Low-Carb New Year’s

Holidays make us crazy. Everyone has somewhere to go, something to do. Hectic schedules, big family dinners, last minute party details - even small distractions could throw us completely off course. So why is it that we let the holiday season itself keep us from sticking to our eating plans? Many people can make the conscious decision to indulge in this or that and then jump right back on track. But making that decision, and actually doing it, are two different things. We can have the best intentions in the world, but if we don't follow up on them, they can be our undoing. I, for one, used to be guilty of putting off my healthy eating or exercise plan until after the holidays. I knew it would be difficult with all the tempting foods around. It was much easier to just wait until the feasting was over. But think about it. Are the holidays truly ever over? No, not really.

I have had very low carb stuffing that was remarkably like cornbread stuffing, made from - of all things - crushed pork rinds. The recipe comes from my erstwhile friend Trish Z. who very kindly let me use it in 500 More! Low-Carb Recipes. Here it is!

Alcohol has 7 calories per gram, whether it comes from beer, wine, liquor, or mixed drinks. It's also carb-free. It does, however, slow metabolism quite a lot so don't expect to actually lose weight if you're making merry. Includes Dana's City Lights Low-Carb Cosmo Recipe.

Hey, here we are in the New Year once again. In our household, we had nothing but fun from Thanksgiving until this red-hot moment. Great holiday goings-on! "Yes," I hear you sigh, "we had fun in December, but the dark, cold days of January are upon us, and with them, no hope for a good time until at least Ground Hog Day, next month."

All of these Low-Carb Holiday Dessert recipes are simple, and yet they will add the final touch to your holiday meal that most of us crave. They can all be made ahead of time, and several of them can be made in individual portions. If you are the lone low carber and are traveling to a family dinner, you can take just one portion of your dessert and won't have to lug the entire dessert along with you.

The holidays are nearly upon us, my friends, and that means it's time to gather with your loved ones and eat high-carb meals while visions of non-Atkins-friendly sugarplums dance in our heads. Okay, let's face it, the holidays are the most difficult part of choosing a low carb lifestyle.