healthyholidays

Recipe! Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash

As you are getting ready for the holiday season, while it’s fun to go to the tried and true traditional recipes, here is a recipe that would go great with a holiday meal! Or this garlic Parmesan spaghetti squash recipe would make a delicious side dish with dinner too!

Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash - Image Source: iStock

Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash - Image Source: iStock

Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash
Serves 6 - 8

Ingredients:
1 spaghetti squash (about 3 pounds)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for brushing
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 small shallot, finely chopped
¾ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400º F.
2. With a knife, carefully score squash and poke holes lengthwise where you’re going to cut it in half. Microwave the squash for 5 minutes. Allow to cool. Carefully cut the squash in a half. Scoop out the seeds.
3. Brush the inside of both halves of the squash with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Place the two halves cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast the squash until tender, about 30 minutes. Allow several minutes to cool. Using a fork, scrape the insides to create spaghetti like texture. Set aside.
5. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and shallots. Cook until soft and slightly browned, about 2 - 3 minutes.
6. Add the spaghetti squash and sauté for about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and then stir in the Parmesan cheese. To finish, season with salt and pepper to taste.

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It's All About Balance - Tips for the Holiday Season

With Hallmark movies getting ready to air on TV and Halloween candy everywhere, here are some practical tips for balance with the influx of treats this holiday season.

PLAN IT

It is a given that there will be more sweets around this time of year, come up with a plan to enjoy them. For example - have a sweet treat on a specific night per week. Having a plan can help to take it off of the mind knowing that on the specific day it will be time for something sweet. Plus it can help you from having to say no so often!

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PICK AND CHOOSE

When thinking about excess, think about sugar in drinks too. For example a 20-fluid ounce bottle of regular soda has about 17 - 19 teaspoons of added sugar.

Instead of having a sugary drink with a meal - have a glass of water or milk instead to cut back on added sugar.

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DONATE IT

Send a gratitude package with some sweets to service menu through programs like Operation Gratitude, click here to learn more about the program OR Soldiers’ Angels, click here for more details.

Or look for other ways in your community to donate excess candy!

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FUN - YET HEALTHIER

Serve up trays of creatively arranged or designed fruit. Pictured here - Mandarin orange ‘pumpkins’, apple monster mouths, strawberry mummies, ghost pumpkins, or monster kiwi. Fruit kebabs are are great way too to creatively display and serve fruit.

Wishing you a healthy holiday season ahead! Stay tuned for more tips and ideas!

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#HealthyHolidays Quick & Simple Recipes & Tips

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Holiday Tips: Round-up

Today I'm bringing you a round-up of some of the great tips shared during the #HealthyHolidays Twitter chat last night!

Great quick tips from the chat included (& remember to check out some of these great people on twitter)! 

Healthy snack ideas that were shared to take on road trips included: turkey jerky, whole grain crackers & cheese, yogurt, bananas, Kind Snacks bars, nuts, homemade trail mix, or dried fruit.

@CuseSportsRD shared to check out the @greatlist #holidayfit challenge! Here's a link to the GreatList's web site for more information: http://greatist.com/move/just-do-something-challenge

Both @bxtraining & @JWLevitt shared that trying new yoga places when they travel helps give them more challenging workouts! I have to say I love to try and do this as well.

@Tiffbachusfit shared: Give yourself a break. When the stress of the holidays have you ready to scream, give yourself a much needed timeout

A tip from @EWardRD was to enjoy your food! Here is a link to 20 healthy holiday recipes on Liz's blog, click here.

Above photo from Elizabeth Ward's blog, with permission

Above photo from Elizabeth Ward's blog, with permission

Another great post I found on twitter last night was from @Deb_Lowther it was her healthy chips post! Click here to check out Deb's blog post and recipes for healthier chips like: apple cinnamon chips, and more.

Then last but not least, it came up that apple pie is a holiday favorite for some! Here's myBaked Apple Pie Parfait recipe... a healthier twist on apple pie from my book Skinny-Size It!

Baked Apple Pie Parfaits

Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients:

2 medium McIntosh, Golden Delicious (or other varieties good for baking) apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

1 tablespoon agave nectar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

6 ounces low fat vanilla yogurt

¼ cup KIND Healthy Grains Maple Walnut Clusters with Chia & Quinoa (or similar granola)

Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2. Place the apple slices in a small mixing bowl, add the agave nectar and cinnamon, and toss to coat. Transfer the apples to a baking sheet. 3. Bake the apples for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are tender. 4. Serve the baked apples over vanilla yogurt and garnish with the granola.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 230 calories, 1.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 65 milligrams sodium, 53 grams carbohydrates, 7 grams fiber, 39 grams sugar, 5 grams protein 

Have you sign-up for my #HealthyHolidays challenge? If not, click here to sign-up today! 

 

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Holiday Tips: Survival & Challenge

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