Christmas Time Treats!!

Christmas is 7 days away!  I love this time of year!  There is so much to love-  The bright lights, the festive Christmas music that plays on the radio or through out my home.  The smiles of children.  Gifts...the fun of giving and yes, receiving.   The wonderful smells-fresh pine, spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, & clove.  All the fun treats your neighbors bring over.  I love getting the wonderful baked goods from the neighbors.  I have received fresh baked bread, the best bread pudding I have ever eaten, chocolate/carmel cookies, sugar cookies!  Yes, I love all of it.  I don't wish it away.  I don't even feel guilty for trying a conscious bite of each thing!  What a gift to have such delicious food come straight to my doorstep!

How often do we find ourselves wishing these gifts wouldn't come into our lives.  We are afraid we will get fat..I think we should be more afraid of becoming numb to all the happiness and gifts that are around us.  How I look at Christmas and as it pertains to all the yummy food.
1.  First be grateful you even have food to put in your mouth.  Being grateful and conscious of this action we are so lucky to partake in each day, will help keep you from overindulging.  When I think of all those who go w/ out, the children, the lonely, the poor.  It keeps it in perspective and each bite is savored.
2.  Try to make healthy snacks and treats around the home.  I will list my favorite sweet treat below.  :)
3.  Exercise each day!!!  Trust me, if you will take a minimum of 15 min. to make yourself sweat, you will balance yourself out.  This time of year can be stressful for some.  The less you work out, the more your cravings increase and of course the less calories you are expending.  It is a win/win.  You move, you feel better, you eat less, you eat better food choices, and you burn calories through out the day.

We can all come out of the holidays feeling energetic and full of respect and grace within our body and mind!!

My favorite Recipe:   PEANUT BUTTER BALLS (I love to freeze these and take them out as a frozen treat)
Mix together:
1 c. natural p. butter
2/3 c. honey
3 c. slow cooked oatmeal
3 Tbsp. water
2/3 c. dry soy, almond, or milk powder
Roll into a ball, eat or freeze...ENJOY!!