• Instead of butter, try a plant-based margarine or canola oil. 
  • Want to go a step further?  Substitute applesauce, pureed prunes, mashed avocado, or canned pumpkin.
• Instead of a whole egg, try 2 egg whites.
• Instead of sour cream, try plain Greek yogurt (in cooking, dips, and as a topping).
• Instead of baking chocolate, try cocoa powder.
• Instead of frosting, make your own with an equal amount of water and powdered sugar. 
  • Add a tsp. of lemon or orange juice for a little zing!
• Instead of all purpose flour, try substituting with half whole-wheat flour.

Let this best time of the year be the best for all areas in your life.  Cherish the special events, the scrumptious food, and the sacred memories.  Find time for others and for yourself.  And always remember that if you fall, tomorrow is a new, warm, and inviting day.