Survivor: Holiday Edition

Okay, so I haven't updated since Thanksgiving... and let me tell you, it was no sweat to eat healthy. Yay! I ended up having to go to the doctor shortly after Thanksgiving and they weighed me (eek!)... and I lost 3 lbs.! Yipee!

But now, we're in Christmas territory... and it's dangerous.

I LOVE to cook- seriously. My favorite thing? Baking. And my baking is evil. I make the most delicious and the unhealthiest holiday treats, and then end up eating way more than I should. Yikes.

Luckily, there are some things I've been using to make the holidays easier for me!


The first thing? NuStevia from NuNaturals.


I've used Stevia before as an alternative to sugar. I liked the idea of Stevia because it's way sweeter than sugar, so you only have to use a little bit. It tasted okay, but it always had this really gross bitter taste to it, especially when I used it in baked goods. Sick.

When NuNaturals sent me this huge container of their Stevia Baking Blend, I was hesitant. I didn't want to ruin another batch of cupcakes or cookies by using this. I read the material they sent me on NuStevia- and was kind of surprised to read that NuNaturals puts their Stevia through a unique process to remove the bitter taste. Could it be?! A healthy alternative to sugar that actually tastes good?!

Okay, yes, it tasted good. First test passed. But would it survive in my holiday recipes?

Yep. I used it in these French Toast and Bacon cupcakes with maple buttercream frosting, and they ROCKED. Seriously, you couldn't tell that it was Stevia instead of sugar in this recipe. Sorry to anyone who's reading this who ate one of the cupcakes and feels deceived now (mwahaha).





I am hooked beyond belief. Sugar-free, no funky side effects, no bitter aftertaste, and a container that will last me FOREVER because you only have to use a tiny bit? Yep. I'm sold.

You can buy products from NuNaturals here!

Just for Callie Gets Skinny readers:
Enter in code BLG228 at checkout for an extra 15% off NuNaturals products! By using this code, you'll also get FREE shipping for any orders over $35!
This code will expire 2/28/11

Not sure if you want to place an order? You can always ask for samples- they're GREAT about giving out samples! Just send a self-addressed stamped #10 envelope to:

NuNaturals , Inc.
2220 West 2nd. Ave. # 1
Eugene, OR 97402



The next product I got to try? Svelte protein drinks.

So, I've talked about my fear of gritty, grimy, gross protein drinks before (this post, remember?) and my distaste for them. I'm always kind of hesitant before trying a new protein drink, so when these showed up, I took a deep breath before opening them up. Then, I saw the packaging- and c'mon, how could NOT want to drink something that calls you beautiful??

These drinks come in four flavors- Chocolate, French Vanilla, Cappuccino, and Spiced Chai. They're made with soymilk so they're friendly on my tummy. They're also packed with 16 grams of protein (!!) and complex carbs for sustained energy.

AND THEY ARE DELICIOUS!! My favorite flavor was, of course, the Chocolate. I liked that and the French Vanilla cold. I tried the Cappuccino and Spiced Chai cold- not my fave, so I decided to heat them up. Tasty!! It tasted like... well, a cappuccino and a spiced chai latte on all kinds of good protein crack!

They're a little higher in fat than I'm used to, but they're also loaded with fiber and (duh) protein, so it makes for a perfect meal replacement! I had each one for lunch on a different day and truly felt satisfied.

You can pick these up at Whole Foods or you can buy them here.



This next product is definitely the most unique thing I've ever gotten a chance to try. I tried Bach Flower Remedies Emotional Support Kit.

I was expecting CDs or books telling me that it's okay that I'm a fatty or that it's not my fault. Instead, I got three cute little bottles. Hmm.




The first bottle was Crab Apple. The bottle says that this "helps you accept your physical imperfections and feel better about the way you are". I almost chugged it on the spot.

The second bottle was Chestnut Bud. This one"helps you observe your mistakes objectively so you can learn from them and move on".

The third and final bottle was Cherry Plum. This "helps you act rationally and think clearly with a calm and balanced mind when you fear losing control".

The directions said that 2 drops may be taken directly by bottle (which tasted gross, so I don't recommend that) or added to any beverage (definitely the better option here!), and you're supposed to take the drops a minimum of 4 times a day.

I did this for a week, and honestly, I don't know if it was because of the drops or because I knew how the drops were supposed to make me feel, but I was way more conscious of what I was eating. I didn't feel guilty for eating bad things, but made choices not to do it again and just move on. I'm going to give this another go and see what it does! I was pretty impressed.

If you're interested, go check out Bach Flower Remedies.


As Christmas approaches, what are your plans to stay healthy? I've decided not to hang around the kitchen and graze. Also, if I make unhealthy treats (which I'm bound to do), I can eat ONE and then I have to give the rest away.

Have any great healthy recipes to take to parties? Share them here!!