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Charleston Fashion Week

Charleston Fashion Week

Photo by Juan Fonseca.

From March 19–23, 2013, under the tents in Marion Square, experience world-class fashion that only Charleston could present.

Charleston Fashion Week is a five-night celebration featuring more than 35 runway shows, the Emerging Designer Competition: East, the Spring Bridal Show, and the Rock the Runway Model Competition. The fashion extravaganza showcases emerging designer and model talent, making this show a true “pathway to New York.”

This annual fashion event intertwines with the rich culture of downtown Charleston, creating the perfect atmosphere for inspiration, artistry, and awe. Accredited with launching the careers of numerous up-and-coming fashion designers and models, this multimedia event showcases high-end runway shows, an interactive entertainment, chic after-parties, and press events.

Since its founding in 2007, Charleston Fashion Week has added new flare to the fashion scene in the Lowcountry each year. Today, CFW is one of the premier fashion weeks in North America. Last year, Charleston Fashion Week hosted approximately 7,500 event attendees and attracted over 49 million media impressions. Thanks to the popularity of the event and the people it drew from all over the world, Charleston’s economy enjoyed a$2.4 million boost last year. As a result, Charleston’s fashion, design, and retail communities continue to grow and thrive.

Also, in the past, CFW partnered with charities such as the Center for Women, Lowcountry AIDS Services and MUSC Children’s Hospital.

Check out the not-to-miss events below:

2013 Charleston Fashion Week® Events:
• March 19-23, 2013: Runway Shows
• March 22, 2013: Rock The Runway Model Competition
• March 23, 2013: Charleston Weddings magazine’s Spring Bridal Show
• March 23, 2013: Emerging Designer Finals

Ready to get your catwalk on? Purchase your tickets to one of Charleston’s most famous events here

3 Easy One-Pot Meals

Let’s face it—you’re busy. Between work, running errands, hitting the gym, and stealing a little “you” time, there aren’t many hours in the day left to plan and prepare a gourmet meal.

Luckily, these 3 one-pot meals are the ticket to saving time and eating delicious, healthy food. Simply put all the ingredients together, bake, and you’re done:

Rustic Ratatouille
Chickpeas are what gives this easy recipe a boost of serious nutrition and taste. These high-fiber legumes leave you feeling full and offer your body a low-fat dose of protein.

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 small zucchini (about 1 lb), cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium eggplant (about 1 lb), cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 medium red bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 medium onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Vegetable oil cooking spray
  • 2 cans (14 oz each) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 8 plum tomatoes (about 1 lb), seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 ½ teaspoons sherry wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

PREPARATION
Heat oven to 450°. In a bowl, toss zucchini, eggplant, bell pepper and onion with thyme, rosemary, ¾ tsp salt, black pepper, 2 tbsp water, and oil. Coat a rimmed sheet pan with cooking spray. Spread veggies in pan in a single layer, and roast for 25 minutes, stirring once.

In same bowl, combine chickpeas, tomatoes, garlic, tomato paste and remaining ¼ tsp salt. Add to the pan with veggies in a single layer, and roast for about 10 to 12 minutes more. Toss veggies with vinegar, divide among 6 bowls, and sprinkle with basil. Serves 6.

Teriyaki Salmon

Omega-3 fatty acids found in the salmon are not only beneficial for your brain, but they also reduce inflammation, boost heart health, lower triglycerides, relieve rheumatoid arthritis, and even aid in the treatment of depression. Make this simple dish, and reap the benefits of better health!

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium teriyaki sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 4 teaspoons chopped garlic, divided
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
  • 6 salmon fillets (about 1 ½ lb)
  • 1 lbbrussels sprouts, halved if large
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil, divided
  • ½ teaspoon salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
  • Vegetable oil cooking spray
  • ½ lb shiitake mushrooms, thickly sliced

PREPARATION
Position rack in middle of oven; heat oven to 450°. In a bowl, combine teriyaki sauce, honey, vinegar, 1 tsp garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Place salmon in a shallow dish; sprinkle with 1 ½ tbsp teriyaki mixture, and marinate for 15 minutes.

In a second bowl, toss brussels sprouts with 1 ½ tsp garlic, ½ tbsp canola oil, ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Coat a rimmed sheet pan with cooking spray. Spread brussels sprouts in pan in a single layer; roast until light brown—about 5 minutes.

In the second bowl, toss mushrooms with remaining ½ tbsp canola oil, 1 ½ tsp garlic, ¼tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Move brussels sprouts to center of pan; top with salmon; place mushrooms in pan around edges; roast, stirring mushrooms occasionally, until salmon is just cooked through—about 8 to 10 minutes. Top salmon with remaining teriyaki mixture, and serve over brussels sprouts and mushrooms. Serves 6.

Scallops à la Provençal

Scallops are a great way to introduce a rich taste to your meals and save some money, too. Shellfish tend to cost less than a good cut of beef, and they are lower in fat to boot. So eat up, and enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

  • 5 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 2 ½ tablespoons chopped garlic, divided
  • 5 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, divided
  • 5 teaspoons olive oil, divided
  • ½ teaspoon salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
  • Vegetable oil cooking spray
  • 2 cups fresh corn
  • 1 lb sea scallops
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, chives or a combination, divided
  • 2 cups arugula

PREPARATION
Heat oven to 375°. In a bowl, combine tomatoes with 2 tbsp garlic, 3 tsp thyme, 3 tsp oil, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Coat a rimmed sheet pan with cooking spray; spread tomato mixture on pan in a single layer. Bake, stirring once or twice, until tomatoes are soft and slightly charred—about 20 to 25 minutes.

Stir corn into tomato mixture. In same bowl, toss scallops with remaining 2 tsp thyme, 2 tsp oil, ½ tbsp garlic, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Place scallops on top of tomato mixture, and bake until scallops are just cooked through—about 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer scallops to a plate, and cut in half. Stir vinegar and 2 tbsp herbs into tomato mixture. Divide arugula, tomato mixture and scallops among 4 bowls; sprinkle with remaining 1 tbsp herbs.Serves 4.

Do you know a great one-pot healthy recipe? Share your go-to dish in the comments below!

5 Restaurant Mistakes Healthy Eaters Make

Just because Charleston offers up some of the best restaurant experiences in the country, doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy a healthy meal. Check out our 5 tips below to make your next dining experience here in the lowcountry or anywhere for that matter a healthful one.

For most of us, light eating means passing up the Alfredo and opting for veggies over the fries. Problem is, even if you adhere to conscientious eating while dining out, healthy options still fall prey to the decadent trappings of extra oil, bigger portions, and serious calories.

But that doesn’t mean you have to eat at home every night. Simply follow these tips when you dine on a diet, and your meal will be both delicious and guilt-free:

Go easy on the olive oil. Sure, olive oil is a better option than slathering your bread with butter, but it’s still a quick source of fat and calories—and that bread soaks it up like a sponge. Olive oil may not have saturated fat or increase your bad cholesterol, but it can still wreak havoc on your waistline. Next time you want to garnish your bread with heavenly flavor, opt for extra-virgin olive oil and add a splash of balsamic vinegar to cut down the calories. Instead of dipping, drizzle it on with a fork.

Beware the small plates. They look innocuous enough, but tapas and appetizers add up, especially since most come to your table deep-fried and calorie-packed. Not to mention, these small dishes trick your brain into thinking you haven’t eaten much, so you tend to eat more. Avoid the extra calories by looking for grilled options, and opt for veggies or protein over carbs.

Watch out for plain old veggies. Steamed veggies are always a smart option for the figure-conscience patron. After all, they are a great source of fiber and antioxidants. Still, chefs often finish them in a sauté pan with a slick of butter or oil to boost the flavor. To avoid the fat-trap, order your veggies by asking for them “dry.” That will let the chef know to steam them and leave the bacon drippings and oil far away from your greens so you can control your calorie count.

Don’t fall for looks. Gorgeously plated meals can make a large serving suddenly look tiny when dwarfed by a huge platter or when piled sky-high. Dodge the extra intake with a proper-portion check. Lean protein should be no bigger than your smartphone. A serving of carbs should be the size of your fist—much smaller than the average pasta entrée.

Be salad savvy. You’ve been ordering your salads with dressing on the side for years now, but the ingredients in even a mixed green salad can mean unwanted calories. One with goat cheese, pears, and candied walnuts, for instance, can set you back 500 calories. Most restaurants are willing to let you custom-create your salad with dressing on the side to avoid these unnecessary temptations.

What are some ways you avoid extra calories while enjoying a meal out?

How to Get Your Metabolism Moving

Did you know that you’re burning calories as you read this post? In fact, your body burns calories even when you’re not moving a single muscle. Every single thing you do—from breathing to eating to sleeping—uses energy. The number of calories it would take just to lie in bed all day is called your resting metabolic rate, which is unique to every person.

Although you can’t exchange your genetics or turn back the clock, there’s still plenty you can do to be a fast calorie burner. All you need to do is remember these four metabolism truths:

1. Cardio charges your metabolism for hours afterward. A pound of muscle at rest does burn three times as many calories as a pound of fat, but that doesn’t mean you should only focus on weight training if you want to blast calories. Cardio is every bit as crucial for keeping your metabolism cranked up. Do just two to three vigorous bouts of exercise per week for 45 minutes, and you could lose a pound of fat every two weeks from the combination of calories expended during exercise plus what you burn afterward.

Pro-tip: Any sweat-inducing activity you can sustain for 45 minutes will do the trick.

2. Beauty rest is the new calorie-burning boost. Though contrary to expectations, more sleep makes for a quicker metabolism. In fact, a single sleepless night reduces your resting metabolic rate by about 5% several hours into the next day, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. So put away the laptop, and be sure you aim to give yourself nine hours of sleep  each night.

3. Age doesn’t mean you can’t have a healthy metabolism.Sure, it’s hardly a myth that women tend to gain weight after the age of 40. But according to a new study in Cell Metabolism, estrogen levels may be the cause. Less estrogen, it turns out, equals a sluggish metabolism—you burn 50 fewer calories a day. Compensate by hitting the weight room three times a week. In 12 weeks, you’ll add enough muscle  mass to burn an extra 45 calories per day.

4. Timing is everything when it comes to blasting calories. Drops in blood sugar can make your metabolism stall during the day. That’s because the primary food for your brain is blood sugar, and when you let it drop, your brain has to set up defenses to sustain its fuel. In other words, low blood sugar leaves you with less muscle, which makes your metabolism sluggish. To keep your blood-sugar levels even throughout the day, eat smaller meals with 100- to 200-calorie snacks in between.

What are some ways you keep your metabolism fired up? Share your tips in the comments section below!

10 Easy Health Tips to Start the New Year Right

With 2013 right around the corner, it’s time to gear up for a year full of optimism and good health!

If you’ve been waiting to write your resolutions until last minute, consider incorporating any—or all—of these health tips into your plan for a shining new year:

1. Drink more water. Many of us may not even realize that we go through our entire day dehydrated. If you feel tired often, take a look at what you’re drinking during the day—dehydration is known to cause fatigue and muscle cramps. This coming year, make the resolution to drink more water. After all, it’s calorie-free and readily available.

2. Cut down on caffeine. Caffeine is fine for an early morning boost, but if you need a cup of joe, tea, or soda just to get your through the day, you’re training your body for dependence. In addition, too much caffeine can disrupt your sleep and lead to dehydration, so consider replacing one caffeinated beverage each day with a healthier alternative, such as water.

3. Get more beauty sleep. Make 2013 the year of feeling bright-eyed and busy-tailed by getting more sleep at night. A number of experts agree that we need seven to nine hours of sleep each night to feel adequately rested.

4. Celebrate in moderation. If you want to live a healthier lifestyle in the New Year, choose to celebrate in moderation and reduce your alcohol consumption.  Not only will you help keep your liver happy, but you’ll also avoid extra calories. Try to limit your intake to no more than one drink of alcohol per day (1 drink = 12oz. of beer, 5oz. of wine or 1.5 oz. of liquor).

5. Quit smoking. We’ve written extensively about how smoking can increase your risk of breast cancer and generally wreak havoc on your health. But a new year is as good a reason as any to finally kick the habit for good. If you need help, click here to read more about tobacco quitlines.

6. Walk more. Walking is a great and easy form of exercise. Not only does it burn calories, but it helps build muscle as well. It’s also low impact and most people can do it comfortably and effortlessly. If you’re looking to improve your health in the New Year, you don’t have to walk much; only 30 minutes a day at a brisk pace will dramatically improve cardiovascular health and help maintain a healthy weight.

7. Lift weights. Make the resolution to build your body’s strength this year with moderate weight training. Not only will you help protect your bones, but you’ll also prevent the muscle loss that occurs with aging. Try lifting weights or doing resistance exercises for 20 minutes 2 to 3 times per week to keep your body healthy and active.

8. Focus on eating in moderation. Forget the diets that pervade most people’s new year. If you deprive yourself too much and remain hungry all day, you’re more likely to overindulge, particularly in the evening. Focus on moderate eating by enjoying healthy, mini-meals every few hours to keep your energy up throughout the day.

9. Cut back on the sweets. Last year, nearly 2 million people were diagnosed with diabetes. Eating too much sugar or carbohydrates floods the body with insulin in response to the spike in blood sugar. In turn, this can lead to a condition called “insulin resistance.” Over time, insulin resistance may develop into type 2 diabetes. In 2013, do your body a huge favor by cutting back the sweets and increasing fiber to prevent insulin resistance and diabetes.

10. Take vitamins. Ask your doctor what nutrients you may be missing and how you may benefit from nutritional supplements. For example, if you’re a vegetarian, it’s important to make sure you get plenty of vitamin B12. You may find a daily multivitamin can help fill in the nutritional gaps within your diet.

What are your New Year’s resolutions for 2013? Share your aspirations in the comments section below!

 

10 Winter Skincare Tips

Image Above Taken From: www.prevention.com

If you’re like most people, you probably already know (and are possibly experiencing) the havoc winter inflicts on skin. From chapped lips to cracked, dry hands, your skin takes a real beating in the chillier months—even here in Charleston!

Make healthy skin a priority this winter with these tips to combat the cold and keep your skin nourished all season:

  • Ask your doctor. First and foremost, when in doubt about your skin condition, it’s best to seek professional guidance. Going to an esthetician or dermatologist even once is a good investment because such a specialist can analyze your skin type, troubleshoot your current skin care regimen, and give you advice on the skin care products you should be using.
  • Invest in a good moisturizer. Your skincare needs vary depending on the season. Even if you love the moisturizer that kept your skin silky-smooth all summer, your skin demands a more hydrating lotion in the winter. Opt for a moisturizer that’s oil-based, rather than water-based, as the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion. You can also look for lotions containing “humectants,” a class of substances that attract moisture to your skin.
  • Slather on the sunscreen. Sunscreen isn’t just for summertime. Exposure to the winter sun can still damage your skin, increase the signs of aging, and cause skin cancer. Try applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face and your hands (if they’re exposed) about 30 minutes before going outside.
  • Give your hands extra attention. The skin on your hands is thinner than on most parts of the body and has fewer oil glands, meaning it’s harder to keep your hands moist. In cold, dry weather, your hands are especially prone to itchiness, dryness, and cracking. Be sure you have moisturizer at the ready when you travel, and always wear gloves when you go outside.
  • Avoid wet clothing. Wet socks and gloves can irritate your skin and cause itching, cracking, sores, or even a flare-up of eczema. Keep your body warm and dry this winter, and add layers for more protection.
  • Don’t forget your feet. Try finding thicker lotions that contain petroleum jelly or glycerine—your feet will thank you. If your feet are dry, be sure to use exfoliants to get the dead skin off so that your moisturizer will sink in faster and deeper.
  • Reconsider your facial cleanser. If you’ve been battling the dry-skin blues all winter, try avoiding peels, masks, or alcohol-based face cleansers—they’re likely stripping vital oil from your skin. Opt for foaming cleansers and masks that are “deeply hydrating,” rather than clay-based, to save your skin’s natural moisture.
  • Plug in the humidifier. Humidifiers get more moisture in the air, which helps prevent your skin from drying out. To disperse moisture throughout your home, you may want to place several small humidifiers around the house.
  • Protect your pout. Be sure you’re armed this winter with the most soothing lip balm you can find. Double-check to make sure it has sunscreen to keep your lips nourished and smooth.

How do you keep your skin healthy all winter long?

Delicious Low-Fat Holiday Desserts

Image Above Taken From: www.Health.com

During the holidays, a little indulgence is the status quo. But who says the holidays have to compromise your healthy diet?

With these recipes, you can have all the flavor of your favorite holiday desserts, minus the guilt or added fat. Give them a whirl, and enjoy!

Whole-wheat sugar cookies
This year, keep your heart healthy with these whole-wheat sugar cookies topped with a delicious lemony glaze.

Ingredients

Cookies

  • 1 ¼ cups flour
  • ¼ cup whole-wheat flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 4 ounces unsalted butter, softened
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • cup light brown sugar
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon pure almond extract

Icing

  • 2 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions: For cookies, whisk together first 4 ingredients (through baking soda) in a medium bowl. Beat butter and sugars together in a separate medium bowl until light and fluffy. Scrape down sides and bottom of bowl, and add the egg white and vanilla and almond extracts, and beat until just combined.

Add flour mixture, and stir until incorporated. Cover bowl with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 4 hours.

Preheat oven to 325°. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Dust a work surface with flour. Turn out chilled dough directly onto work surface. Roll dough out to a 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes in dough, and gently transfer them to baking sheets. Bake cookies for 12 minutes or until set but not browned. Remove cookies from oven, and cool for 5 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the icing, whisk together all the icing ingredients in a large bowl until completely smooth. Mixture should have consistency of a glaze. (If it’s too thin, add a bit more sugar. If it’s too thick, add a few more drops of lemon juice.)

Transfer icing to a pastry bag (or a zip-top plastic bag with a small hole in one of the bottom corners). First, outline the cookie or desired design, then fill it in. Let icing harden before serving. Cookies can be kept in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Buttermilk Pralines
Enjoy a rich holiday treat that won’t do much damage to your diet! With a base of pecans, you’ll get plenty of good fat as well.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • ½ cup whole buttermilk
  • 1 ½ tablespoons light-colored corn syrup
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • Dash of salt
  • cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions: Combine first 5 ingredients in a large saucepan. Cook over low heat until sugar dissolves, stirring constantly. Continue cooking over low heat until a candy thermometer reads 234° (about 10 minutes). Stir occasionally. Remove from heat, and let stand 5 minutes.

Stir in nuts, butter, and vanilla. Beat with a wooden spoon until mixture begins to lose its shine (about 6 minutes). Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Let stand 20 minutes or until set. Note: Store pralines in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Banana pudding
This simple Southern classic is one of our personal favorites around the holidays! Slim up the traditional pudding by using low-fat milk, fat-free sweetened condensed milk and reduced-fat cookies.

Ingredients

  • cup all-purpose flour
  • Dash of salt
  • 2 ½ cups 1% low-fat milk
  • 1 (14-ounce) can fat-free sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups sliced ripe banana, divided
  • 45 reduced-fat vanilla wafers, divided
  • 4 large egg whites (at room temperature)
  • ¼ cup sugar

Directions: Preheat oven to 325°. Combine flour and salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually add milks and yolks; stir well. Cook over medium heat 8 minutes or until thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.

Arrange 1 cup banana slices in bottom of a 2-quart baking dish. Spoon one-third of pudding mixture over banana. Arrange 15 wafers on top of pudding. Repeat layers twice, arranging the last 15 wafers around edge of dish. Push cookies into pudding.

Beat egg whites at high speed of a mixer until foamy. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form. Spread meringue evenly over pudding, sealing to edge of dish. Bake at 325° for 25 minutes or until golden. Note: Banana Pudding may be a bit soupy when you first remove it from the oven. Let cool at least 30 minutes before serving.

Try out these recipes for your family this holiday season, and let us know what you think!

Music of the Season

 

music of the seasonNow that it’s finally December, the sounds of the festive season have finally begun! Everywhere you go, the holiday spirits infuses the air…a carol here, the Linus and Lucy theme song there!

Immerse yourself in the music that makes the holiday so enchanting. Here are a few of Charleston’s most exciting concerts, symphonies, and ballets for you and your family to enjoy:

  • Nutcracker Ballet: From December 12 to December 13, the Charleston Ballet will be performing the classic ballet, The Nutcracker. Come to the Theatre Gaillard Auditorium on 77 Calhoun Street, and experience the magic of this holiday tradition! For more information, call 843.723.7334, or go to www.CharlestonBallet.com.
  • Charleston Christmas Special: Broadway performers, Brad and Jennifer Moranz, take the stage at the Charleston Music Hall, with 20 talented performers, in this Christmas time tradition in the Lowcountry. Join them at 37 John Street on December 8 through December 22 for a holiday performance you won’t forget! Ticket prices range from $34 for adults, $31 for seniors and military, $19 for students with ID, and $16 for kids 12 & under. For more information, visit www.bradandjennifermoranz.com .
  • Charleston Harbor Sleigh Ride Aboard “The Thriller”: Take a one-hour tour aboard the Thriller Charleston, a speedboat with seating for 43 people. Dress warm, sip on hot chocolate, listen to Christmas carols, and cozy up with warm waterproof blankets for this unique Charleston, SC Christmas event. These Shem Creek  cruises will take place through the month of December in Charleston. Advanced reservations are available, and recommended! Call 843.276.4203 or visit www.thrillercharleston.com for more information.
  • Holiday Choral Performances at Charleston Country School of Arts: Join in the holiday spirit as The Charleston Country School of Performing Arts hosts a series of concerts sure to please the entire family. Performance are held December 6 and December 14-15 at 6:30 pm.  Tickets are $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for students. All shows are held at the Rose Maree Myers Theater for Performing Arts on campus. For tickets and more information visit their website at  www.soavocal.com
  • Charleston Symphony Orchestra: Join the Charleston Symphony Orchestra on December 14, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. for all of your holiday favorites with the CSO Chorus and conductor James Stephenson, whose arrangements have been performed by the Boston Pops, Cincinnati Pops, New York Pops, and more. It all takes place on the College of Charleston main campus in Sottile Theatre. Tickets may be purchased online at www.charlestonsymphony.org.

Which of these musical festivities will you attend this holiday season?

6 Tips for a Thinner Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of the most challenging times of year when it comes to watching your weight. Temptations are everywhere—from that buttery bird, to the table glowing with homemade pecan pies and pumpkin cheesecake.

Check out these simple tips, and you’ll be ready to spare your waistline while still enjoying your family’s holiday feast.

Prepare a dish or two you can eat guilt-free.

Sure, vegetables are never the stars of Thanksgiving meals. However, if you make a lovely salad, butternut soup, mashed sweet potatoes, or creamed spinach, you can make sure you have healthy dishes to snack on throughout the evening. Besides, every table needs some color to spruce up the spread!

Don’t fast before the feast.

While waiting for the turkey to cook, it’s tradition to save our appetites for the main event. Yet, fasting throughout the day is an easy way to overeat once you sit down for the feast. Have a light snack before the finale so you won’t overindulge at dinnertime.

Decide how many drinks you can have.

If you decide to indulge in the festive beverages, be sure to decide how many you’ll have over the course of the evening and stick to it. Remember, every glass of wine, every bottle of beer, and each shot rack up the extra calories, so plan accordingly.

Follow the 30-minute rule.

Take half of the amount you really want to eat, enjoy it, and then wait 30 minutes before you eat anything more. It takes that long for your stomach to signal to your brain that it’s full. In that 30 minutes, you’re likely to get involved doing something else and won’t miss eating more.

Eat two or three bites of anything you wish.

If you can’t resist Aunt Millie’s Mississippi mud pie, have a small slice and eat just a couple of bites. You’ll get the taste you want without too many extra calories. The same applies to high-calorie drinks—take that raspberry margarita, enjoy three sips, and then give it to someone else.

If you overindulge, make up for it the next day.

Don’t skip meals, but if you overindulge one day, eat less the next couple of days, and be sure to make selections that are low in fat and full of nutrients. Also, make sure you drink plenty of water!

 We Hope Everyone Has A Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!

Your Favorite Football Appetizers Slimmed Down

With football season in full swing, there’s no shortage of game day appetizers to tempt even the most diligent dieters. Fortunately, you don’t have to forego your favorite snacks to spare your waistline.

Check out these easy recipes that save you calories, but still retain their entire flavor:

Baked Wings:

Ingredients

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

20 chicken wings

1/2 cup melted butter

1/2 cup hot pepper sauce

Directions

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, and lightly grease with cooking spray. Place the flour, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt into a resealable plastic bag, and shake to mix. Add the chicken wings, seal, and toss until well coated with the flour mixture. Place the wings onto the prepared baking sheet, and place into the refrigerator. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Whisk together the melted butter and hot sauce in a small bowl. Dip the wings into the butter mixture, and place back on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, and crispy on the outside, about 45 minutes. Turn the wings over halfway during cooking so they cook evenly. Makes 20 wings. (Recipe courtesy of Allrecipes.com.)

Spinach and Artichoke Dip:

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) container reduced-fat sour cream
1 cup fat-free mayonnaise
1/2 cup chopped canned artichoke heart
1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed, squeezed and dried
3 scallions, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato, finely chopped
1 tablespoon asiago cheese, shredded

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine ingredients in an oven-safe casserole dish, sprinkling cheese on top. Bake until heated through and cheese is bubbling; serve with veggies [] and baked tortilla chips. Serve and enjoy! (Recipe from .)

Guacamole:

Ingredients

1 large zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 large ripe avocado, cubed

1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons lime juice

1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, such as Tabasco, or more to taste

1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Place zucchini in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel and microwave on High until tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain in a sieve, pressing lightly on the zucchini to extract any liquid. Transfer the zucchini to a large bowl; add avocado, cilantro, onion, garlic, lime juice, hot sauce and salt and coarsely mash until combined. (Recipe from Eatingwell.com.)

Nachos:

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef, I used 96%

1 cup onions, chopped

1 tablespoons garlic, minced

1 (1 oz) package taco seasonings mix

⅔ cup water

7 ounces reduced-fat tortilla chips, (about 100 chips)

1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 (4 oz) can Ortega fire roasted diced green chiles, see shopping tip

1¼ cups salsa, I like Pace Chunky Salsa, medium hot

1½ cups (6 ounces) reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded

6 tablespoons fat-free sour cream

Tabasco Sauce, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large pan or skillet, cook ground beef with onions and garlic until meat is browned. Stir often. Pour cooked meat into a colander in the sink and drain off all excess fat. Add meat mixture back to pan. Add taco seasoning, water and mix well. Bring to a boil, turn heat down to simmer and cook for 5 minutes.

Place the tortilla chips evenly on a large oven proof serving plate or baking sheet coated with a little cooking spray. Top the chips with ground beef mixture. Sprinkle beans evenly over the meat. Next, spoon over beans the fire-roasted chilies and then salsa. Sprinkle the cheese all over the top.

At this point, you can place in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it. When ready to serve, bake in preheated 350 degrees oven for 15 – 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the nachos are hot. Dollop with sour cream and add a bit more salsa. If you really like food spicy, sprinkle a bit of Tabasco sauce over the top! Makes 12 servings. (Recipe from Skinnykitchen.com.)

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