Healthier versions of the old 'tried and true'

With Thanksgiving now just a day away, I feel like I've been fighting cravings for the usual comforting, though calorie-laden meal for more than a week. I believe there are just some things worth sacrificing the calorie count for, like homemade dressing or pumpkin pie. But these happen to be my favorites, and the few times a year I eat them, it's worth it! Now we don't need to go up a pant size every holiday just to get wonderful, flavorful food that still tastes like mom's.

I've been perusing the web for some healthier, skinnier versions of the old tried and true, and I think I've managed to come up with a few winners that may make it onto our dinner table, and maybe yours too! One idea that that sounds like a no-brainer is the Slow Cooker Savory Sweet Potatoes. Not only can you make these ahead of time, they are warm and ready in the crockpot without any of the fuss. 

Slow Cooker Savory Sweet Potatoes

• 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive oil
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1" cubes
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup sucanat or coconut palm sugar (found in the organic section of most grocery stores) if cannot find, substitute with honey
• 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp curry powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Add olive oil to slow cooker and preheat to high while preparing potatoes and garlic. Add potatoes and all remaining ingredients to cooker. Cover and cook on high 2-3 hrs or low 4-5 hrs.
skinnyms.com

Garlic Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Makes 4-6 servings

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 3 cups water
• 4 large garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 Tbsp butter
• Milk (if needed)
• Salt and Pepper

1. Cut the cauliflower into florets and place in the slow cooker.
2. Add in the water, garlic cloves, salt and bay leaf.
3. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 4-6 hours.
4. Remove the garlic cloves and bay leaf. Drain the water.
5. Add in the butter and let it melt.
6. Use a potato masher to mash the cauliflower or if you want to use an immersion blender to make it more creamy you can do that. If it needs milk add it in a tablespoon at a time.
7. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve with chives or green onions.

Review:
I halved this recipe and actually ate the entire thing by myself. What a great way to eat vegetables! Obviously it has a different taste than mashed potatoes but if you like the creamy texture of potatoes this might be a good way to save some calories. 3 1/2 stars.

There are so many ways to keep our calories in check during the holidays. However you choose to celebrate, I hope you enjoy the day to it's fullest, giving thanks, I know I sure will!

Find more great recipe ideas at skinnyms.com.

Giving Thanks...

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, I thought it appropriate to sit down and think about some things I am truly grateful for. It's not hard to do, we live a very blessed society even if we don't always take the time to acknowledge it. So without further ado, here's a partial list of what I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving.

I'm beyond thankful for a family to call my own. Not only are they cute, smart, and funny, they love me to the moon and back, and I do the same in return!

I'm grateful for not only my family, but one that is healthy. I've learned to never take health for granted, it can change in an instant.

I'm so thankful for a group of people I call friends. Some live nearby and others further than I would like, but they all have a special place in my heart and have helped me become the person I am today.

I give many thanks for my abilities, none of which are superhuman. But I have the ability to do many things, and to try new things that are challenging! I'm not great at any, but it hasn't stopped me yet from trying! This includes attempting a new turkey recipe this holiday.

I'm thankful for my dog. He's got the most gentle soul, he's a total bed hog, and I wouldn't have him any other way.

I'm so thankful for my loving husband, most days.

I love to read and try to devour new books any chance I can, for the worlds it's opened, for this I'm thankful.

For the house over our heads and the food we eat, such a simple thanks, but one never to take for granted.

For coffee, for red wine, for cheese and bread, coconut and chocolate, together or separate, and french fries.

For music, that that is old and evokes a good memory, or new that stirs something deep inside.

For music that just makes me dance.

For laughter, especially my kids'.

For a good dirty joke, and the ability to remember it!

I'm thankful for good movies, that take us away from reality for a couple of hours.

This list could go on and on. Remember this Thanksgiving to give thanks for all of the big and more importantly, the little things in life. When I reflected back on my thanks, I realize how unbelievably lucky I am.

Staying active over the holidays

Now that school is back in full swing, I'm finding my way back to the gym on a regular basis and settling into a nice, much-needed, exercise routine. 

 In our spinning class the other morning, we were discussing the upcoming holidays and how fast they are approaching! I finally managed to purge our household of our Halloween candy, and no, I didn't eat it all! 

Our instructor reminded us that the YMCA has several opportunities to work off that extra helping of stuffing, pumpkin pie, or in my case, both. The morning after Thanksgiving look for an am spinning class. Maybe you could swing in after shopping for all of those Black Friday deals! Or try something a bit different like the Turkey Blaster. It's an hour-and-a-half long class that includes strength, cardio and a pilates or yoga class too. These can be found at the north YMCA, but check your local gym for other fun holiday opportunities. 

 Maybe you are the person who needs to do something outside. Then lace up your running shoes and join in on the 19th Annual Turkey Trot. It will be this November 23rd, and offers racing opportunities for the entire family! Register early for discounts. 

 So as the cold weather starts to settle in and our temptation is to curl up and slow down, fight those urges and get out and get active! Then tell yourself you have earned that slice of pie, hold the whip cream!

Click here for more information about the Turkey Trot.

I'm back!

Well, after a long, unanticipated hiatus, I am back with the weekly blog! 

I know, your shouts of joy and cries of excitement are ringing in the streets! When I last left, our daughter had lost a battle with the monkey bars and crushed her elbow as a result. She required surgery and a stay in the hospital. While she made a rapid recovery, healing and ditching her cast in less than a month, she developed a bone protrusion that blocked her flexing motion. Because of this, she earned herself twice weekly trips to physical therapy, where we met with wonderful therapists. The ultimate conclusion is that she will require a second surgery over the Christmas holiday. I promise that I am not making excuses as to why this blog hasn't been updated, but that is part of the reason! Those darn kids are time consuming, exhausting, and completely worth it!

After taking a break and being gone from the blogging world, I found I really missed it. I'm hoping those readers out there missed checking in once in awhile. I'm also hoping to spur more of a dialogue with future blogs. If you have an opinion, question or would like to see a topic discussed please don't be shy! While the focus will remain health care and Balancing Your 7, most topics can be fair game. So while you may have thought you were finally rid of me, and had one less thing to read, you are out of luck! But I'm hoping to be better than ever and look forward to hearing from you!

Look for future topics on healthy holiday eating and recipe ideas.