A Revised Food Pyramid for the Holidays?
December 30, 2008

“They revised the Food Pyramid Again, just in time for the holidays!”
Nonalcoholic Punch
December 26, 2008
This cheery punch will liven up any festive occasion. Since it’s free of alcohol, it can be enjoyed on any diet plan.
Makes 20 (1-cup) servings
Ingredients
1 3-ounce package sugar-free, cherry-flavored gelatin
1 cup boiling water
1 package sugar-free, ruby-red grapefruit drink mix
8 cups cold water
1 12-ounce bottle diet ginger ale, chilled
Instructions
In a large bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water.
Following the directions on the drink-mix package, mix 8 cups of cold water with the appropriate amount of sugar-free, ruby-red grapefruit drink mix; add to the dissolved gelatin.
Place 2 trays of ice cubes in a large punch bowl; pour punch over ice. Pour in diet ginger ale. Serve immediately.
Nutritional information
19 calories
0 g total fat
0 mg cholesterol
0 g carbohydrate
2 g protein
0 g fiber
127 mg sodium
Source: SouthBeachDiet.com
Benefits of a Pear-Shaped Body?
December 22, 2008

“My body is apple-shaped and yours is pear-shaped. How can we be unhealthy if we look like a fresh fruit salad?”
How Do I Control My Eating During Holiday Parties?
December 17, 2008
Holly asks:
With our company holiday party around the corner, and a host of holiday family gatherings coming up, I’m getting a bit concerned. I find it very difficult to control myself during these holiday events and I end up eating way too much. Any strategies on how to cope with these parties so I stay on track with my diet?
How Do I Slow Down My Eating and Enjoy My Meal?
December 17, 2008
Sam asks:
I know it’s important to eat slowly if you want to lose weight on a diet, but in this hectic world it’s very difficult for me to sit down and enjoy a meal. I tend to rush thru meal and then of course I overeat. Does anyone have any tips to share to help me slow down while I eat? Thanks.
Can Cardio Can Fix Our Economy?
December 11, 2008

“Millions of people spend 8 hours a day chasing a dollar. With all that cardio, shouldn’t the economy be healthier?”
Hot Apple Cider
December 11, 2008
Everyone loves a warm cup of cider (known to many as wassail) during the holidays. This recipe, from South Beach, gets a boost of flavor from oranges.
Hot Mulled Apple Cider (Wassail)
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
Sugar-free apple cider drink mix
1 quart (4 cups) water
4 cinnamon sticks
1 whole nutmeg
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
2 oranges
2 teaspoons cloves, whole
Instructions
Following the directions on the package, combine the appropriate amount of sugar-free apple-cider drink mix with 4 cups of water in a large, heavy saucepan.
Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and lemon peel. Keep the oranges whole and leave the peel on. Press 1 teaspoon of cloves into each orange and add them to the pot. Bring to a simmer over high heat; simmer 10 minutes.
Remove from heat; let steep 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, lift out oranges and discard.
Nutritional information
2 calories
0 g fat
0 mg cholesterol
0 g carbohydrate
0 g protein
0 g fiber
5 mg sodium
Source: SouthBeachDiet.com
The Best Exercise Machine For Shedding Pounds?
December 9, 2008
“It’s a complex exercise machine, but we guarantee you’ll lose 3 pounds putting it together!”
Delicious Stuffing with Tangy Cranberries
December 4, 2008
If your family loves stuffing (whose doesn’t?) try this inspired creation from SouthBeachDiet, made with tangy cranberries and a nutty crunch. It’s so delicious, your guests won’t guess it’s good for them!
Makes 8 servings
Description
Although we call it stuffing, this colorful dish is almost too pretty to hide inside the bird. Be sure to use cranberries without added sugar, available at natural-food stores.
Tip: Leeks can be gritty. The easiest way to clean them is to trim off the root end, then thinly slice. Put slices in a colander and run cold water over them, separating layers with your fingers to wash away any hidden dirt.
Ingredients
4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cups wild rice, rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium leeks, trimmed, thinly sliced and cleaned
2 large celery stalks, thinly sliced
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup (4 ounces) dried cranberries (unsweetened)
5 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
Salt and black pepper
Instructions
Place broth in a medium-size saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in rice; cover and reduce heat to low. Cook 45 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid has absorbed.
Meanwhile, warm oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add leeks and celery; cook 10 minutes, until softened, stirring. Transfer to large bowl.
Stir rice into bowl with vegetables. Add walnuts, cranberries, sage, salt, and pepper.
Use mixture to stuff turkey. Alternatively, coat a large casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray; add stuffing and an additional 1/4 cup broth. Bake in preheated 350°F oven for about 20 minutes.
Make-ahead tip: Just cover and refrigerate bowl after adding walnuts, cranberries, sage, salt, and pepper. Keeps for 1 day in refrigerator. Let come to room temperature before continuing with recipe.
Nutritional information
336 calories
13 g total fat (1 g sat)
86 mg cholesterol
48 g carbohydrate
11 g protein
5 g fiber
13 mg sodium
Go Salt-Free?
December 4, 2008
Sally asks:
I love salty foods and I still put salt on everything. But I recognize that this excess salt can contribute to high blood pressure and bloating. Any ideas on how I can go salt free?



