“Down another pound!” My husband has been making dietary changes to improve his overall health and he is losing weight and seeing visible results. One of his modifications is to eliminate sugar. We’ve overhauled our dressings, yogurt, and other prepared foods to have options on hand that don’t contain added sugar. The changes are helping my diet as well, but I’m having a harder time eliminating chocolate!

“A high-sugar diet increases the risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol, inflammation, weight gain and weight-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke,” shares Christy Ratliff in The Sweet Danger of Sugar: Ways to Enjoy Healthier Holiday Fare [page 30]. “In moderation, sugar is not necessarily detrimental to our health and well-being, but differentiating between naturally occurring sugar and added sugar is key to finding a middle ground.” So perhaps that leaves an opening for chocolate in moderation. That I can do…most of the time.

This holiday issue fosters a balance of seasonal cheer and wellness. To grace your holiday table with low- or no-sugar treats try our recipes for baked apples and baklava cookie cups [page 32]. If you have any children on your holiday gift list, find suggestions to encourage their love of reading in The Best Books for Kids: Gift Choices that Can Open Up Worlds [page 28]. Consider tips for choosing a safe toy your dog will love in Toyland for Pooches: Choosing Safe Playthings a Dog Will Love [page 20]. Discover ways to soothe frazzled holiday nerves with stress-free fitness and self-care in Holiday Zen [page 18]. And then explore the power of gathering in community in Circles of Healing [page 24]. For more holiday inspiration, visit my-NA.com for this month’s online exclusive, Greening the Holidays, and find ideas to celebrate sustainably.

As we finish 2021 and move toward a new year, it is a great time to try new nourishing recipes. Sharing healthy holiday options with friends and family can encourage healthy habits while enjoying delicious fare. This month, I hope you enjoy being together with your loved ones and sharing a wonderful holiday season.

Wishing you a sweet and healthy holiday season!

Kris Urquhart, Publisher