too.

Here are some tips for a healthy bike ride *

• Wear a helmet when biking outdoors.
• Adjust your bike for a proper fit. When seats or handlebars are too low, you can strain your knees, back, neck, arms, and wrists.
• Check the pedal resistance. Too much resistance strains your quads and knees, while too little can hurt the back and pelvis.
• Wear padded shorts and make sure the seat is a good fit to avoid saddle soreness.
• Minimize blisters with shoes and socks that fit properly and absorb moisture.
• Stay hydrated! Carry and drink water on your ride.
• Know local traffic regulations – use special bike paths if they’re available. Call out to pedestrians (“on your left”) as you come up behind them and pass on the left.
• Use motivational music if you’re spinning inside – create an MP3 or iPod folder with music that changes speed to create a climb.
• Invite your kids or teens to come along for the ride.