Guilt-Free Cold Weather Comfort Food

So, you're stuck at home on a day like today and the snow and ice are pouring down. What sounds better than a big, hearty helping of comfort food. After all, it's too cold to go outside and run...and you don't want to venture out onto the roads and make an icy trek to the gym.

So, you might as well indulge a bit and snuggle under the covers. Well, there actually are healthy alternatives to your tried and true comfort food faves. Chili, mac and cheese, brownies and even chicken fried steak can be made to taste great without all the calories that normally leave you wanting to hibernate all winter.

Here are a few that I think you'll find especially appealing:

Ultimate Beef Chili Offer garnishes, such as reduced-fat sour cream and grated Cheddar cheese (about 1 tablespoon each per person), chopped scallions and chopped fresh tomatoes. Serve with warmed corn tortillas and a green salad topped with orange slices.

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/ultimate_beef_chili.html

Swirled Cheesecake Brownies Made with whole-wheat flour, these decadent-tasting brownies have a beautiful marbled cheesecake topping. Cutting them into bite-size pieces helps to keep the calorie count in check.

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/cheesecake_brownies.html

Calories Eaten vs. Calories Burned

Speaking of watching those calories burned vs. calories eaten.... check out the 'Links to Get You Movin' for a few sites that might shed a little light while you're shedding those pounds!

calories

My contribution to the blog, for now…calories consumed – calories burned = healthier body. I have no idea how many calories I consume, but it’s a lot because I exercise a lot. For someone just trying to get in shape, it would make more sense to watch calories consumed and gradually increase the amount of exercise. Here’s my calories burned for the last year, mostly running but also rowing, elliptical, stationary bike, walking, etc.

As you can see, I’m on track to break a record this month. Given a long-term commitment, anyone can do this!

Karl Rysted

Give Resolutions a Rest: Just Do Your Best!

According to USA.gov, the top New Year's resolutions include the following: * lose weight * manage debt * save money * get a better job * get fit * eat right * get a better education * drink less * quit smoking now * take a trip * volunteer to help others * reduce stress at work

Sound familiar? If you are anything like me, your resolutions have been somewhat similar in year's past. I say don't bite off more than you can chew. Rather, make a resolution to try each and every day to at least do one thing that will better your life-whether that be swapping a soda for a tall glass of water, resisting that box of Krispy Kreme sitting in the break room, taking your kids/grandkids/pets outside to do something active, or just going out of your way to brighten someone's day.

If you are in fact trying to lose some weight (like so many of us are), I urge you to check out the following resources that I have found very helpful and hope you do too. Remember, it's not "what can I do this year?" it's "what can I do today?".

Best of luck and may 2009 be your best year yet!

http://www.calorie-count.com/

This is a site I use daily. Members can sign up for free and create a profile, set goals, enter your daily calories, manage weight loss, etc. There is also a database of healthy recipes, exercise advice and forums from other members trying to get fit. You can even add the site to your desktop to easily access information. http://www.thiscityisgoingonadiet.com/ This is the website created last year when Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett put OKC on a diet...err fitness challenge rather. I wonder how many kept it going? The site is updated with new, healthy recipes weekly as well as a calendar of fitness events coming up. http://www.hungry-girl.com/ This is just a fun little website aimed towards women which includes advice on how to replace those favorite dishes with lower calorie versions. The punchline is "Tips & Tricks for Hungry Chicks!" I believe that says it all, right ladies? http://www.thebestlife.com/ As seen on Oprah, this is the Best Life Diet. Though you have to be a paying member to fully access the website, you can get a free diet profile which at least tells you how much you should lose to be within your target weight range.