Have a heart healthy Christmas

SIMPLY HEALTHY

Melissa Moore is a registered dietitian at the Cotton-O'Neil Heart Center, a division of Stormont-Vail HealthCare. Melissa teaches three free Heart Healthy Cooking classes per month to help people develop more healthy eating habits. Call Health Connections at (785) 354- 5225. Her column runs the first and third Wednesday in The Capital- Journal.

By Melissa Moore

SPECIAL TO THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

'Tis the season for festive parties filled with tempting and often high-fat foods. Remember, it is acceptable to eat your favorite holiday foods, but moderation is the key to keeping your waistline in check.

During the holiday season, between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, most people gain 1 pound. An extra 200 calories a day will result in weight gain. Ways to maintain weight during the holidays include:

- Make it a family tradition to enjoy a walk after holiday meals to see holiday lights, instead of driving.

- Exercise at least 30 minutes every day.

- Take time to relax and enjoy family and friends.

- Take a healthy dish to work or to a party.

Try these nonfat, melt-in-your-mouth holiday cookies at your next festive gathering.

2 egg whites 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/2 cup sugar 2 peppermint candy canes, crushed In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Sprinkle with salt and cream of tartar; beat until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form, about 7 minutes. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased foil or paper-lined baking sheets; sprinkle with crushed candy.

Bake at 225 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. Turn off heat; leave cookies in oven with door open ajar for at least one hour or until cool. Store in airtight containers. Makes 3 dozen.

Nutritional analysis: One cookie equals 21 calories, 0 grams fat, 5 grams carbohydrate, 12 milligrams sodium, 0 milligrams cholesterol. Diabetic exchange: 1/2 fruit.

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