Dear Chef AJ

I dread the holidays because I ALWAYS gain weight. It starts innocently enough with a fun size candy bar on Halloween and next thing you know it’s January 2nd and I’m 10 pounds heavier. Any tips?

First of all, I feel ya. Many people gain weight during that time and it’s often weight that isn’t easily taken off. I always recommend to my clients not to even try to lose weight during that time, but instead to focus on not gaining weight. Because maintaining IS a win. The same healthy eating rules apply during the holidays, and the number one rule is ABSOLUTELY no hyperpalatable or junk food in the house! If it’s in your house, it’s in your mouth. If you have a slip or go off plan at a party, so be it, but do not allow a crumb, a drop or morsel of hyperpalatable food in your house. And when you attend these holiday parties never go hungry. Always go with a belly full of starch so you’re are not as tempted, or bring your food if you can. And remember, holidays are about spending time with loved ones, so focus on the people, not the food.

Chef AJ do you have any holiday recipes that are healthy, easy to make and will still impress my guests?

Holiday Parfait

Parfait simply means perfect in French and this festive dessert certainly lives up to its name.

INGREDIENTS

One recipe each of Pumpkin Mousse, Cherry Peary Cranberry sauce, and Pear Whip

PREPARATION

In a clear, pretty glass, layer the parfait. Start with a layer of the Pumpkin Mousse followed by the Cranberry Sauce and top with the Pear Whip. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries or a fresh mint leaf.

With canned pumpkin available all year round, no need to wait for the holidays to enjoy this delicious and quick and easy recipe

INGREDIENTS

8 ounces, pitted dates 8 ounces of orange juice 1 15-ounce can pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling) 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla powder 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

PREPARATION

Soak dates in orange juice until soft. Place softened dates with the soaking liquid in a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy. Chill well before serving. There is no dessert that can’t be improved by this delicious topping.

INGREDIENTS

1 25-ounce jar of pears in their own juice (or approximately 2 and 1/2 cups of pears if using fresh or canned) 1 cup rolled oats 1 teaspoon vanilla powder

PREPARATION

Place all ingredients in a high-powered blender and blend until smooth.

CHEF’S NOTE: For a nice variation try using a jar of peaches instead of pears. If you want to make it thicker, add 2 Tablespoons of white chia seeds, dissolved in 4 Tablespoons of liquid before blending.

Reprinted with permission from Own Your Health by Glen Merzer and Chef AJ. Hail to the Kale Publishers (2020)

Cherry, Peary Cranberry Sauce

A new twist on an old favorite

INGREDIENTS

1 cup of roasted pear halves (this is the yield from one 25-ounce jar of pears in their own juice) 1 large navel orange plus the zest 8 ounces of frozen cherries defrosted (about 1.5 cups) 12 ounces of unsweetened fresh cranberries 2 Tablespoons chia seeds

PREPARATION

Roast the pear halves until golden brown on a Crisp Ease tray, piece of parchment paper, Silpat, or other non-stick silicone baking mat. This will take about 35-45 minutes in an oven preheated to 400 degrees F.

Zest the oranges and then peel them. Place all remaining ingredients in a food processor fitted with the “S” blade and process until a uniform texture is reached. Do not liquefy. ABOUT THE CHEF

Chef AJ has been devoted to a plantexclusive diet for over 41 years. She is the Host of the television show Healthy Living with Chef AJ and the YouTube show Weight Loss Wednesday. She is the creator of the Ultimate Weight Loss Program and conference and the author of the popular book Unprocessed and the bestselling book The Secrets to Ultimate Weight Loss. In 2018, she was inducted into the Vegetarian Hall of Fame; she is proud to say that her IQ is higher than her cholesterol.

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