How to Eliminate Holiday Stress? More Safe Indulgence Says Expert

Best selling author, Sharon Allbright tells how to eliminate weight gain, stress and over-spending during the holidays.

Seattle, WA November 13, 2004 -- Weight gain, stress, and over spending are three reasons why many find the holidays less than jolly.
There are new ways to skate through the season without gaining a pound, falling prey to tension or plunging into the annual splurge/guilt syndrome, says Sharon Allbright, author of best seller, Low-Carb Sweets and the Art of Self Indulgence.

She offers innovative ideas to solve these dilemmas (ranging from parties to presents) and promises not a bit of deprivation or New Year blues.

For safe indulgence, Plan ahead is the first tip Allbright suggests to the millions of Americans who reportedly gain at least a pound during the season of feastivities.

This is the sugar plump season, so its essential to learn ways to indulge a sweet tooth while still sticking to a satisfying and healthy eating plan. To keep the ho ho in my holidays, I keep a pre-season cache of my easy home-made goodies in the freezer as a guarantee for safe splurging, says Allbright.

One fast favorite in Low-carb Sweets is the five minute Macadamia Fudge (see recipe at end.) This scrumptious candy doesnt require cooking and can be an easy ally for warding off a chocoholic attack. These goodies are not only sugar-free but loaded with protein and contain only one carb per piece. For holiday flair, she suggests using gold foiled candy cups and finds the candy makes a luxurious last minute gift. (They keep in the freezer for weeks.)

Holiday Wrap
To ward off temptation at parties, she suggest wrapping some of this fabulous fudge in plastic and slip it into an evening bag for that gala that promises plenty of fa la la along with your favorite double chocolate fudge cake.

When everyone is standing around the dessert table munching irresistible pastries with their champagne or coffee, I secretly pull out my stash of luscious little indulgences.

One problem can arise when others notice and ask where I found that treat. I either fib and say I took the last oneor sometimes I share a few of my chocolate treasures, she confesses.

Family Gatherings
The queen of low carbs feels that family gatherings are one of the harder events because old patterns can become so entrenched. It is especially difficult when visiting the infamous mom, grandmother or anyone else whose slogan is Eat-Eat-Eat.

The author finds that in most instances, this host is the very one who inadvertently helped create ones girth in the first place.
It seems that no matter how carefully I explain my low-carb diet, that person just doesnt get it. So once again, be prepared for the onslaught of unwanted eating demands.

I have learned to never eat anything just to make someone else happy, confides the author.
                   
House Party Plan
Allbright takes a different tactic when attending a house party and suggests that safe indulgences can be a breeze if you volunteer to bring a dessert or just surprise your hostess with
a healthy, sugar-free dessert.
   
This will not only make you a hero with your host but will also guarantee a healthy finale to any meal. My recipe for Chocolate Crme Brulee is a show stopper. This plan will make you popular with other guests, too-- especially when you reveal its sugar-free, says Allbright

Tipple with Taste
The former health columnist suggest enjoying spirits that dont take one down the path to bulging thighs. Drinks that create a feeling of festivity include dry champagne and an after dinner favorite is coffee laced with brandy and a dollop of whipped cream. She says its a pleasant picker-upper with a rosy after glow.

Vegetables in Splendor
Veggies can be the star of any occasion when prepared Allbrights way. One of my favorites is artichokes with a smoked salmon dip. These green globes look like arduous preparation but are actually easy. if you dont bother to cut off the spiny tips. The ends soften once they are steamed.

Instead of candied yams, I make mashed banana squash with a big taste boost from grated orange peel, cinnamon, healthy sweetener and butter.
White asparagus are available during the holidays and make a big splash with a colorful pesto dip.

Cranberries dont have to be jellied and sugar laden. A raw cranberry relish takes minutes in the food processor with some lemon zest and healthy sweetener, she says.

Shop at Home
To relieve the stress of shopping, the Internet provides 24 hour browsing without tired toes, parking hassles or long checkout lines.
If you crave a little holiday atmosphere, put on your favorite Christmas CD, light a cinnamon candle and snuggle in your favorite pajamas as you peruse with a pre-set budget for each gift. Most places will even ship, avoiding long lines at the post office.
I have practically completed my Chanukah/Christmas gift buying at www.Amazon.Com because just about everyone is happy with books, music, and my husbands favorite, computer software.

Other great sites include:
www.SmartBargains.com for deals on designer clothing and household wares.   
www.SierraTradingPost.com for sporty clothing, shoes and outdoor equipment.
   
Gifts with Meaning
If exchanging presents is starting to feel like a senseless ritual, investigate giving gifts that have a meaningful impact on your heart and the lives of others.
   
My favorite gifts come from www.WorldVision.Org. You can view their Christmas catalog or request one at (800) 423-4200. I traditionally let my pre-teen nephews scan the book to choose what they want to give a needy family. Their favorite is the goat (which provides milk and a source of income for years) and only costs $75. For just $15, you can buy baby blankets and diapers or even a soccer ball to provide exercise and entertainment for a community.

UNICEF, the United Nations childrens organization has wonderful items ranging from cards to alpaca scarves. Order catalogs at (800)553-1200 or checkout www.unicefusa.Org.

Volunteer
Although a cashmere throw provides luxury warmth, there is nothing like the soul glow of taking part in activities that delivers holiday cheer to the homeless, helpless or forgotten. You can always find a worthy activity by checking with churches or organizations for the needy. Some friends children who always complained about not getting enough for Christmas changed their tune after a stint in a homeless shelter on Thanksgiving, says Allbright.

The parents say that it made a lasting impression on their whole family. The kids even wanted to invite one family to their house for Christmas.. and share their Christmas gifts.
Indulge yourself

Okay, so you have polished off your gift list without blowing the budget, your fridge is sumptuously stocked with your favorite treats and you are signed up to volunteer at a meaningful charity. Now its time to indulge yourself -- generously says the writer.

My favorite affordable luxury is a $35 a day outdoor hot springs resort. Christmas week is practically deserted and even if it is chilly, the water is hot, steamy and it feels delicious to soak and relax. It truly gives new meaning to the phrase: All is calm-- all is bright, says Allbright with a smile.

Macadamia Fudge
5 tablespoons chocolate whey protein powder
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
⅓ cup soft butter
1 teaspoon vanilla or chocolate extract
2 tablespoons canola or mild tasting oil
cup Splenda (or sweeten to taste)
cup chopped macadamias (or other nuts) Fudge
Combine first 6 ingredients in a food processor until well mixed.
Add nuts and mix by hand.
Put heaping teaspoons of fudge in candy cups or form into balls. Chill before serving.

Yield: 12    Protein: 5 grams    Carbs: 2.5 gram each

Media Connection
e-mail protected from spam bots
(888)989-6684 (For print, radio and television interviews with author)

###