Leader Enterprise - January 21, 2015 - Moving More - Sugar Free Pudding Fluff Recipes

No Bake Energy Bites

I remember my mom telling me as a kid that confession is good for the soul. So I have to confess, I really overindulged on goodies over the holidays. And I feel it too. UGH! Because I'm using these thoughts to help me stay motivated to move more, I decided I would share them with you too. I always think if we can establish one good habit at a time, it keeps us moving ahead in the right direction.(pun intended)

If we are going to gain some new perspectives, in order to lose some 'old' weight, we must have some goals.

Exercise is an important part of the process of losing weight, but you don't want to push yourself too hard before your body is ready.

We are told that we need at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, but did you know that you can break that down into 3- 10 minute periods, and it's still effective? I LIKE THAT!

I enjoy walking, but when it's too cold and snowy to walk outside, sometimes I enjoy a Leslie Sansone in-home walking video to get moving inside. I'm also grateful for a friend who is my accountability partner-we like to walk inside the school hallways after school hours. It's warm and we have developed a pattern so we don't run into each other turning corners. It's amazing to me the difference even a little exercise can make in my energy level, not to mention on the scales. Find what works best for you and try to stick to a regular schedule. Finding a friend who will walk/exercise with you really helps you stay motivated and helps pass the time too.

If you chose to walk alone, use headphones to motivate you to move with the music, and if you are outside,don't forget to pay attention to your surroundings like that cute snowman or squirrel racing up the tree.

Lowfat Cappuccino Fluff (Sugar Free)

One thing I enjoy doing while I'm walking,is to pick up the pace--say,speed up the pace for a block/minute,then slow back down,just for some variety. Try skipping as far as you can, just to use different muscles. (Anyone around would enjoy watching you too!)

Find out what others are doing to maintain their faithfulness to exercise. Things that work for others could also work for you too. 

These No Bake Energy Bites are easy and tasty.They have protein and high fiber and little sugar!

NO BAKE ENERGY BITES 

1 c. dry whole old-fashioned oats

1 c. (toasted)(unsweetened)coconut flakes

1/2 c. (sugar free) chocolate chips

1/2 c. (natural) peanut butter

1/2 c. ground flaxseed

1/3 c. agave or honey

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl (or food processor for a smoother texture) and chill for 30 minutes. Roll into balls.Enjoy. Dip in dark chocolate for a special treat. 

I love dressing up pudding mixes. Here's a few simple sugar free recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whip them up in no time flat. Use sugar-full instant pudding if you prefer.

WHITE CHOCOLATE ORANGE MOUSSE

1-1/2 c. skim milk

1 sm. pkg. (4-serv.) sugar free instant white chocolate pudding mix

2 c. lite or fat free Cool Whip

1 tsp.grated orange peel or 1/2 tsp. orange extract

Pour milk and pudding mix into bowl;whisk for 1 minute.Gently stir in Cool Whip and orange peel.Refrigerate until ready to serve.

WATERGATE SALAD

1 sm. pkg. (4-serv.) pistachio sugar free instant pudding mix

1 (8 ozs) can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained

1 (8 ozs) container vanilla lowfat yogurt

2 c. Cool Whip(Fat Free)

2 c. mini marshmallows,optional 

In large bowl, combine pudding mix with pineapple; stir until smooth. Add yogurt; blend. Gently stir in Cool Whip and marshmallows. Chill until ready to serve.

GERMAN CHOCOLATE FLUFF

1 sm. pkg.(4-serv.) sugar free instant chocolate pudding mix

1 sm. pkg. (4-serv.) sugar free instant white chocolate pudding mix

2-1/2 c. skim milk

1- 12 ozs. tub Cool Whip Free

1/2 c. coconut

1/2 c. chopped pecans

In large bowl, add both boxes of pudding, then add milk and whisk until thick. Fold in Cool Whip, then blend in coconut and pecans. Chill-or eat immediately - but be sure to save some for the rest of the family.Yield: 8-10 servings

CAPPUCCINO FLUFF

2 c. skim milk

1 Tb. instant coffee granules

1 sm. pkg. (4-serv.) instant vanilla(or chocolate)pudding mix

2 c. Cool Whip Free

ground cinnamon, to taste, optional

Pour milk and instant coffee into medium bowl; blend until dissolved. Add pudding mix; whisk for 2 minutes until well blended. Fold in Cool Whip. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. When serving, top with a few cinnamon sprinkles. Yield: 6 servings