I’ve heard there’s a secret to maintaining balance during the holidays.
Apparently it’s really easy.
All you have to do is follow one rule: enjoy everything in moderation.
Even Fitness Magazine, Jillian Michaels and Weight Watchers say it’s true. 
So a few days ago, I decided to heed their advice and bring back a long lost love.
If I’m going to enjoy everything this Christmas, this smooth chocolate delight is most definitely going to be included!
Added bonus: it’s easily incorporated into a moderate and balanced diet!
See below.
(Hehe).
“When used in moderation with complementary foods, Nutella® can form a part of a balanced meal. It is a quick and easy way to encourage kids to eat whole grains, such as whole wheat toast, English muffins, toaster waffles and bagels.”
-Nutella website
source (p.s. a woman filed a lawsuit filed against Nutella for making false “health” claims!)
It’s also a quick and delicious way to encourage everyone to eat…COOKIES!
When paired with it’s equally tempting sidekick, peanut butter, Nutella is moderation’s temptress.
You’ve been warned.
***Peanut Butter-Nutella Thumbrint Cookies**
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup sugar**
1 egg
1 t. baking powder
1 small jar Nutella
chopped peanuts or hazelnuts (optional)
sea salt (optional)
1. Mix peanut butter, sugar, baking powder and egg in a bowl. Use hands to roll dough into about 30 balls.
2. Roll each ball in sugar (if desired) and place on a baking sheet.
3. Using your thumb, press a large, deep indentation into the cookie ball.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for about 8 minutes; cool on a rack.
5. Once cooled, fill cookies with Nutella and top with chopped peanuts or sea salt.
**you can substitute Splenda or Truvia, but the cookies will be slightly more clumbly
ENJOY!!!
When goodies like this are lying around, it’s really tough to abide by the “enjoy in moderation” mantra.
Believe me, I know. 
But that’s okay. Because this year I’m kissing all rules goodbye.
Including the moderation rule.
(And I think you should too.)
Does this mean I’m going to gorge on 10 cookies in one afternoon? Probably not. But I’ll do my best to not think about the “right amount” or the correct serving size. I believe that many of the unhealthy relationships Americans have with food are rooted in the fact that we relentlessly try to live by food rules. This creates anxiety and confusion, which ultimately makes eating less enjoyable!
Coconut milk ice cream: I end breakfast with dessert when I feel like it (most mornings!)
What is moderation is anyways? Could it be that its different for each of us? Or that what may be moderate one day, might not feel moderate a few days later?
It’s all so confusing!
That’s why I think the best approach is this: eat what you love, love what you eat, and TRUST that your body will tell you what, when and how much.
I mean, I love Jillian…and fitness magazines have great tips, but do they really know us better than we know ourselves?
**LOVE to you all! Merry Christmas!**
I may be back before the 25th, but if not, have a joyous holiday!
“We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup!”
(name that movie)
What’s your favorite way to eat Nutella?
Favorite Christmas cookie?
Do you live by your own “food rules?” Is anything off-limits? What does “moderation” mean to you?
