1. Be a food snob. Skip the foods you do not enjoy and savor what you've been looking forward to all year, like that special dessert or savory appetizer. When you do indulge, allow yourself to experience the taste, aroma, texture, and flavors.  


2. Make your workouts efficient, effective, and consistent. If you only have 20-30 minutes to get something done, make it effective by doing intervals and changing the intensity. Interval training can almost double your calorie burn in half the time. 


3. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables at both meals and snacks. Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and tend to be more filling, helping you eat less and stay satisfied longer. They are also less "energy dense," meaning they have fewer calories than food with the same volume. 


4. Skip the sugary alcoholic beverages and fancy coffee drinks. Instead, opt to keep it simple! Savor (in moderation) the simple pleasures such as a good glass of wine or a hot cup of coffee.


5. Serve yourself on a mini-sized plate. Choose the foods you love, just in smaller portions!


6. Avoid arriving at a holiday party or meal starving; instead, eat something small before you go to help ward off hunger.


7. Mingle near people, not food. Avoid gathering near buffet tables, candy dishes, and cookie platters when socializing with friends. This can help you reduce mindless eating and consuming food you don't even realize you're eating.


8. Take a walk after mealtime, and ask a family member or friend to join you. Not only is this good for digestion and nurturing your relationships, but it also keeps you from grazing on snacks when you're not even hungry.


9. Enjoy club soda or sparkling water before or as a replacement for a cocktail to limit alcohol consumption.


10. Take time to enjoy the season. Be still and experience both the peace and joy of life's moments. Be grateful for all you have instead of letting your mind fall into the trap of never having enough.

1. DIY Photo Ornaments. Have everyone pick their favorite 5-10 photos from the year and let the creative juices flow with decorating! Make unique ornaments or even a holiday wreath.


2. Family Give-Back Date. Choose a time that the whole family can volunteer their time to the community or a non-profit organization. These acts of kindness will make the holiday season grander for someone less fortunate. 


3. Holiday Game Night! Invite family, friends, neighbors, and/or co-workers over for an evening of holiday board or card games. This can be a great bonding tradition that brings people together and is filled with tons of laughter and joy!


4. Dance Party. Yes, this sounds a little silly, and it is, but it's also fun! Turn up the music and have a family dance party to your favorite holiday music. The movement is good for the body, the laughter and smiles are suitable for the soul, and the memories made will last a lifetime!


5. Write letters or send care packages.  Making holiday cards and care packages and sending them to children in hospitals, seniors in nursing homes, or the military who are serving can be a powerful way to spread holiday cheer. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups California walnuts


• 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes


• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder


• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup


• 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil


• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract


• 10 pitted Medjool dates


• Unsweetened coconut flakes and unsweetened cocoa powder (optional coating)

1. Place walnuts in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.


2. Add coconut, cocoa powder, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, and dates; pulse again until the mixture forms a thick paste. (Don’t process it too long or the mixture will become too sticky.)


3. Roll into 16 equal balls, then roll in additional coconut or cocoa powder if desired. Store in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve.

Stephanie has been working in the field of nutrition and dietetics since 1995. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics from Michigan State University, completed an Approved Pre-Professional Practice Program at Western Michigan University and earned a Master of Business Administration from Baker College.  She’s been a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist since 1996 and licensed in Texas since 2007.  In 2008, Stephanie earned her certification in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management. 

Stephanie has extensive clinical & managerial experience, both in corporate settings and in the community.  Now she wants to share her knowledge with you, because most (if not all) nutritional habits begin at home. 

Stephanie and her family reside in Katy, Texas