9 Festive Treats Perfect for Holiday Gatherings

Thought you couldn’t enjoy the holidays and keep losing weight? Think again! These easy-to-assemble, festive treats aren’t just adorable, they’re also healthy and Nutrisystem-approved, too! Prep a big batch of them and bring them to holiday gatherings, or have all the ingredients on hand and spend some time with the kiddies or grandkiddies creating the recipes together. Either way, we know you and your fellow party-goers will absolutely adore these perfectly themed holiday eats.

So, without further ado, here are nine festive holiday recipes to serve this year:

1. Santa’s Cheese Belts >

With all the holiday hustling and bustling, who has time to spend hours in the kitchen preparing festive food? If you’re looking for a last minute treat to bring to your holiday gatherings, we’ve got you covered with these adorable Santa Cheese Belts, which couldn’t be any easier to make… or to eat! Requiring just three “ingredients” and taking mere seconds to prepare, these thematic treats are the perfect pick for those looking to minimize kitchen time. Whip up a platter of these Santa Cheese Belts just minutes before your holiday gathering, and your guests are sure to deem you the holiday hostess with the mostess!

2. Christmas Tree Veggie Tray >

Give your classic veggie tray a festive twist with this ridiculously cute Christmas Tree Veggie Tray recipe. Simply assemble your favorite veggies in a Christmas tree shape, and voila! You’ve transformed a traditional dish into something fabulously festive. Fellow party-goers will applaud this adorable contribution, and you’ll feel relieved knowing that at least one of your holiday recipes is a healthy option.

3. Cheese Dreidels >

Oh, dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, we made you out of… cheese? That’s right, these adorable little dreidels are made of just two ingredients: Cheese and pretzel sticks. Which means they take a few quick seconds to prepare. Assembling them is so simple, it’s a great activity to do with little ones. Just make sure you have them make a bunch… These little snacks are such a delicious addition to your Hanukkah menu, we’re pretty sure you’re going to want to nibble on them for all eight nights!

4. Snowmen Fruit Kabobs >

We love these Snowmen Fruit Kebabs so much, we make them all winter. The good news is they’re totally guilt-free so you can, too! Featuring fresh bananas and a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, these tasty little treats are as diet-friendly as they are adorable! Suggestion: Have little ones joining your festivities? Wait to prepare these until your elves have arrived. It’s a fun activity the whole family will enjoy!

5. Strawberry Santa Hats >

Add a touch of sweetness to your festivities with these strawberry Santa hats, which feature delicious and vibrant strawberries plus a touch of white chocolate chips, mini marshmallows and shaved coconut. This recipe might be a tribute to the big man himself, but snack on these during your festivities, and you’ll stay slim and trim. Use them as toppers for pancakes, cookies and cupcakes to make your holiday recipes extra special.

6. Holiday Jell-O Cups >

Your belly might not shake like a bowl full of Jell-O, but that doesn’t mean you don’t get to enjoy the jiggly stuff! These colorful takes on a classic dessert will add a little fun to your holiday spread without sabotaging your slim down. Just be sure to double up on this recipe if you’ve got lots of guests coming. These tasty little treats are sure to disappear from your table at reindeer speed!

7. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies >

Sorry, Santa, but we won’t be leaving these cookies out for you. They’re way too tasty and way too diet-friendly to waste on you! That’s right: At a mere 45 calories per cookie, these delicious desserts are nothing short of a holiday menu miracle! Word to the wise: Double up the recipe. Once your guests find out these decadent cookies aren’t hundreds of calories, they’ll be grabbing them by the handful!

8. Grinch Kabobs >

Your heart might grow three sizes the day you make these adorable little snacks but don’t worry, your waistline won’t. That’s because these tasty treats feature just three simple, good-for-you ingredients: Green grapes, fresh strawberries and bananas. They’re the perfect addition to your holiday recipes because they’re festive but they’re not packed with calories, fat and sugar like many traditional holiday sweet treats. Get the kiddies or grandkids in on the assembly action, and you can prepare several batches in mere minutes.

9. Menorah Pudding Cups >

If your Hannukah isn’t complete without something sweet, these Menorah Pudding Cups are the treat for you. Featuring creamy vanilla pudding topped with blueberries and a clementine slice representing a flame, each little cup is packed with so much flavor, you’ll have a hard time waiting till your guests have appreciated your festive display before diving right in, spoon-first. The good news is, this is one delicious dessert you won’t have to regret. So go ahead… dive on in!

The post 9 Festive Treats Perfect for Holiday Gatherings appeared first on The Leaf.

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I’m overweight and need to lose weight. F27, BMI 26, 5’4, 147 lbs. Diagnosed with PCOS last year, weight loss is almost impossible. Goal weight: 132 lbs.

I’ve incorporated 1h of cardio 2 times a week and 1h of strength training 2 times a week so in total I’m exercising 4 times a week. I’m reluctant to add more frequency due to the calory restriction I’m on.

I eat 3 meals a day. For breakfast I eat two small loafs of bread made of chia seed, complex carb. I add cheese and ham with butter on top of the loafs. I drink 2 cups of coffee in the morning and cup after lunch.

For lunch I’ll have a small portion of rice/potatoes, lots of vegetables and 2-3 slices of meat. I add some sauce to the rice. I try to eat low carb for lunch and dinner, so 45% of my plate is vegetables, 40% is protein and 15% is carb.

For dinner I’ll have chicken with broccoli, pepper, cauliflower and Asian vegetable mix. I try to avoid carbs like rice, pasta and potatoe for dinner.

My calorie restriction is on 1600 calories daily. I have a really hard time eating less than that due to the frequent exercise I’m doing.

I’ve been following this for a month now and my weight hasn’t moved at all. I’m diagnosed with PCOS which means my metabolism doesn’t work like normal. My goal weight is 132 lbs and I want to reach in a 3 month period. However I feel discouraged because it doesn’t seem to matter how much I exercise and watch what I eat, the weight isn’t moving at all. I’m so sad and upset.

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Day 3: The First Big Cravings Hump

It’s been two successful days so far for me. The first couple nights I had a little rumbles in my tummy going down from 3K+ calories a day to a strict 2100 limit. It’s taking a lot for me to not pop in a couple servings of junk in the microwave but I know if I slip up now all I’ll be doing is prolonging the process of my body adjusting to eating a healthy amount and pushing the day I reach my goal further and further away. I’m working on the mental aspects of weight loss as well as I’ve realized just how out of control my eating was. I feel that I’m closer to making that big leap forward as long as I can look back a few weeks from now and know I didn’t slip up not even once. Tips and advice welcome!

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73 lbs down and nervous

2023 has been a whirlwind of a year, i was at my absolute heaviest in january of this year and about 2 months later was broken up with by my partner of 5 years.

as many others who have gotten dumped, it kickstarted a weight loss/ revenge body mindset. i then started to realize that actually what i was doing was super healthy for me and became super aware of how unhealthy i was in that relationship (mind and body). now i am 73 lbs down and so excited with my progress, as this is the healthiest i’ve been since before the relationship!

people are now really starting to notice and now that im getting closer to my goal weight, im nervous about weight gain post caloric deficit and just maintaining. especially with so many people noticing i get nervous about gaining weight back.

i eat around 1500 calories a day and don’t know what that looks like post goal weight. has anyone found a way to maintain after being in a deficit that doesn’t cause weight gain? what’s your advice?

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9 Healthier Christmas Cocktails to Sip on This Holiday Season

When everyone is ready to celebrate the holiday season, you don’t want to be left out of the fun just because you’re eating healthy and losing weight. Well, we’re here with some good news for you: You can enjoy an adult beverage with your Nutrisystem weight loss plan. Just choose cocktails that are loaded with flavor but lower in calories. These nine ideas are sure to make your spirits bright without derailing your progress.

Before we start mixing drinks, let’s go over a few tips from the dietitians at Nutrisystem. A serving of liquor is one shot or 1.5 ounces. Limit yourself to two servings a week and try not to have them on the same day.

Follow your cocktail with a glass of water (or seltzer) to keep you hydrated and help you avoid overindulging. It’s best not to have a cocktail on an empty stomach and be especially careful about loading up a plate of unhealthy appetizers to go with your drink. Also beware of mixers and other cocktail ingredients that are loaded with sugar.

When you want to have a drink, these cocktails are a smart choice because they have tempting flavors and brilliant colors, but they don’t overload you with unnecessary calories or sugar. These ideas work great for two cocktails, or you can mix up a batch for a crowd. Their festive holiday ingredients make them just right for any seasonal get-together!

1. Winter Sangria

Sangria is a punch made with wine and a combination of fruits. For the holiday season, use a fruity tasting red wine and add in fresh cranberries and slices of oranges and apples. Make it a day in advance of your party so the fresh fruit has time to soak up the wine.

2. Dairy-Free Eggnog

We’ve given the holiday favorite a healthy makeover while preserving the creamy goodness of the original. In our Dairy-Free Eggnog recipe, we use real eggs blended with almond milk as the base. Then we season it all with honey, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and natural sweetener. Add a shot of dark rum for a rich flavor and just a bit of a kick!

3. French 75

This light, bubbly cocktail is perfect for an elegant gathering. It’s made with gin and lemon juice, plus sparkling wine or champagne for a little fizz. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel for a party-worthy presentation.

4. Hot Toddy

When you want a cocktail that will warm you up on a cold night, make our healthier version of this classic Christmas cocktail. The base of this Hot Toddy recipe is hot tea spiced with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, then sweetened with honey and lemon juice. You can drink it just like that on any day but for a party you can pour in a serving of brandy or rum and everyone will feel extra cozy.

5. Rosemary Gin Fizz

The same herb that adds flavor to your turkey punches up the taste of this simple cocktail, too. To make a Rosemary Gin Fizz, you muddle (or crush) sprigs of fresh rosemary in the glass to release its flavorful oils. Add gin, lemon juice, a bit of honey for sweetness, and finally some club soda. The savory rosemary complements the taste of juniper berries in the gin.

6. Negroni Americano

A cocktail does not need to be complicated to be sophisticated. A Negroni is a popular drink in Italy that features equal parts gin, red vermouth and Campari, an herb-infused liqueur. For the Americano style, you replace the gin with club soda, reducing the alcohol content and calories with some bubbles.

7. Cranberry Paloma

Here’s an idea for putting extra cranberry sauce to use in an eye-catching cocktail. Add the cranberry sauce to the blender with tequila (a low-calorie alcohol), lime juice and grapefruit juice. Finish with club soda for a bit of sparkle.

8. White Christmas Mojito

Give the ever-popular mojito a holiday spin by blending coconut milk with lime juice, a natural sweetener like stevia, and mint leaves. Mix those ingredients with half servings each of white rum and coconut-flavored rum. Serve over ice and garnish with mint leaves and pomegranate seeds for seasonal color.

9. Espresso Martini

If you and your guests are coffee lovers, these flavorful espresso martinis are sure to be a hit. They’re made with cold espresso, unsweetened almond milk half-and-half, and sugar-free vanilla syrup. You can offer them as mocktails or add a shot of vanilla vodka. Finish them with a topping of a few coffee beans and unsweetened cocoa powder and you have the perfect drink to cap off a fun celebration.

The post 9 Healthier Christmas Cocktails to Sip on This Holiday Season appeared first on The Leaf.

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I bought a new dress and it fits!

While I know the company I got it from might have generous sizing and because of the shape of the dress it definitely flounces out over my hips/thighs (bought a swing style dress) but I'm just so happy.

I've lost 65lbs now and was honestly a bit flabbergasted that I still hadn't gone down a clothing size in my trousers (I hold a lot of weight in my thighs and arms- in my stomach and hips too but it's just shrunk at a faster rate than my thighs or arms) so because of my thighs changing so slowly I haven't been able to size down in trousers yet although the waist/hips are getting baggy for sure now

I'm also in a position (due to being near enough bed bound due to disability) where most of my clothes are loose fitting and it's rare I get to wear something slightly more form fitting just because it makes day to day life a bit trickier.

But because its Christmas when I stumbled across a really cute dress that appealed to one of my interests but was actually a nice design I decided to go for it to wear for the little bit of time I get to spend with my family out of bed etc.

After reading the reviews they often said to trust the measurements on the site and not just assume its your normal dress size, some people ended up with dresses too big but for most it was a bit more snug than they expected, hence me assuming it generally runs big.

But I have a very similar dress made by the same manufacturer that I wore in September last year. It was a UK 20....

The dress I got for Xmas, which fits.

Is a UK 16!!!!

While I know its probably just a small 18 compared to other shops or at least a very big 16, I'm just so happy.

I love the dress for one, but also I just genuinely feel so happy to have gotten this far in spite of everything and it's just like concrete proof that this is genuinely working.

I've not been below a size 20 since I was 16. And I weigh less now than I did at 13, I'm now 30.

I started at 259lbs (18st 7lbs) and I'm now 194lbs (13st 12lbs) and while I still have a long way to go, it's feeling really real and just kind of all hitting me at once so I wanted to share the happiness.

I'm still concerned my thighs are gonna cause some problems skin wise because the way the fat formed on them its basically like globes hanging off and I'm a bit worried they're going to make it a bit harder to move than it already is, but hopefully the weight will eventually come off there enough that they're less in the way :)

I'm just so happy this is working so straight forwardly. So many years of crap advice regarding weight loss from doctors (either that it would be impossible for me to lose weight due to my limited movement or that i could only lose weight if i ate 500kcal long term- utter BS on both) and then Google and reddit enabled me to consistently lose weight and I couldnt be more grateful for everyone who gave me advice when I first reached out about how to calculate tdee in my situation.

Just thank you, so so much.

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weight loss tips?

hey! currently, i am 5”5 and fluctuating between 150-148lbs. my starting weight was 190lbs, so i’ve lost a good amount of weight but i still have 20lbs to go to finally be healthy again.

i started my weight loss journey in may of this year. over the pandemic i became depressed and gained a crap ton of weight and never lost it. i would try (meaning i would start a workout one day then wouldn’t stay consistent then i’d quit) but never succeeded. but then in may i found out we were going on vacation to the beach in the following month and i freaked out because i didn’t want anyone to see me in a bathing suit. I did research and discovered what a calorie deficit was so i calculated mine and i stuck to it. long story short, i lost 20 lbs in the next two months and started playing tennis.

then, this school year started and i stopped actually trying to lose weight but i was mad because i wasn’t losing any. in september, i decided to start doing it again and lost another 18lbs!

now, here i am at 149lbs and doing a calorie deficit but it isn’t working. i work out 3-4x a week and am in a -500 calorie deficit. i will admit, for a while i was trying to eat only 1,000 calories a day but for obvious reasons it didn’t work because i’d end up binging due to hunger. but now, i think i am doing it correctly but it is still not working.

i don’t know if this is a plateau or something but i am so frustrated with myself. i sometimes eat more than i’d like and then tell myself “i’ll start tomorrow” (which i never do) or “i’ll start eating better in the new year” my house also has a lot of cookies, chocolate, and candy right now because it’s the holiday season and sometimes i can’t resist but i really really want to. i just desperately need help on how to have self control and the ability to push myself and not be lazy.

i have also decided that i want to start running and possibly do soccer somewhere next year so i have been craving to run but i have no where to run. i had a treadmill but it’s broken, and i know i could just run outside but i live in a dangerous area and i don’t think it’d be the best idea (not to mention it is freezing outside). i would like to start running 1-3 miles a day to lose weight and be more energetic.

i just feel stuck because i havent lost weight in two months and i can’t drive to go to a gym or something of that nature and i feel like as of right now my only hope is to lose weight by dieting.

my goal is to weigh around 130lbs by march 2024.

so, does anyone have any tips for me?

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