10 Most Filling Foods You Can Eat

   I am sure the last thing you want to read about post-Thanksgiving gluttony (yes, the average person consumed over 4,500 calories!) is a blog about filling foods! I get it, but think of this as an eating strategy that you can use all those days between big holiday meals and parties and then beyond to start your new year off right. So according to a dietician writing for LHJ, these are the foods to fill you thereby curbing junk food cravings and boosting your healthy eating barometer. No surprise that they are mostly veggies and fruit with beans, fish & nuts for good measure. Here they are:

Beans, Fish, Brussels Sprouts, Raspberries, Popcorn, Avocado, Mushrooms, Peas, Walnuts & Potatoes

    Add these choices into your meal and snacks for some filling menu variety. Use beans (rich in protein & fiber) and mushrooms into recipes you would typically use beef. Use beans in tacos and burritos and use mushrooms in lasagna, chili and burritos. Eat raspberries, walnuts and popcorn (no butter here) straight up as filling snacks. Avocado is versatile and can be sliced for sandwiches and tossed in salads. Grill or broil your fish of choice a few times a week for a full stomach and a boost of healthy omega-3s. Shred Brussels sprouts and toss in a salad and do the same with hunger zapping peas. Last but not least, the misunderstood potato. They are rich in fiber, potassium and resistant starch. They are not the enemy anymore. However you prepare them (I love to cube and toss in olive oil and some seasoning and bake in the oven – yum) leave the skins on for more fiber – just don’t fry them! Eat up, feel full and enjoy.

Recipe Time! Hot Apple Pie Dip Recipe!

   As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, I feel we all need an easy, delicious go to dip recipe that reflects this holiday deliciously & beautifully. The beauty of it as it can be served as an appetizer or a dessert! Love that! This is my adaptation from a Nabisco recipe:

Hot Apple Pie Dip Recipe

8-oz cream cheese softened (can use a reduced fat variety too)

2 T. dark brown sugar mixed with 1/2 tsp. white sugar

1 apple of your choice cut into small cubes & divided (leave skin on) Toss with lemon juice to keep from turning brown.

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 T. roughly chopped pecans

In bowl combine cream cheese, brown sugar & 3/4 of cinnamon sugar. Stir in half the apples. Spread in bottom of small shallow baker or casserole. (Pampered Chef's 9" mini baker is the perfect size.) Top with remaining apple, cheddar cheese, pecans & sprinkle with remaining cinnamon sugar. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Serve with Wheat Thins Lightly Cinnamon crackers or my other favorite a cinnamon sugar pita chip like Stacy's. Enjoy, be happy & be thankful!

Happy Thanksgiving, Readers! I am also always grateful for you.

Aaah, The Mindful Bath

   As Sarah Ban Breathnach so eloquently describes in her book Romancing The Ordinary: "Your hand grasps the chrome tap, and with one quick turn a waterfall of delight gushes into the porcelain tub. With only the slightest forethought or effort you have performed a divine conjuring act. In an instant, the elixir of life. Even today, incredulous millions around the world shake their heads with wonder at such a sight."

    Yes, the pouring of the bath is something we should not take for granted. It is also an equalizer; we all lie there naked awaiting a transformation of mind, body and spirit ~ no matter who we are or where we are in our life's journey. Queen Elizabeth is said to enjoy long baths with fragrant, homemade bath salts. My wish for her and all of us is to be mindful and embrace the relaxation that the warm bath can bring. The Queen, I suspect, might have a passing thought about the naming of her next grandchild as we, too, have passing thoughts. Being mindful is to put all those thoughts aside for twenty minutes and soak and feel and luxuriate. Keep pushing the thoughts aside and just be. Be mindful~ enjoy the scent, the warmth, your quiet mind. (Yes, you can do this!)

    My dear friend was kind enough to give me a few wonderful bday bathing gifts this past weekend. My first important tip if you have a porcelain or marble (aka. icey cold tub) is to run the hottest water for a few inches in the tub & let it sit and warm before you escape into paradise. Meanwhile, heat the room & prepare towels, robe, candles, to be ready for your exit. Drain & refill the tub now and enjoy an additive of your choice. I love my gift of Dr. Teal's Epsom Salt scented soaking salt in Soothe & Sleep Lavender (also provides the body with the much needed mineral magnesium). Or try Aveeno's Stress Relief Foaming Bath which moisturizes dry skin with soothing oatmeal. Whatever you choose, remember to also choose a time when you can be mindful & relax.