Articles
December 2008
Ahh the festive, social, and baking time of Christmas.
Yes that time has come again when we are all asking ourselves how are we ever going to keep our weight down or even the same with sooo many tasty homemade treats around. You’ve got Sue in customer service who makes fabulous macaroons, Norma your delightful neighbour who bakes mouth watering apple pie and not to mention all the “squares” circulating the office that you wouldn’t want to offend anyone by refusing.
If it’s not the salivating feeling in your mouth or your heart’s desire to satisfy your tummy’s craving you’re trying to deny, it’s preventing the feeling of being left out or not participating in the festive joyous time with friends, family, and co-workers that have you reaching for that sweet dessert.
Well have I got a treat for you! One that will raise your spirits, tantalize your taste buds, tickle your nose and keep you in the circle of Christmas celebrating friends. Even more importantly it helps keep the weight down.
It’s Cinnamon!
Cinnamon
My favourite Christmas treat is an herbal apple tea with either a festive cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of cinnamon powder. The aroma is filling in itself quenching any craving. No calories in this one.
One way to make this a little more special is to heat up a cup of either soy or regular milk in a saucepan on the stove, with a chai tea bag in it as you constantly stir over medium heat for just a few minutes. As it’s warming up sprinkle both nutmeg and cinnamon in. Add Stevia (a natural sugar substitute) if more sweetness is desired. Delicious!
You could also bake up some apples with just a handful of large flake oats, sprinkle some Stevia and then add a generous dash of cinnamon. I often do this as a single serving in a small saucepan on the stove with a few cranberries and a dash of lemon juice. Once it’s in your bowl to gobble up toss in a handful of unsalted, natural walnuts to complete this healthy special treat.
Happy Holidays To All!
Lisa Berry is a Natural Nutritionist, Personal Trainer and Certified Life Coach. Contact Lisa at lisa@graciouslyliving.com or call 905-430-0642 with any questions or to book your personalized session
Ahh the festive, social, and baking time of Christmas.
Yes that time has come again when we are all asking ourselves how are we ever going to keep our weight down or even the same with sooo many tasty homemade treats around. You’ve got Sue in customer service who makes fabulous macaroons, Norma your delightful neighbour who bakes mouth watering apple pie and not to mention all the “squares” circulating the office that you wouldn’t want to offend anyone by refusing.
If it’s not the salivating feeling in your mouth or your heart’s desire to satisfy your tummy’s craving you’re trying to deny, it’s preventing the feeling of being left out or not participating in the festive joyous time with friends, family, and co-workers that have you reaching for that sweet dessert.
Well have I got a treat for you! One that will raise your spirits, tantalize your taste buds, tickle your nose and keep you in the circle of Christmas celebrating friends. Even more importantly it helps keep the weight down.
It’s Cinnamon!
Cinnamon
- High in antioxidant activity
- Has antimicrobial activity
- Can help with diarrhea and other digestive problems
- Can reduce blood sugar and increase insulin levels
- Assists in fighting bad breath
- Can have favourable effects on brain function and memory
My favourite Christmas treat is an herbal apple tea with either a festive cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of cinnamon powder. The aroma is filling in itself quenching any craving. No calories in this one.
One way to make this a little more special is to heat up a cup of either soy or regular milk in a saucepan on the stove, with a chai tea bag in it as you constantly stir over medium heat for just a few minutes. As it’s warming up sprinkle both nutmeg and cinnamon in. Add Stevia (a natural sugar substitute) if more sweetness is desired. Delicious!
You could also bake up some apples with just a handful of large flake oats, sprinkle some Stevia and then add a generous dash of cinnamon. I often do this as a single serving in a small saucepan on the stove with a few cranberries and a dash of lemon juice. Once it’s in your bowl to gobble up toss in a handful of unsalted, natural walnuts to complete this healthy special treat.
Happy Holidays To All!
Lisa Berry is a Natural Nutritionist, Personal Trainer and Certified Life Coach. Contact Lisa at lisa@graciouslyliving.com or call 905-430-0642 with any questions or to book your personalized session