It’s easier to maintain your weight than it is to lose it, at anytime, but especially in menopause.

So here are 4 tips to avoiding weight gain over the holidays (OR anytime!):​​

1. Quantify where you are before the holidays…

You could check in on the scale, use a measuring tape or try on a pair of jeans for this. Realistically, your goal should be weight maintenance (unless you want to spoil your holiday).

2. Wear structured clothes because…

Stretchy pants, well, S-T-R-E-T-C-H, even when YOU don’t want to.

3. Eat slowly because…

Scientists believe that hormone-sensitive nerve endings in the gut track the nutrients you consume & calculate when you’ve had enough. After you start eating, it takes 20 minutes or so before the brain begins to start sending out the “I’m full” signal that turn off appetite.

4. Walk after meals because…

Walking lowers blood sugar to help manage insulin. This helps your body use energy more efficiently.

5. BONUS TIP: ENJOY!

Life is meant to be enjoyed, make some happy memories!

Eating right, along with challenging exercise, is the formula for a toned, lean body. Guarantee your results by teaming up with me.

Together we will come up with a health plan that is uniquely yours, one that fits your lifestyle and helps you achieve your goals.

Email today to get started.

​​​​If you are a lover of teriyaki then these subtly sweet meatballs are right up your alley! These make a wonderful appetizer for your holiday party.

Feel free to use liquid stevia rather than the honey if you are looking for an extremely low sugar dish. However, for most of us, this small amount of healthful, raw honey is perfectly A-OK and beneficial.

Serve these tasty meatballs up as an appetizer or serve over arugula or spaghetti squash for a small, fitness-minded meal. Enjoy!

Courtesy of RealHealthyRecipes.com

What you need
Serves 5

1 tablespoon garlic, minced
2 tablespoons ginger, minced
¼ cup scallions, minced, plus more for garnish
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
3 tablespoons coconut aminos
1 tablespoon raw honey
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
½ teaspoon arrowroot starch
3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Combine the garlic, ginger and scallions in a food processor. Pulse until well combined and finely minced.

2. Transfer the garlic mixture to a large bowl and add the ground beef and sea salt. Use your hands to mix until well combined. Form the mixture into 20 meatballs, about an inch in diameter.

3. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the sesame oil. Add the meatballs and cook, shaking often, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the meatballs and set aside on a plate.

4. Add the coconut aminos, honey and vinegar to the skillet. In a small bowl whisk the arrowroot starch and water together until fully dissolved. Add to the skillet, mix and simmer until the mixture has thickened, about 2 minutes. Return the meatballs to the skillet and cover in the sauce. Serve immediately, garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.

Nutrition
Four Meatballs equals: 189 calories, 7g fat, 372mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, 2g sugar and 23g protein.

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• Don’t load up on appetizers and then sit down to a full meal. A plate of appetizers has the calories of a meal!
• Look over all of your food options before beginning to eat. Choose a few of your favorites and then fill the rest of your plate with veggies and greens.
• Be careful with liquid! Stick with only one calorie-filled drink and then switch to water.
• Eat a sensible meal before you arrive at the party. This will cut down on party food calories.