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Delicious Low-Fat Holiday Desserts

December 17, 2012 by

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
  • ⅓ 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
  • ⅔ 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

  • ⅓ 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!

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DIEP Flap Procedure: Is this covered by my insurance?

December 14, 2012 by

mental healthThe below question is answered by Charleston breast surgeon, Dr. Richard Kline of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

I had a double mastectomy last month and am considering the DIEP procedure. My insurance is Aetna PPO and I wanted to know if this is covered. Also, I keep reading about stage 11 follow up to do lipo on the upper abdomen so it is flat like the bottom half ( after surgery) . Is that part of the reconstruction and is it covered by insurance? Thanks

Hi,

I’m almost sure we are in-network for you, but our office will let you know for sure.

We use liposuction to help correct some donor site deformities, such as bulging of the upper abdomen, or fullness of the “muffintop” areas. Often, that fat can be used as graft to enlarge the DIEP flaps, or improve little areas of asymmetry. If we place fat in the breast, we add a code for fat grafting for the insurance company, but we never bill anyone for liposuction per se.

Hope this helps, and thanks for your question.

Richard Kline
Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Did you find this post helpful? We’d love to hear from you in our comments section.

 

 

 

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Experience the Holiday Festival of Lights

December 12, 2012 by

What better way to get in the holiday spirit than by touring the decorated houses and the gazing at the twinkling Christmas lights?

The James Island County Park embodies the essence of the season with its 23rd annual Holiday Festival of Lights—one of Charleston’s  most beloved nighttime events. Amidst the illuminated wonderland, you and your family will be delighted by the fantastic displays that truly capture the magic of the holidays.

The journey begins with a three-mile drive through hundreds of breathtaking light displays and millions of bulbs glowing through the night. Once you park the car, the whole family can experience exciting attractions designed expressly for holiday cheer, such as…

  • The Festival Express
  • Photos with Santa
  • 2012 Festival Ornament
  • Winter Carnival
  • Gift Shops
  • Light Display Design Contest
  • Giant Greeting Cards
  • Marshmallow Roasting
  • Enchanted Forest Walking Trail
  • 50-Ton Sand Sculpture
  • Carousel Rides

The Holiday Festival of Lights is open seven days a week from November 9, 2012 through December 31, 2012. For more information about the hours and admission, please visit www.ccprc.com/index.aspx?NID=1555.

What is your favorite holiday event in Charleston? Share in the comments section below!

 

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Holidays on a Shoestring Budget: How to Give Great Gifts Without Breaking the Bank

December 10, 2012 by

Holiday BudgetDuring the holidays, it’s natural to want to give your loved ones the perfect gift…yet doing so may leave your wallet considerably lighter. Not to mention, trying to find the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday list can be time-consuming and frustrating. Unfortunately for some, holiday shopping means maxed out credit cards—which is a stressful way to start off the New Year.

But the holiday season doesn’t have to be a time to go into debt or to overstretch your means. Take advantage of these easy, low-cost ways to spread the holiday cheer without running up your credit lines:

Use your talents. Take an inventory of your basic talents and skills to see which ones you could put to use to create holiday gifts. Most people appreciate a gift that someone put time and effort into and personally made for them. With an investment of just a few dollars for ingredients or materials and some basic skills, you could:

  • Bake some holiday treats and decorate them just for the recipient.
  • Knit or crochet a scarf, mittens, or a hat—or a blanket for your friend’s pet!
  • Scrapbook an album of special photos, or craft a beautiful greeting card.
  • Paint or draw a picture the recipient can display in their home.
  • Complete household repairs for someone.

Use your imagination, and get creative! The beauty of using your talents is that you can customize your gifts especially for your loved ones.

Give the gift of your time. Another easy way to manage your holiday budget is to give the gift of time. Offer to do a specific chore for someone in place of a store-bought gift. Some ideas could be:

  • Make a home-cooked meal.
  • Do a week’s worth of laundry.
  • Clean their house.
  • Wash their car.
  • Do an afternoon of yard work.
  • Babysit their kids.
  • Walk their dogs.

Remember, you can tailor the offer to the gift recipients needs, and if you know them well, you should have a pretty good idea of what offer would be most appreciated.

Get your family involved. Consider discussing cost-saving strategies with family members, such as:

  • Setting a spending limit on individual gifts.
  • Doing a gift exchange where you each draw a name out of a hat, instead of exchanging individual gifts with each family member.
  • Going in together on a family gift, like a family vacation or a season pass to an amusement park or zoo.

When your whole family can agree on basic gift-giving guidelines, you can save money and ensure your family is on the same page, so everyone can enjoy a happy, stress-free holiday!

Have more ideas? Share your tips for staying on budget during the holidays!

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Music of the Season

December 5, 2012 by

 

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?

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How to Reduce Stress During the Holiday Season

December 3, 2012 by

According to the American Institute of Stress, more than 110 million Americans already take medication for stress-related causes each week, and the holidays only tend to perpetuate anxiety. Even if you’re one of the lucky people who don’t ordinarily feel stressed under the pressure of deadlines or events, the holidays have a way of sneaking stress into the most carefree lives.

There are your children’s wish lists to tackle, the holiday expenses to wrangle, the gifts to wrap, parties to plan, cookies to bake and cards to write—all in addition to your normal responsibilities.

Don’t let stress ruin your holidays. Here are some quick tips for how to keep calm during the bustling festivities:

1. Take some “you” time. If there were ever a time to get a massage, this is it. Book one for December to diffuse the chaos of last-minute frenzies. If you’d rather stay in, pamper yourself with a little dark chocolate and red wine—and for solidarity, invite your best friend over to enjoy a much-needed break.

2. Focus on fitness. Not only is exercise  good for the body, but it also releases endorphins that make you feel happier and more content. Frustrated that you couldn’t find that impossible gift for your niece? Take it on the treadmill! You’ll burn calories, improve your state of mind, and give yourself some time to gain perspective. Remember, a fast-paced walk through the mall also counts as an aerobic activity!

3. Volunteer. Consider volunteering at a local charity. In addition to benefitting from what experts identify as “helpers’ high,” you may also meet new friends and make lasting connections that will enrich your life throughout the entire year.

4. Rethink gift giving. Streamline the hectic process of gift giving by buying fewer gifts, doing all your shopping online, or making modest online donations to the favorite causes of friends and family. No matter what the catalogues tell you, the best gift you can give is your time—so spend it with your family and friends and relish every minute of it.

5. Don’t take on more than you can handle. Remember, you can always say “no.” Consider this an absolute necessity for protecting your health and sanity during the holidays. As a bonus, it works well the rest of the year, too! Stay positive, anticipate happiness, and you’ll make it through the holidays with the right attitude in place for the coming year.

What are some ways you combat your holiday stress?

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Wound Healing Post Breast Reconstruction Surgery

November 30, 2012 by

The below question is answered by the Charleston breast surgeon, Dr. James Craigie.

How do you determine when to use a wound vac in place of a traditional drain?

We have discussed the idea of using a wound vac in place of drains.  We have actually determined the use for combining the wound vac and drains under certain circumstances.  Some people have had radiation or have challenging wounds that result from wound healing problems combined with fluid collections caused seromas.  Sometimes drains are needed to evacuate seromas but unfortunately they are not always adequate.  Also, radiated tissues have difficulty healing and wounds developed in radiated tissue sometimes typical wound dressings may not be adequate as well.  We have used the wound vac combined with the drain in order to treat these complex wounds.  We have found that complex wounds are usually a combination of wound separation with fluid collections.  The drain actually passes through the wound vac sponge, the wound vac sponge is then covered with the steel dressing that is connected to a pump and the strong negative pressure generated is greater than the pressure of a normal drain.  This allows a deep pocket of fluid to be dressed with the drain tip and the open skin edge or wound edge to be treated with the sponge.  When the wound vac dressing is changed every 3-5 days, the drain can be backed out slowly and therefore as the wound edge heals, the fluid collection is controlled and the wound eventually heals quicker than other approaches.

-James Craigie, M.D.

Get answers to your questions about breast reconstruction and breast health straight from our surgical team! Submit your questions here today.

 

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Packing Guide: What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for Breast Reconstruction Surgery

November 28, 2012 by

At The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, we know the key to a comfortable recovery begins with what you pack for your hospital stay. When preparing for your breast reconstruction surgery, pack the right things can give you some control over the upcoming experience, and can help you prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally. Consider what things may give you comfort and peace of mind, and take those items, along with an optimistic outlook.

Here’s our checklist for things you’ll need to bring along for breast reconstruction surgery, as well as some suggestions for items that will offer you comfort during your visit:

Prepare for Hospital Check-In. Get ready for your hospital stay, and make sure you bring everything you need for check-in paperwork. This includes:

  • Your identification
  • Your insurance card
  • Your checkbook
  • Admission papers (if applicable)

 Pack Relaxed, Easy Clothing. While packing for your return trip from the hospital, keep in mind that you may have surgical drains, dressings, and tender incisions. Make comfort your top priority when you choose your clothing to wear after your surgery, and bring along:

  • Loose tops that close in front. You may not feel like lifting your arms or pulling on anything over your head.
  • Elastic-waisted pants. Not only are these are easy to get into and out of, but also easy for someone to help you slip on.
  • Slip-on shoes with a good tread. If you don’t want to bend down and tie up shoelaces, have some slip-on shoes at the ready.
  • Post-surgical bra. Ask your surgeon which will be best for you—a supportive bra, or a sports bra. Look for a front-closure bra—it may have to fit over your dressings, and having the closure in front gives you more control over getting dressed.
  • Robe, slippers and warm, clean cotton socks. There’s nothing more comfortable than a soft bathrobe—and it’s easy to slip on and off without lifting your arms. And it’s always a good idea to keep your feet warm and covered!

Bring the Comforts of Home. Since you will be staying overnight in the hospital, bag up some soothing items that help you pass the time and give you a sense of reassurance, such as:

  • Your regular medications.
  • Your toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant.
  • A makeup kit and some skin lotion to help lift your spirits.
  • iPod with earphones so you can listen to your favorite calming music.
  • Novels or magazines to occupy your mind while you recover.
  • A journal, needlework or other items to keep you comfortable and busy as you rest in the hospital.
  • A small comfort pillow for keeping a seatbelt from pressing on your chest during the ride home.

Do you have other questions about how to prepare for breast reconstruction surgery ? Let us know in the comments section below!

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The Best Home Décor Shops in Charleston

November 14, 2012 by

At The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, we’re always surprised by how a little decorating around the office breathes new life and energy into the space.

For those visiting Charleston, plan a little time to stroll through these fantastic galleries and shops, and let your imagination wander as you envision the transformation of your most-loved rooms. When you’re ready to revamp your interiors, these boutiques will help bring your ideas to fruition with elegant home décor:

Candelabra: Are your interiors in need of a contemporary flourish? Then you’ve come to the right place! Candelabra in Mount Pleasant offers an array of home décor and light fixtures to take any room from ordinary to fashionable. Take a look at their teal mirrors, sculptures, wall art, throw pillows, designer bookends, and beaded chandeliers, and you won’t want to leave empty-handed!

  • Elizabeth Stuart Designs:  For the connoisseur of fine home furnishings, this emporium is indeed a wonderland. Glowing with luxurious furniture, lighting, frames, candles, and paintings, you could easily spend an evening simply taking in the beauty of this store. ESD even offers work local artists, such as the Charleston painter Teil Duncan.
  • GDC Home Interiors: The original Gregorie, Douglas & Co. was founded in historic Charleston, South Carolina in 1781, and has offered gorgeous textiles, furniture, lighting, rugs, and garden décor ever since. Though all of their merchandise is exceptional, we recommend their hand-knotted carpets and the Algonquin Table Lamp!

    Image Above Taken From: www.shopcandelabra.com

  • Michael Mitchell Gallery: Just walking through the doors of this gallery is sure to leave you breathless—and inspired! Featuring original work from painters, sculptors, and glass artists, you can take home a one-of-a-kind piece to liven up your home. If you need an artist’s eye to truly capture the beauty of your spaces, gallery owner Michael Mitchell is also a seasoned interior designer.

Which of these boutiques have you visited in Charleston? We’d love to hear about the treasure you brought home!

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Your Favorite Football Appetizers Slimmed Down

November 12, 2012 by

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.)

Do you have a favorite slimmed down recipe to share? Tell us about it in the comments section!

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