News Taffy

Way back in October, I urged my readers to get ready for the holidays by making plans to exercise and eat somewhat healthy food to avoid the holiday bulge. Now I’m wondering how you’ve done? I’ve kept up my exercise routine zealously, had plenty of water every day and been really good at the table. The result is that my weight has remained stable and my energy level high. I have had the occasional dessert such as the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake and the Tres Leches cake I had Sunday night. BUT, I split those desserts with my family of four and you know what? We were all more than satisfied with sharing the two desserts. The exercise has paid off, as well.

I’ve managed the stress of the holidays better by getting in those hard, sweaty workouts. Dance class leaves me mellow and much more relaxed than before I go! And there has been plenty of stress: Christmas concerts and swim meets, parties, Christmas cards and shopping! My shopping is not complete because two gifts I ordered have not arrived so I am pretty worried!

By the way, I’d like to add that it has not been as simple as I make it sound. My butt apparently has a magnetic attraction to the sofa and I have to fight my way to the exercise mat. I froze some cookies I made earlier so we wouldn’t eat them all before Christmas when our company arrives. A few days, I forgot to drink because I was really busy! That is a bad habit I work to improve.

I hope you’ve had your share of success too, with your "holiday planning." If you need further inspiration, go online and watch this morning’s episode of Good Morning America. One segment showed some common holiday treats and the fat and calorie content in a graphic way. I’ll never eat spinach dip again as one serving contains some 700 calories and that doesn’t include the chips!

I’m sharing a nice soup recipe today because soup is a great way to squeeze in some veggies. Make soup this week or next to counteract all that heavy holiday food. This soup goes together in a flash and is easy to double. As is, it serves 2 or 3.

Tortellini Soup

INGREDIENTS:
*1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil
*1/2 of an onion, chopped
*1 carrot, diced
*3 cans of chicken broth
*8 oz. package sliced fresh mushrooms
*1 9-oz. package tortellini
*1 small zucchini, sliced
*1 cup broccoli florets

DIRECTIONS:  Heat oil and saute onions and carrots till just tender. Add broth, mushrooms, and tortellini. Simmer 5 minutes. Add broccoli and zucchini and simmer 3 to 4 minutes more or until vegetables are tender. Add a Tbsp. of fresh minced parsley or a tsp. of dried. Serve immediately. Good the next day for lunch.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your friends and family! In a pinch, refer back to my Thanksgiving commandments as they apply to Christmas celebrations, as well.

-Lisa