Did you know that the majority of weight gained by Americans is put on during the 6 weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years? The average American will gain 5-6 pounds and will lose only 3 of them. Slowly but surely over 10 years that “Holiday Creep” will leave you 20-30 pounds heavier. Keeping the weight off over the holidays is crucial to the battle of the bulge!

To satisfy your holiday cravings without adding to your waistline, try my original Healthy Holiday Recipe. It is easy to make from ingredients available locally at Yes! Organic Market. When you have an urge to treat yourself, replace sugary or greasy snacks with one of these Healthier Holiday Treats from Café Sureia:

Healthier Holiday Treats
from Cafe Sureia

#2. Reduced Fat Sweet Potato Cake:     The holidays are here and lets face facts: you are going to parties and will probably be throwing one yourself. Use this cake to lighten up your dessert offerings without compromising the fall theme or great taste. Just don’t eat two slices instead of one because it’s reduced fat!

#3. Hot Soups:     New to Sureia’s menu are soups, many of them homemade. The better choices are lentil, chicken noodle and Ethiopian lamb and potato soup because they are not cream based. They also contain protein and/or fiber to keep you feeling fuller longer.

Turkey, Pecan & Cranberry Salad
with Ingredients from Yes! Organic Market

Place everything in a bowl, lettuce first, then turkey, then pecans and cranberries, then dressing (see below for recipe). Toss and enjoy.    421 cal per recipe.

Maple Vinaigrette
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup vinegar (balsamic is great)
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Place everything into a container/bottle with a top and shake. Makes approximately 16 tablespoons.

Josef Brandenburg is a Brookland-based fitness coach and author of The Body You Want. For more information and free workout advice go to www.thebodyyouwant.com.