It’s coming on Christmas and there are tons of treats and foods in your face. It’s impossible to escape. You know I’m a big fan of moderation and deprivation. If you deprive yourself of the things you want, you’ll probably end up binging on those foods later. Enjoy them now with moderation and portion control. There still is a way to stay healthy and indulge over the holidays.
I will indulge during the holidays but I’m ok with it because I am keeping active. I try to keep my activities holiday themed too because it’s just so much more fun. I’m getting exercise while still having fun. Last week I did a Christmas light bike ride. I don’t know how many miles we rode because it was just so much fun.
And then there was the Christmas themed half marathon. I did enjoy half a cookie and two M&Ms. Those aren’t really things you want to eat while you’re running in the heat. I know, I know. It’s supposed to be December so someone please tell me why it’s 80 degrees.
It’s just important to stay on track during this time so you can enjoy yourself without feeling the holiday guilt. The holidays are a fun time with family and friends, don’t be bogged down in food guilt. Honestly, food guilt isn’t healthy anyway.
Willie has been doing really great on his weight loss journey so I’ve been trying to whip up something sweet for us to eat while others are enjoying the pies, cookies and cakes. There’s no way Willie is going to get off track so I want to make something for him to enjoy without blowing his diet.
There will be faux egg nog and pumpkin banana bread for us this year.
- 4 ripe medium bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup splenda brown sugar
- 2 large Egglands Best Egg egg whites
- 1 large Eggland’s Best Egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Preheat the oven to 350. Grease a loaf pan with baking spray
- In a bowl, combines flour, baking soda and salt with a whisk. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar together with a mixer. Add eggs whites, egg, bananas, pumpkin puree, apple sauce and vanilla.
- Beat until mixture is thick.
- Add flour mixture and blend at low speed until combined.
- Pour better into loaf pan and bake on center rack for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the pan cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
The egg nog is easy. I took a gallon of cashew milk and to packages of sugar free vanilla pudding and mixed those together with a whisk. I add a tbsp of vanilla extract too. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving and whisk again before serving. Garnish with cinnamon.
I love egg nog but it’s just not something I am comfortable with drinking. It’s no secret I’m not a fan of drinking my calories. This version is a nice substitute for the holiday classic and I can enjoy much more without packing on the calories.
Just remember the holidays don’t come around every year and there’s always a way to make something work for you. These are two things we’ll be enjoying this year and not be blowing our diet out of the water. And if you can’t find something to work for you, moderation not deprivation. Stay active and you won’t have anything to worry about.
For more recipes visit the Eggland’s Best Eggs site. Eat well and enjoy the holidays!
This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Eggland’s Best.
