Seattle, WA (PRWEB) November 13, 2004

Weight gain, stress, and over spending are three reasons why many find the holidays less than jolly.

“There are new ways to skate through the season without gaining a pound, falling prey to tension or plunging into the annual splurge/guilt syndrome,” says Sharon Allbright, author of best seller, “Low-Carb Sweets and the Art of Self Indulgence.”

She offers innovative ideas to solve these dilemmas (ranging from parties to presents) and promises not a bit of deprivation or New Year blues.

For safe indulgence, “Plan ahead” is the first tip Allbright suggests to the millions of Americans who reportedly gain at least a pound during the season of “feastivities.”

“This is the ‘sugar plump season,’ so it’s essential to learn ways to indulge a sweet tooth while still sticking to a satisfying and healthy eating plan. To keep the “ho ho” in my holidays, I keep a pre-season cache of my easy home-made goodies in the freezer as a guarantee for safe splurging,” says Allbright.

One fast favorite in “Low-carb Sweets” is the five minute Macadamia Fudge (see recipe at end.) This scrumptious candy doesn’t require cooking and can be an easy ally for warding off a “chocoholic” attack. These goodies are not only sugar-free but loaded with protein and contain only one carb per piece. For holiday flair, she suggests using gold foiled candy cups and finds the candy makes a luxurious last minute gift. (They keep in the freezer for weeks.)

Holiday Wrap

To ward off temptation at parties, she suggest wrapping some of this fabulous fudge in plastic and slip it into an evening bag for that gala that promises plenty of “fa la la” along with your favorite double chocolate fudge cake.

“When everyone is standing around the dessert table munching irresistible pastries with their champagne or coffee, I secretly pull out my stash of luscious little indulgences.

“One problem can arise when others notice and ask where I found that treat. I either fib and say I took the last one…or sometimes I share a few of my chocolate treasures,” she confesses.

Family Gatherings

The “queen of low carbs” feels that family gatherings are one of the harder events because old patterns can become so entrenched. It is especially difficult when visiting the infamous mom, grandmother or anyone else whose slogan is “Eat-Eat-Eat.”

The author finds that in most instances, this host is the very one who inadvertently helped create one’s girth in the first place.

“It seems that no matter how carefully I explain my low-carb diet, that person just doesn’t get it.” So once again, be prepared for the onslaught of unwanted eating demands.

“I have learned to never eat anything just to make someone else happy,” confides the author.

House Party Plan

Allbright takes a different tactic when attending a house party and suggests that safe indulgences can be a breeze if you volunteer to bring a dessert or just surprise your hostess with

a healthy, sugar-free dessert.

“This will not only make you a hero with your host but will also guarantee a healthy finale to any meal. My recipe for “Chocolate Crème Brulee” is a show stopper. This plan will make you popular with other guests, too– especially when you reveal it’s sugar-free,” says Allbright

Tipple with Taste

The former health columnist suggest enjoying spirits that don’t take one down the path to bulging thighs. Drinks that create a feeling of festivity include dry champagne and an after dinner favorite is coffee laced with brandy and a dollop of whipped cream. She says it’s a pleasant picker-upper with a rosy after glow.

Vegetables in Splendor

Veggies can be the star of any occasion when prepared Allbright’s way. “One of my favorites is artichokes with a smoked salmon dip. These green globes look like “arduous preparation” but are actually easy. if you don’t bother to cut off the spiny tips. The ends soften once they are steamed.

“Instead of candied yams, I make mashed banana squash with a big taste boost from grated orange peel, cinnamon, healthy sweetener and butter.

White asparagus are available during the holidays and make a big splash with a colorful pesto dip.

Cranberries don’t have to be jellied and sugar laden. A raw cranberry relish takes minutes in the food processor with some lemon zest and healthy sweetener,” she says.

Shop at Home

To relieve the stress of shopping, the Internet provides 24 hour browsing without tired toes, parking hassles or long checkout lines.

If you crave a little holiday atmosphere, put on your favorite Christmas CD, light a cinnamon candle and snuggle in your favorite pajamas as you peruse with a pre-set budget for each gift. Most places will even ship, avoiding long lines at the post office.

I have practically completed my Chanukah/Christmas gift buying at http://www.Amazon.Com because just about everyone is happy with books, music, and my husband’s favorite, computer software.

Other great sites include:

http://www.SmartBargains.com for deals on designer clothing and household wares.