Confessions of a sugar addict

The hubby's sugar stash, which tempts me every time I open the pantry!

Everyone has a vice, an intense attraction to something that could cause his or her downfall.
Mine is sugar.
I imagine my addiction to sugar is similar to a smoker’s addiction to nicotine or an alcoholic’s addiction to alcohol. Now, please understand that I don’t take smoking or alcoholism lightly by any means — that is just how seriously unhealthy I consider my relationship with the sweet stuff.
In fact, there’s a group of researchers in New Zealand who will back me up.
“Heavily processed carbohydrates such as cornflakes, sweets and croissants quickly raise the amount of sugar in your blood," lead researcher Dr. Simon Thornley told The Daily Mail last year. "This rush of sugar stimulates the same areas of the brain that are involved with addiction to nicotine and other drugs."
What do you know? I guess there really is such a thing as a “sugar high.”
My love affair with sweets has been going on for as long as I can remember. Halloween, birthday parties with cake and ice cream and Christmas morning with chocolates in my stocking were highlights of youth that have lasted into adulthood.
I can remember helping myself to seconds and thirds of a dessert when I was in high school.
“You won’t be able to eat like that forever and get away with it,” my mother warned me.
I just laughed and said, “Whatever!” as I skipped my little size 2 butt back to the table.
Fifteen years later, my posterior has grown considerably and it’s no longer a laughing matter.
But conquering my sugar cravings is more than about losing weight — it’s about being healthy and feeling good all around. When I manage to cut back on my sugar intake, I have more energy and I’m able to focus a lot better. I also hope to become a mother in the next few years, and I have learned that excess sugar can actually decrease your chances of becoming pregnant.
So lately I’ve been getting better acquainted with sugar-free jello, pudding and popsicles. I also keep a stash of dark chocolate to cure my cravings — unlike milk chocolate, I can stop at one piece.
I don’t ever see myself totally giving up sugar — that could make me go on a crazy killing spree. Besides, I believe moderation with all things is necessary for a truly sweet life :)

This makes it a little easier...

for me to support the Vols when they're not playing Georgia. I think Tennessee is very fortunate to have hired Derek Dooley — I mean, the man is the son of the legendary UGA coach and athletic director Vince Dooley!
I watched the press conference on Friday with my husband (HUGE UT fan) and parents (HUGE Georgia fans) and we were all very impressed.
Vince told the press later that he was proud of his son, but don't expect him to break out in head-to-toe orange when he visits him at games. Can't blame ya there, Vince!

Starting the year as a smart consumer

Just like every other year, one of my new year's resolutions is to be smarter with my money.
Day 6 into 2010, I've done OK. I've started writing down all of my purchases so I can at least be more mindful of things for which I'm shelling out my hard-earned cash.
I don't just add any DVD to our collection. I always ask myself, "Did I really loooove this movie/TV series?" "Will it be a classic that my children and grandchildren will watch?" and most importantly, "Will I really watch it again and again?"
"Glee" is one of my favorite new TV shows. I think it's genius, really. So I was all ready to purchase "Glee: Volume 1, The Road to Sectionals" before I remembered the first season wasn't over yet (I think new episodes start again in April). There have been conflicting reports on the Web on the show's next DVD release: I've read that Fox will release a Volume 2 that will have the rest of Season 1, and I've also read that it will release the whole season on one DVD. If both are true, why wouldn't you just wait to buy the whole season on one DVD? I guess Fox is just trying to rake in more money.
Whatever the case, I've decided I can wait a few more months to see what will happen. Aren't you proud of me for being an informed consumer?

Detox diets? Don't do it!

Happy New Year's Eve, everyone! I can't believe 2010 is just hours away!
If you're like me, you're optimistic and excited about what the next 12 months will bring. You're certain that THIS will be THE YEAR that you finally get in shape — and stay in shape!
I haven't watched "The Biggest Loser" yet, but I have read a couple of Jillian Michaels' books, and I'm fascinated by her. I love her no-nonsense, tough love approach. Don't we all need that when it comes to truly changing our lifestyles?
So when a commercial for one of her Detox and Cleanse products came on the other night, I admit I stopped what I was doing and paid attention. I try to maintain a fairly healthy diet, but when the holidays hit, my system is comprised of mainly sugar and alcohol. By the time the new year is upon us, I definitely feel like I need a good body cleanse.
I have toyed with the idea of doing one of those crazy detox drinks before. When Beyonce lost 10 pounds in one week for "Dreamgirls" a few years ago, I confess I was one of those women who was looking up her nasty, awful drink mix on the Web. I was trying to lose weight for my wedding, and I was frustrated at how slow the pounds were coming off.
But I knew in my heart it was a terribly unhealthy way to lose the weight — and I was way too busy to spend several days chained to a toilet.
I reminded myself of this when Jillian, in all of her toned Goddess glory, was promoting her Triple Process Total Body Detox and Cleanse on my TV. Still curious, I looked up more information on the product and found this on Jillian Michaels' Official Online Store:
"Some people like to jump start their diet program with a detox and cleanse. My Triple Process Total Body Detox and Cleanse Plus Probiotic Replenishment is a great way to do just that. It will help reduce belly bloat, reduce body waste buildup, support your colon and digestive system, help support the liver's natural detoxification process and help you feel lighter and more energized. No harsh chemical laxatives, no fasting."
It also has a note that reads, "This product contains Buckthorn and Chinese Rhubarb powder." (Huh?) "Read and follow directions carefully. Do not use if you have or develop diarrhea, loose stools or abdominal pain because Buckthorn and Chinese Rhubarb powder may worsen these conditions and be harmful to your health..."
Jillian, I appreciate you understanding your responsibility as a health professional. But I think my "detox" will consist of fruits, veggies, lean protein and lots of water...just to be safe!

Moving through the holiday hustle and bustle

(Written last week for The Mountain Press)
You gotta love the Christmas hustle and bustle...or do you?
As the song says, "It's the most wonderful time of the year." So why does the season leave so many of us feeling anxious and stressed?
Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. At each stage of my life, though, it's been for different reasons.
Of course, as a kid, I couldn't wait to wake up Christmas morning and see what gifts Santa had left me. I can remember the excitement I felt, how hard it was for me to fall asleep the night before. It wasn't difficult to get me tucked in, though -- I was taught that Santa wouldn't visit your house until you were in bed. All it took was my parents or grandparents saying, "Hmmm, I think I hear Santa and his sleigh!" to get me to sprint off in a mad dash to my bedroom. It was such a magical and happy time, a time when life was innocent and simple.
As I grew older, Christmas was more about just spending time with family and friends. I loved the traditions we made: Hunting for a Christmas tree at Townley's Christmas Tree Farm, helping my mother decorate the house and bake cookies, attending Christmas parties and programs at church. There was always plenty of food, laughter and love to go around.
My first Christmas in my first "real" job out of college, there was a new kind of excitement with a little bit of pride — I was making my own money (although not very much, it was my own), and therefore I could buy my loved ones presents. Although my family insisted I didn't need to buy them anything (as they still do today), I was determined to pick out the perfect gift for each one of them. I probably spent a little too much (as I still do today), but there was nothing like seeing their faces when they opened my gift.
Now that I’m married and we’re starting our own little family, there are more things to consider around the holidays. Since his family is here in Tennessee and mine is in Georgia, we’ve developed a rotation: This year we’re headed south to see my folks, and next year his clan will get us. More family means more shopping, too. It has been an additional challenge trying to figure out what to buy my in-laws — although my husband is probably the toughest one on my list! It’s a toss-up between him and my father.
A Type-A, high-strung person already, I really don’t need the added stress of holiday traffic and crowds. Thanks goodness for online shopping and free shipping! I bought practically all of my gifts from my living room, courtesy of Internet access and my laptop. The only drawback was the evidence of exactly how much shopping I did on our doorstep about every day for the past few weeks.
“How much did you actually get?” Don asked me.
Note to self: During the next Christmas season, make sure to arrive at work early so I can beat him home.
I also seem to turn into a Martha Stewart-wannabe around this time of year, aiming for a perfectly-decorated house with immaculately-wrapped gifts. And don’t forget the freshly-baked, pretty and yummy treats!
With all of the holiday hoopla, it’s easy to get worn-out and even frustrated. I’ve certainly been guilty of it this year. So this weekend, with just a few days left before “The Big Day,” I plan to slow down and get plugged back into the true meaning of Christmas. I can be cranky, hot-tempered, selfish and impatient — but I have a savior who loves me despite all of that. And if that isn’t reason to celebrate, I don’t know what is.

I'm such a sucker...

for a sweet, adorable little face! I was browsing the Knoxville News-Sentinel online and saw this ad. I don't know if my it's my hormones going all crazy, yearning for SOMETHING warm, soft and cuddly to hold in my arms, but I forwarded this pic to the hubby.
"So cute!" I said in the e-mail. "Wouldn't mind having one of these...eventually. What kind of dog is it?" (I'm awful about identifying dogs when they're puppies).
He wrote back and said, "Look at the paws...BIG! I believe it's a Lab. Eat a lot...poop a lot :("
Should I remind him that there's something else on our wish list that will also eat and poop a lot?
Guess we'll stick with a smaller dog when we finally do get one, though. He really wants an inside dog...something small but not too girly. It will definitely be a new experience for me, who has never owned a dog in her life. Because of this, my aunt calls me a "dog nerd."
Wonder who should come first...Doggie Brown or Baby Brown? Guess we don't have too much control in the matter, since I would already be carrying Baby Brown if it were up to me ;)

Time to get baking

'Tis the season for shopping, decorating...and baking! Here's a recipe I tried last year from Real Simple magazine. The pinwheels turned out awfully tasty — I only wish I had managed to make them look prettier. How come my recipes never look like the pictures in the magazines?
These are wonderful to make ahead and to give as gifts to co-workers, neighbors, etc. The recipe also makes plenty, so you can freeze the leftovers for yourself to enjoy later.
Happy baking...and eating!


Raspberry Pinwheels
Makes 54 cookies
Hands-On Time: 30m
Total Time: 2hr 30m
Note: Total time includes cooling time

Ingredients
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 8-ounce bar cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for the work surface
1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
1 large egg, beaten
2 tablespoons turbinado sugar or coarse sanding sugar

Directions
Using an electric mixer, beat the butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in the vanilla. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour, mixing until just incorporated.
Turn the dough onto a floured work surface and gently knead it 2 to 3 times, just to bring it together. Form the dough into two 1-inch-thick squares. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
On a lightly floured piece of parchment, roll one of the dough squares into a 9-by-12-inch rectangle. Spread half the jam over the dough. Cut the dough crosswise into thirds, making three 9-by-4-inch rectangles. Starting from a long side of each rectangle, roll into logs. Wrap in wax paper and refrigerate until firm, at least 30 minutes. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Heat oven to 350° F. Slice the logs into 1-inch pieces and place on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them 1½ inches apart. Brush with the egg and sprinkle with the turbinado sugar. Bake until golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool slightly on baking sheets, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
By Sara Quessenberry, December 2008