Carmen Long
Simply Delicious
Holidays awaken a variety of feelings. One moment there is excitement and joy and the next there may be sadness or feelings of being overwhelmed. With many still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene or other life-changing events, you may experience different emotions this holiday season. We can’t change the past, but we can control how we approach the future.
Treasure holiday memories. 2024 may be the time to begin new holiday traditions. Think about what is really important to you about the holidays and focus on those areas. These tips were shared at a Diabetes and You class held at the Surry County Extension Office. For less stress, use these helpful hints as a guide to help you enjoy the holiday season.
- Set Realistic Goals: This is important for keeping expectations simple.
- Make a Budget and Stick to It: Financial worries add more stress. Spend what you can afford.
- Don’t Overdo: Try not to overeat to escape stress. Eat healthy food and get plenty of exercise.
- Sleep: Give yourself the gift of rest. Strive for 7+ hours of sleep each night.
- Pace Yourself: Scatter enjoyable activities throughout the entire season.
- Try to Stay in the Present: Focus on what is important in your life right now and what’s wonderful about this particular season of life.
- Organize Your Time: Make a list and prioritize important activities. Be realistic about what is and is not achievable.
- Spend Time with Supportive and Caring People: There is no better time of year to be with the ones you love.
- Seek Help if Needed: If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, call or text 988. The 988 Lifeline connects you with a trained crisis counselor who can help. It is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Cooking together is a fun activity for families and friends that results in delicious outcomes. The life skills learned in food preparation are a wonderful gift for recipients of any age. Try Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins for an easy breakfast to make ahead of time. Add some fresh fruit and yogurt or a glass of milk and enjoy. I hope your holidays are healthy, happy, and full of fun!
Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins
Makes 12 servings
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon allspice
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs (large)
- ¾ cup pumpkin (canned)
- 2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen chopped)
DIRECTIONS
- Wash hands with soap and water
- Preheat oven to 400 F
- Sift together dry ingredients (flour through allspice) and set aside
- Beat oil, eggs, and pumpkin together until well blended
- Add the wet ingredients (pumpkin mixture) to the dry ingredients all at once
- Stir until moistened
- Fold in chopped cranberries
- Spoon into paper lined muffin cups
- Bake for 15 to 30 minutes
Note: Serve with a glass of low-fat milk for a healthy snack.
NUTRITIONAL FACTS
- Calories: 203kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 31mg
- Sodium: 255mg
- Calcium: 83mg
- Sugar: 14g
HELPFUL HINTS
- Buy fresh cranberries during the holidays when in season and freeze for use later in the year when sometimes they are hard to find.
- Have some leftover pumpkin?
- Make your own pumpkin spice latte
- Stir it into your favorite chili
- Add it to a smoothie
- Stir it into oats
Information and nutritional facts accessed at: https://www.myplate.gov/recipes/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/cranberry-pumpkin-muffins
