As a kid I distinctly remember Burl Ives as the snowman singing, "it's the most wonderful time… of the year!" For me, growing up in Minnesota, the holidays truly were the best! It meant family and friends, Grandma's famous Christmas cookies (which she still sends in a care package today!), and of course, lots of time playing in the snow!

Though the intention of the holidays is happiness, joy, and sharing with those we love, we know it can also feel a bit hectic and overwhelming. Often the joy with which the season is intended can seemingly disappear altogether with everything we have to do.

In the midst of giving so much of yourself, remember the importance of giving to YOU as well. Going for walks, getting enough sleep, planning your eating strategies, knowing when to say "no" if too much is planned, etc., all becomes vital in having a happy and healthy experience of the holiday season.

Remember, you can choose how you want to experience the holidays. Relax. Breathe. Stay in the moment. Connect with your heart. In the busyness, I like to close my eyes and remember lying on my back listening to the quiet snow falling softly on my face… aaaah! Peace abides and my heart smiles.

Peace, happiness & health… from our heart to yours!

Lisa Brisse
& the State of the Heart Fitness Staff

With the holidays coming up, we thought it would be fun to open the forum to YOU! We asked our readers and clients, "How do you take care of YOU during the holidays? With all the festivities and food, how do you keep a healthy balance?" Here's what they said:

Eileen Powers, client, "Do not organize anything at your home that involves obsessive cleaning, early decorating, grocery shopping, cooking, and clean-up; in other words, go out. Restaurants are very family-oriented at the holidays and provide an enjoyable time that is stress-free, even for you."

Judith Fine-Sarchielli, the Topanga Food Coach & Chef, "Lots of laughs, rest, good friends, no family arguments, a few bites at a time, save room for dessert and talk more than you eat."

Edie Nieman, Loews member, "Plan ahead and prepare in advance. Keep love active in your heart. This will give you more JOY. But first, stop, be still and ask yourself ‘how do I want this holiday season to be?' We have a choice - be honest. Let go of the old ways. Know what you want and follow through with peace. Take time to be quiet."

Sue Thibodeaux, spinning enthusiast, "At my age, avoiding holiday overeating is a serious matter. I keep in mind that holiday gatherings are meant to focus on and enjoy the company of people, not the food. At parties or meals I try to follow the rule of two-thirds produce and one-third meat on my plate-just a taste of carbs and sweets. Fat does not take a holiday and neither should my exercise; if the gym's closed, I still do power walking and bike riding. By continuing to practice healthy habits I, can hopefully leave the extra weight behind and not have it on my behind!"

Kathleen Hall Goldner, client, "Working out at the gym and with my trainer, Kim, is a major part of taking care of myself during the holidays as well as all year round. I hope to watch what I'm eating, but it's nice to know that if I eat an extra piece of pie, I'll be able to run to the gym & work it off!"

Jean O'Loughlin, loews member, "Make some time for yourself each day - at least 30 minutes somewhere to get out and MOVE. Go for a nice walk. Get some fresh air so you don't forget to BREATHE. Enjoy the festivities and your favorite foods but also fit in plenty of fruit and vegetables. The holidays are meant to be enjoyed - smile, it means the world to others!"

Warm and fruity, this apple crisp is spiked with sweet and tangy dried cherries. Fresh or dried, cherries contain impressive amounts of antioxidants, as well as some fiber and potassium. Ounce for ounce, dried cherries are higher in nutrients than their fresh counterparts, but they also have more calories, so it's best to enjoy them in moderation.

• 1/4 c unsweetened dried cherries
• 1/2 c hot water
• 1/2 c old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 c chilled trans-free margarine
• 1/2 c whole grain pastry flour
• 1/4 c + 2 Tbsp granular sugar substitute
• 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
• 9 Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced (9-10 c)
• 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat 13" x 9" baking dish with cooking spray. Place cherries and water in bowl and soak cherries until ready to use. Meanwhile, combine oats, margarine, 1/4 cup of the flour, 1/4 cup of the sugar substitute, and 1 tablespoon of the cinnamon in medium bowl. Cut margarine into dry ingredients until mixture is just crumbly. Toss apples and lemon juice together in large bowl. Add remaining 1/4 cup flour, 2 tablespoons sugar substitute, and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Stir to combine. Place apples in baking dish. Pour cherries and soaking water over apple mixture and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle oat topping evenly over fruit. Bake until apples are tender, about 40 minutes.

Serve warm and enjoy!
Makes 12 (1-cup) Servings 150 cal, 1 g pro, 23 g carb, 7 g fat

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