Since it is the season of giving, how about giving to yourself! We are all so busy buying gifts for all our loved ones but how about the gift of good health for ourselves? Here are some great gifts you can give yourself this holiday season:

1. The gift of healthy food. Not just to look better in your favorite jeans but to feel better. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats will provide your body with what it needs to stay active and healthy.
2. The gift of a strong body. Exercise is not only important for keeping in shape but also for a strong heart, strong bones and a strong immune system.
3. The gift of peace. It's important to limit stress in your life. Take a few minutes each day just to breath.
4. The gift of friendship. Make sure to surround yourself with the people you love.
5. The gift of laughter. Find something that makes you smile everyday.
6. The gift of thanks. Be thankful for everything you have.
7. The gift of acceptance. It's important to accept yourself for who you are and make healthy changes that are right for you.

I hope all of you have a wonderful, safe and healthy holiday!!!!

Hope

Stress-Free Holidays

Looking for ways to keep your holidays stress free this season? Try these tips:

1. Get moving. Daily exercise can help release tension and decrease anxiety. A little sweat can also help remove impurities from your body. Aim for 20-30 minutes of brisk exercise per day.
2. When looking for comfort foods stay away from sugary and starchy foods. Try pistachios. They have been shown to lower cholesterol, which can help improve cardiovascular health.
3. Try a cup of tea with honey. We all know that tea is heart healthy due to all the antioxidants, but honey actually has antibacterial properties which help improve immunity.
4. Say no more often. It is easy to get overwhelmed with shopping, cooking, wrapping, etc. Learn to put yourself first sometimes. It's okay to do a little bit less.
5. Make sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep per night
6. Find something that makes you laugh. Laughing has been shown to reduce stress hormones.
7. Get outside. Sunshine helps stimulate the production of serotonin, the feel-good chemical in our brains.

Hope Danielson
Health & Wellness Advisor
Niemann Foods

Calorie Swaps

Looking for some easy ways to reduce calories in your diet?

Here are some great calorie swaps:

1. Swap out your morning bagel and cream cheese for a light English muffin with jelly. You'll save 360 calories
2. Swap out 2% milk for skim milk.You'll save 117 calories
3. Switch from ranch dressing to balsamic vinegar. You'll save 128 calories.
4. Order small fries instead of large and you'll save 270 calories.
5. Swap out a taco salad for a taco and you'll save 396 calories.
6. Swap out regular beer for a lite beer and save at least 40 calories.

Little steps everyday really add up!!!!!

Hope Danielson
Health & Wellness Advisor
Niemann Foods

Cutting Calories

Looking for some easy ways to reduce calories in your diet?

Here are some great calorie swaps:

1. Swap out your morning bagel and cream cheese for a light English muffin with jelly. You'll save 360 calories
2. Swap out 2% milk for skim milk.You'll save 117 calories
3. Switch from ranch dressing to balsamic vinegar. You'll save 128 calories.
4. Order small fries instead of large and you'll save 270 calories.
5. Swap out a taco salad for a taco and you'll save 396 calories.
6. Swap out regular beer for a lite beer and save at least 40 calories.

Little steps everyday really add up!!!!!

Hope Danielson
Health & Wellness Advisor
Niemann Foods

Thanksgiving Leftovers

Looking for a great way to use some of that leftover Thanksgiving turkey? Here is a great recipe to try:

Turkey Salad
Ingredients
2 cups shredded leftover turkey
2 stalks celery, sliced
1/2 cup celery leaves, coarsely chopped, plus more whole leaves for garnish
1 crisp apple, cored and chopped
1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
1/2 cup pecans, toasted, and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup non-fat yogurt
2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more as needed
Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
In a large bowl, gently toss the turkey, celery, celery leaves, apple, grapes, and pecans until combined. In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until well combined. Pour the dressing over the turkey mixture, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently to evenly dress the salad. Serve immediately.

Hope Danielson
Health & Wellness Advisor
Niemann Foods

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, I thought I would give you some healthy tips:

1. Stick to the lean meats. White meat with no skin is best.
2. Sweet potatoes are a great side dish. Try not to put too much butter and sugar on them. They are naturally sweet and delicious.
3. Try roasting your vegetables. This really brings out the flavor and doesn't require a lot of butter, oil or salt.
4. Stick to a small serving of dessert or a couple of bites if you're eating more than one.
5. Watch out for beverages. Those calories can add up quickly. Stick to sparkling water with cranberry juice, water with added lemon and orange slices, tea or coffee.
6. Try flavoring you mashed potatoes with butter sprinkles, chicken broth, or trans-fat free margarine. Also use lower fat milk.

Stick to some of these healthy tips and you'll feel better and lighter this Thanksgiving holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Hope Danielson
Health & Wellness Advisor
Niemann Foods

Are you trying to lose weight and need help?

Feel free to post me a question and I will be happy to help you meet your weightloss goals.

Hope