Know anyone struggling to get control of their sugar cravings ? Wondering how you're going to survive the holidays amidst the pies, candies, and cookies ? Yes, the holiday treats can be tempting ...but there is a way you can have sweetness without giving up sugar.

On Thursday, December 12th, I'm giving a talk on Sweet Success: Overcoming Sugar Cravings.  Come on out to  New Leaf Market located at 1235 Apalachee Pkwy, Tallahassee, FL 32301.  We'll be at New Leaf from 7:45 PM- 8:45 PM. 
Be sure to bring a friend!

The 4th of July is right around the corner, which typically means barbeques, margaritas, and quality time with family and friends. It also means that we may have a tendency to snack a bit more. After all, it's a national holiday. Doesn't that give us the RIGHT to enjoy all this great party food ?   

ABSOLUTELY! But it's the continuous snacking on leftovers we may not typically eat that often leaves us feeling guilty.     I've been there. I recall spending a delightful day slathering bread in BBQ sauce, then later getting a sliver of a dessert brightly proclaiming its patriotism, then another sliver, then another...only to wonder why my favorite jeans feel like they shrunk the next week.    I think many of us have had THOSE moments, the moments I fondly call "snack attacks".  There's no denying that everyone, at one time or another, has had a snack attack. Views on snacking differ. Some feel that snacking is bad and that eating between meals leads to weight gain. Others believe that eating many small meals and snacks throughout the day is healthy for maintaining energy levels and optimal weight. If there were one way of snacking that was right for everyone, we would all be doing it!

To cut down on snack attack guilt, try to understand why you are snacking and what snacks work best for your body. Perhaps you snack because your daily diet is missing nutrition, or because you are eating too little at meals. You might be snacking to soothe anxious nerves when you are emotional, or to entertain yourself when you are bored. Whatever your reason, acknowledge it and start thinking about how to create a life that is nourishing and truly satisfying.

It's your life and you have the ability to make it grand!

Although snacks are no substitute for loving your life, they can be great energy boosters. Many convenient snack foods are highly processed and full of chemicals, additives, damaging fats and refined sugars. When a snack attack hits you, try foods that are filling and satisfying, but also nutritious. Here are some tips:

• Snack on things that don't come in a plastic wrapper or a box, like fresh fruit, leftover vegetables or rice cakes with almond butter and fruit spread.

• Make your own signature trail mix, organic hot chocolate made with almond milk sweetened with agave nectar, or blue corn chips with hummus.

Try Upgrading Snacks   

If you are craving something crunchy, upgrade from potato chips to raw carrots, apples or whole grain crackers.

• If you are craving a candy bar, upgrade to a handful of nuts and dried fruit.
• Instead of a cup of coffee, upgrade to green tea.
• Instead of ice cream, upgrade to applesauce with cinnamon.

Upgraded snacks are high in nutrition and give you a greater sense of satiety and satisfaction; you won't feel physically or psychologically deprived, and you'll have plenty of energy to sustain your activities for hours.

Snacking is enjoyable and there is a wide variety of healthful goodies forwhatever you're craving, be it sweet, crunchy, salty, creamy or spicy. Dive in, be creative and enjoy your snack attack. 

What do will you try when the urge to snack hits ?
Comment below. I read every comment!

Greetings!

It’s been a looong time since I’ve written a blog post and thought I’d check in to say hello and welcome back.  It’s actually been year and in that year
I graduated with my Master’s of Public Health Degree, started a new job, and launched a new website: www.edenicwellness.com. I’m so excited about the various changes that are happening, even when life presents challenges that require me to grow beyond my expectations.  It’s a funny thing about growth… sometimes it’s not so comfortable. In fact, change can be DOWNRIGHT painful at times.  After all, expanding one’s mind and spirit to receive abundance and other life lessons can feel like a beginner student in an advanced yoga class!

 I find in those moments of growth that I long for comfort to ease any discomfort that may along with change. Comfort in the form of a warm embrace, a chat with a long-time friend, or a delicious meal when I’m hungry. There was a time when I reached for a chocolate bar or pasta to soothe my nerves, but now I’ve found some other tasty delights to comfort my soul. Stay tuned to see one of my favorite Comfort for the Soul recipes- Red Lentil Soup!
 
It's perfect for the remaining chilly days of winter as we welcome in the spring.

Ingredients:
1 cup red lentils, well rinsed
2 1/2 cups water
1/2 large onion (or one small), chopped
1/2 cup of nutritional yeast
3 TBSP of Bragg's Aminos (or to taste)
sea salt to taste

Place the lentil and water in a medium sized pot and bring to a boil. Be  sure to stir. After 5-7 minutes, bring lentils down to medium- low.  Stir in the onions and cook on medium-low until cooked, about 15 minutes or desired consistency of soup.  Add sea salt, Bragg's Aminos, and nutritional yeast. 

Serve with rice  or  a salad.  Serves 3-4.