Check Out My Podcast!

A couple of weeks ago, Debbie Alan had me on her Internet radio show. I talked about the very timely topics of healthy entertaining and slimmed-down baking.

Tune in and learn:

• How to save 112 calories from each slice of pie
• How Stepfanie slimmed down Debbie's favorite dip
• What you should never mix with alcohol
• How to boost the nutrition content of your cocktails
• And much more!

Happy Eggnog Day!

Today is Eggnog Day! Creamy, sweet and delicious, homemade eggnog is a real treat at the holidays. Spiked with a dash of rum or whiskey, it's a cocktail and dessert rolled into one. Unfortunately but not shockingly, eggnog is also pretty high in fat and calories. After all, it is essentially a rich custard mixed with whole milk and egg whites.

11 Healthy Party Appetizers

Did you know that overindulging on the weekends can lead to weight gain of nine pounds a year?

To stay on track and still have fun with friends and family, serve some of these healthier party foods.

Happy Hanukkah!

Happy Hanukkah, dailySpark readers!

Should We Impose an "Obesity Tax" on Soft Drinks?

Times are tough, and governments, like families, are having a hard time balancing their budgets. New York Gov. David Paterson this week unveiled a plan that would bring $404 million to the state, which is facing a $15 billion deficit this year and next.

As part of his $121 billion budget for 2009, the governor wants to enact an "obesity tax."

Does it Really? The Truth about Açaí

We've all seen the ads.

Rachael Ray lost weight with açaí berries!

Lose 20 pounds in 2 days with açaí!

Açaí flush is the secret to weight loss.

Is it true? Does açaí, a berry native to Central and South America, hold the key to weight loss?

Holiday Party Tip: Slim Down Your Dips

What are the holidays without parties? And what's a party without great snacks? Too often, food is an afterthought at cocktail and holiday parties.

How many times have you gone to a party, only to find your only choices are a cheese ball and crackers and a bowl of greasy chips with thick and creamy onion dip.

Dips are easy and affordable party fare, and they can be healthy, too. As you're preparing for a Hanukkah, Christmas or New Year's Eve party, keep these tips in mind.

Healthy, Homemade Gifts: Solid Perfume

I had a final gift in mind, then I saw a really cool idea from BellaSugar.

Solid perfume is a great gift for the fit gal on the go. It travels easily, and it fits in any gym bag!

Thanks for Listening to My Interview!

Hello, dailySparkers!

Thanks so much for listening to my interview today at On The Home Stretch.com. I had a great time! I'll post the link to the podcast once it's up on Debbie's site.

Healthy, Homemade Gifts: Vision Collage

Here at SparkPeople, we're big fans of vision collages. What's a vision collage?

A vision collage is a collection of photos, magazine pages, words, or anything else that you can use to help visualize your goals.

Why would you give one as a gift?

Healthy, Homemade Gifts: Herb Mixes

When you're watching fat and calories, herbs and spices are your new best friends. They add flavor and pizzazz to your cooking with little to no calories and fat. However, many of the versions you get in the supermarket are full of salt--a big no-no when you're watching your sodium levels or you have high blood pressure.

Consider mixing your own herbs and spices and giving them as gifts.
Save small jelly jars or buy spice jars at a kitchen goods store. Include the "recipe" for the spice mix on an index card, and be sure to include some tips on how to use the spice blends.

Healthy, Homemade Gifts: Chocolate Pretzels

Know another chocolate lover? Surprise him or her with these hearty pretzels. Pretzels are a healthy snack, and when dunked in chocolate, they feel like an indulgence. Turns out they only have 167 calories and 5 grams of fat each!

Healthy, Homemade Gifts: Rice Sock

I've written about the miracles of the rice sock.

This handy low-tech gadget eased an excruciating sinus headache I had a few weeks back. Since I made mine, it had soothed sore knees after yoga, loosened a tight lower back and even warmed cold feet as I typed in my home office.

Have a friend who constantly battles aches and pains? Make one of these as a holiday gift!

Healthy, Homemade Gifts: Mix CD (Workout Playlist)

Songs can make or break a workout. The right song can get you in the "zone" and help ease you past a plateau. The wrong song can make you zone out. (Could someone please tell that to my Spinning instructor, who has been using the same playlist for two months!?)

Do you have an mp3 player or CD collection that's full of upbeat workout songs for cardio or relaxing songs for your yoga practice?

Holiday Gifts for the Healthy Cook from $8 to $150

Forget the electronics, the toys and the clothes. When it comes to holiday gifts, this Julia Child wannabe wants kitchen gadgets. I've compiled a list of my top 10 culinary finds this holiday season. I hope these gift suggestions will be appealing for people who like to cook and eat healthfully. Maybe some of my loved ones will read this (hint, hint) and get some ideas of their own.