Lowering the Fat in Holiday Treats

Eggnog:
Use mostly egg whites or egg substitute instead of whole eggs. Use fat-free half and half or evaporated fat-free milk instead of their whole milk counterparts. Substitute rum extract for the alcohol if you want the taste without the effect.

Cakes, Bars and Muffins:
Use heart-healthy canola oil instead of butter, or use applesauce or mashed bananas if you want to cut the fat completely. Other fruit purees will work too. If you must use shortening, there is at least a trans-fat-free version available. Substitute egg whites for whole eggs in cakes and quick breads. Use cocoa powder instead of chocolate in your baked goods to add a rich chocolatey flavor without the fat, or use smaller quantities of miniature chocolate chips instead of the regular versions. Dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips add more flavor than milk chocolate ones.

Cookies:
The key here is to cut the fat rather than eliminate it altogether. If you take the butter out completely, the end result is not very satisfying in terms of texture or taste. Many recipes that typically call for a whole stick of butter or more can be made over with about half that quantity. Avoid using whipped butter or tub margarine: the air and water content in these makes them unsuitable for baking. Again, consider using cocoa for a rich chocolaty flavor and add smaller quantities of chocolate chips. Try some of these Low Fat Christmas Cookie options.

Nuts:
In moderation, these make a great holiday snack. True, nuts are high in fat and dense in calories, but most of the fat is unsaturated. Some are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help protect the heart. Nuts are also an excellent source of B vitamins, as well as iron, zinc and potassium.

Success Story:

"I have used TG-2000 and TG-Max Ultra together now for 3 months and have lost 10 lbs. My main goal is to tone and firm. I do ride a bicycle outside most of the year and take inside cycling classes in the winter. I also lift weights. Now I will take those products to maintain my weight and have more energy, I am 57 but most people I meet think I am around 45. I will continue taking these two products because of the good effects they have on my life."
Thank you. Kris W.-Utah
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Holiday Eating Tips

If you're following a low fat diet, the holiday season is a mixed blessing, especially coming so soon after Thanksgiving. As wonderful as it is to be among family and friends for the holidays, it's hard to say no to all those tempting holiday treats that are passed around. Seemingly, you have two choices: abandon your good intentions and regret it later, or abstain and be miserable.

Fortunately, there is another option: choose wisely and still enjoy yourself. Better still, if you are hosting a holiday celebration, you can control what's offered and adjust many of the recipes to make them lower in fat.

As always, moderation and portion control rule. Too much of anything can add unwanted pounds and be unhealthy. Reducing fat is not an excuse to feast on lots of sugary holiday treats. But if you want to eat a sugar cookie and drink a little low fat eggnog, or have a slice of fruitcake and some mulled cider, you can.

Make sure you compensate elsewhere; not by skipping meals, but by saying no to second helpings, by filling up with fruit and vegetables, and drinking plenty of water to aid digestion and keep you feeling full for longer.

And don't forget to exercise: a brisk walk, running up the stairs, skating with the kids, or a proper workout, will all help burn excess holiday calories.

Saltine Cracker Toffee

Toffee is one of those holiday treats everyone loves but it is full of fat. This recipe gives you the same great flavor of toffee but with a lot less fat. Its a lot easier to make and nearly impossbile to mess up!

Saltine Cracker Toffee
Ingredients:
1/4 pound (1 sleeve) saltine crackers
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup butter
1 cup dark brown sugar
3/4 cup chopped pecans

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400-degrees. Line cookie sheet with saltine crackers in a single layer.
In a saucepan combine the sugar and the butter. Bring to a boil and boil for 3 minutes. Immediately pour over Saltine Crackers and spread the mixture to cover the crackers completely.
Bake for 5 or 6 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the top and let sit for 5 minutes. Spread melted chocolate over all the crackers and sprinkle top with chopped pecan nuts. Cool completely (4 or more hours) and break into pieces

Success Story:

Shannon from Idaho called to say after losing 100 pounds in 1988, she wanted to keep the weight off. A friend recommended she started taking TG-2000 ADVANCE.

Now she has accomplished that goal of weight maintenance long term with the help of our TG-2000 ADVANCE. She feels it has made all the difference in her life.
"It's worth every penny!"

Sneak in Some Nutrients!

Here are ways to get some nutrients in your holiday treats with the use of dried fruits, nuts, spices, whole-grain cereals and even chocolate. Fruits and nuts are rich in antioxidants; cinnamon suppresses blood sugar spikes; chocolate may help your heart and your mood.

Avoid Stress While Eating:

When we are stressed, our digestion can be compromised, causing problems like colitis and heartburn. Avoid eating while working, driving, arguing, or watching TV (especially disturbing programs or the news). Try taking some deep breaths prior to beginning your meal, or light candles and play soothing music to create a relaxing atmosphere.

Holiday Eating a Little Wiser:

Keep portions moderate, especially high calorie food. In recent years serving sizes have ballooned, particularly in restaurants. Choose a starter instead of an entree,split a dish with a friend, and don't supersize ANYTHING!

Listen To Your Body:

Ask yourself if you are really hungry, and stop eating when you feel full, It actually takes a few minutes for your brain to tell your body that it has had enough food, so eat slowly.

Eating just enough to satisfy your hunger will help you remain alert, relaxed and feeling your best, rather than stuffing yourself into a "food coma'!

(If it's too late for you for this advice, i.e., Thanksgiving Dinner!!!, you can try this advice again...Tomorrow!)

Don't Be the Food Police.

You can enjoy your favorite sweets and fried foods in moderation, as long as they are an occasional part of your overall healthy diet. Food is a great source of pleasure, and pleasure is good for the heart--even if those French fries aren't!

Enjoy the Thanksgiving Holiday, with all that delicious food, in moderation of course, and get back on track...on Friday!

TG- 2000 ADVANCE can help to curb those food cravings, and give you the energy needed for the busy days ahead!

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at Natures BodyCare. We are truly grateful for each one of you; our customers and friends.

Eating Smart

Take time to chew your food:
Chew your food slowly savoring every bite. We tend to rush through our meals, forgetting to actually taste the flavors and feel the textures of what is in our mouths. Reconnect with the joy of eating.

Success Story:

Julie H. of Utah wrote today:

"I started taking TG-2000 ADVANCE about 2 months ago. I wanted to see if there was something that would help me lose weight without having to really change anything in my diet or routine. I have since lost 10 lbs without changing a thing.

I think if I changed my eating habits and exercised more, I would reallly see the weight come off. My husband just started taking TG-2000 ADVANCE about 4 weeks ago and he has already lost 5 lbs."
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Pumpkin Chip Muffins

These are a little more health conscious than your average muffin.

(Very tasty too with a '4 spoon' rating from Jamie our 'Titanium Chef')


1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup water
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips (optional)

FROSTING: 1 pkg. (8 ounce) lowfat cream cheese, softened
3 Tbsp. lowfat margarine, softened
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups confectioners sugar

DIRECTIONS: In a large bowl, combine first 7 ingredients.

• In another bowl combine the eggs, pumpkin, oil, honey and water; mix well.
• Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients just until combined.
• Fold in walnuts and chocolate chips if desired.
• Fill greased or lined muffin cups 3/4 full.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

For frosting:

• In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla till fluffy.
• Gradually beat in the confectioners sugar until smooth.
• Frost cooled muffins.

Share YOUR Succes Story with our products! Email us at

www.customerservice@naturesbodycare.com

Success Story:

Kim from Wisconsin writes, "I have used TG 2000 for over a year now and have lost over 50 pounds! The high energy it gives me is a major plus as I no longer drag through each day. I will continue to use this product even after I get to my weight goal as it just keeps me going everyday. I loveTG 2000!"
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Healthy Minestrone Soup

This delicious recipe gets a 4 spoon rating from our test kitchen!

8 oz lite kielbasa or turkey sausage, cut in half lengthwise and sliced
1 small onion, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 Tablespoon olive oil
4 cups water
3 chicken bouillon cubes
2 cups carrots diced
1 cup celery diced
2 (14.5 oz) cans Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can cannellini or Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup dry farfalle (bowtie) pasta

Directions:
Brown sausage in bottom of soup pot. Remove and set aside. Add olive oil, onion, green pepper, and garlic to same pot, stirring to scrape up any brown bits from pot. (This deglazes the pan and will add great flavor) Cook on medium heat until onion and green pepper are tender. Add water, bouillon cubes, carrots and celery to pot. Bring to a boil and cook for 8-10 minutes or until carrots and celery begin to get tender. In a seperate saucepan bring water to boil for pasta. Salt water, add pasta and cook for about 5-7 minutes. You still want pasta to be somewhat firm, it will finish cooking in the soup. Add tomatoes and sausage to soup and reduce to simmer for 5-10 minutes. Add beans and pasta and simmer for 10 minutes or until ready to serve. Soup is even better reheated the next day!

Coming soon!

Nature's BodyCare healthy living blog where you will find up to the minute healthy, (and yummy) recipes that are easy to prepare, and weight loss tips and encouragement to help you reach your goals.

Exclusive to Nature's BodyCare is our very own Culinary Genius "Jamie the Titanium Chef" who will be bringing you irresistible recipes that will help you meet your weight loss goals, without sacrificing flavor.

More to come...