Hello there! How’s your holiday season been? Mine has been full of laughs with family and friends, food and drinks. And more food. And more drinks. Let’s just say my insides aren’t feeling so hot. I’m starting to see why people do cleanses, although, I’m not sure I’ll ever be one of them. I’ll stick to chugging water and munching on veggies…for now.
Needless to say, I’m not totally pleased with how I’ve been eating the last few days, but one thing’s for sure, I have come a long way and that’s what counts. I’ve been eating mindfully for the past couple weeks, and although I threw caution to the wind a day here and there, overall I feel A-OK. It’s time to jump back on the healthy bandwagon though — I’m no longer someone who waits until January 1 to get back on track! (Why create more work for yourself later?)
I’m going to make my recap short because I think the photos speak for themselves. This was my first year with Luke hosting Christmas and I think we did a pretty good job! Isn’t our tree purty? Ninety percent of these ornaments came from my mom; things definitely wouldn’t have come together without her help. And I got the stockings on major sale at Macy’s — last-minute Christmas shopping does have its perks! Sadly, our “fireplace” isn’t conducive to cooking s’mores, but my waistline is better off for it. (Who can stop after just one s’mores?!)
There are so many beautiful ornaments on the tree (including Dorothy from Wizard of Oz that does the splits when you pull on a string between her legs), but for some reason this little lady is my favorite.
And I know that Christmas isn’t about the presents, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy them. New workout gear made me excited to get up yesterday and crank out five miles along the East River!
I just might be one of the last people to get in on the neon Nike running shoes trend, but better late than never. Love these! They were so light and comfy for my first run, and I got quite a few hollas and nods of approval from folks in my hood. You don’t go unnoticed in these babies, that’s for sure!
I’ve certainly had my quota of sweets for the next several months, and although nothing quite tops my mom’s sugar cookies, I think the peppermint bark I made is worth sharing. Step 1: Put white chocolate chips in a glass bowl over boiling water and stir while melting.
Step 2: Crush the candy canes (I used a potato masher) and add to melted white chocolate with a dash of mint extract.
Step 3: Pour mixture in a square glass dish and put in refrigetor for an hour to harden.
Step 4: Repeat Step 1 with Swiss chocolate (I used Lindt’s dark) and pour over hardened candy cane mixture. Sprinkle extra candy cane shavings on top and put back in fridge for about an hour.
Step 5: Break and eat! I put the bark in cute little baggies to give out as party favors on Christmas Eve. They were a hit! Click here to get Bethenny Frankel’s peppermint bark recipe.
So yeah, I’m not totally feeling like myself or 100 percent comfortable in my skin at the moment, but I feel better knowing that I’m slowly but surely getting back on track. I already started going through our pantry and the fridge tossing food we don’t need and packing up sweets to bring to work. (There’s no way I can succeed with healthy eating with all this…stuff…in the house!) I’m sure I’ll nibble on treats here and there, but I vow here and now to be mindful and make my indulgences count. I’m also not eating again today until I feel truly hungry again — even if that means having a snack for lunch or skipping it completely! We’ll see how it goes.
And psssttt…here’s my general rule of thumb for how to bounce back after the holidays (or after any big idulgences!). Baby steps, people.
Tell me: What was the tastiest thing you ate this holiday season?
*Need help with your health and lifestyle goals? Want to lose weight without obsessing about every bite you put into your mouth? I’m a Board Certified Health Coach + Emotional Eating Expert; contact me for a free consultation and let’s get started!
Thai Pork with Peanut Sauce! (From "Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook")
One 2lb boneless pork loin, trimmed, cut in half'
1/3 c prepared teriyaki sauce (I used one that is a hoisin sauce)
2tlbs rice vinegar
1tsp red pepper flakes (I always add more)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 c creamy peanut butter (reduced fat is what I use)
Put everything except the PB in a slow cooker on low for 8-9 hours. When time is up, take the meat out, set aside, and add PB to the sauce. Stir until thick, and add pork back, shreading it up in the sauce.
Serve over rice (jasmine or brown) and add sliced green onions, fresh limes and juice and peanuts.
SO GOOD.
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