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Natural Health Newsletter Brought to you by Diets in Review
"Laughing, smiling, singing, and dancing generate more health and happiness than doctors and pills ever can.” —Unknown

Last month I shared that with the support of friends and family, I was able to complete my goal of running a marathon. In turn, I asked you all to share your goals with me so that we can all support one another. Thank you to all who shared -your goals are very inspiring!

  • Congrats to Shirley on her new baby girl. Her goal is to work to lose her baby weight in a healthy fashion, while enjoying motherhood.
  • Being active is a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Wendy's goal is to increase her cardio to 3x per week.
  • Having completed her first 10K run, Miranda is setting her sights on running her first half marathon.
  • With Halloween only a few days away, John has set a goal to not over-indulge in all the candy and goodies that his kids will bring home.
  • James has set a goal to strengthen his core by utilizing kettlebells at home on a regular basis.

Best in Health!
~Amy~


Healthy tips for Halloween

Each year as Halloween approaches I hear parents and adults alike groan at the thought of all the candy that will be entering their houses and places of work. Below are some great tips to help you keep the sweets in moderation and not blow your diet and health plans in one night!

Don't buy candy early. Stores seem to put out bags of candy out earlier each year. With candy in-house, you are providing yourself temptation before Halloween even begins.

Allow yourself a treat or two, but make sure to seek out your favorites. If you eat just any candy in front of you, you will be wasting calories.

Keep candy out of sight by storing it in your cabinets or less accessible areas. You'll eat less and have better control of how much you eat.

Avoid purchasing candy on sale on November 1st. Many stores will be featuring discounts on candy not sold before October 31st, but this will only allow for more sugar and calories in your home.

Co-workers may use work as a good outlet to offload their extra candy (maybe that was one of your strategies?). To avoid this pitfall bring healthy snacks to work with you. This will help keep you full and prevent temptation. Fresh cut apple with peanut or nut butter is a great option.

If you are giving out candy this year and don't want to be left with loads of candy, think about purchasing these alternatives to candy: stickers, raisins, chips, pumpkin seeds and even sunflower seeds.

Wishing you all a happy, healthy and safe Halloween!


Recipe of the Month: Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Babycakes Chocoloate Chip Cookies

Prep time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Yield: 35 cookies



Ingredients:
  • 2/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar, divided
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • Cooking spray

Directions
  1. Beat 2/3 cup sugar and butter with a standing or hand-held mixer at medium speed until well blended. Add molasses and egg, and beat well.
  2. In a small bowl combine flour, baking soda, salt and pumpkin pie spice. Lower the speed and gradually add flour mixture to sugar mixture. Mix until well blended. Divide dough in half. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and freeze for 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  4. Shape each portion of dough into 35 (1-inch) balls. Roll in 3 tablespoons sugar. Place, 2 inches apart, on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Bake for 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer to cooling rack.

(Read more: Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe | Cook Yourself Thin Recipes)


In the News

DietsInReview.com is fully dedicated to all things shaping a healthier you. Part of being healthy is having a positive outlook on life, and finding humor and levity in the challenging and mundane parts of life. That's why I am happy to announce the newly launched comic strip - Empty Calories. To read and have a good laugh, check out the first two strips "Own your Cravings" and "Find your Motivation".


Giving Back

Breast cancer awareness month is an annual international campaign that occurs each October. The global, month-long campaign is organized by several major breast cancer charities to help raise dollars and increase funds for the cause, with the ultimate goal of finding a cure for this disease. Charity Navigator is a great site to help you find charities that need your help. Please visit Charity Navigator for a list of charities working to prevent breast cancer and please give what you can.


Action Items

  • October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Check out our list of charities that need your help to end this disease.
  • Check out the new comic strip "Empty Calories" to enjoy the lighter side of dieting.
  • Check out the DietsinReview.com blog for the latest in health and fitness.



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Also, if there is something you are interested in learning more about or would like me to feature in an upcoming newsletter please contact me.

Eat, Live Laugh newsletters are intended for overall general wellness. If you have condition specific concerns please feel free to contact me.