Want to Eliminate Holiday Stress? 'More Self-Indulgence,' Says Expert

Want to Eliminate Holiday Stress? 'More Self-Indulgence,' Says Expert SEATTLE, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- If weight gain, stress, and overspending take the "Ho Ho Ho" out of your holidays, best-selling author Sharon Allbright offers a new way to celebrate the season. "There are fabulous ways to skate through these times without gaining a pound, falling prey to tension or plunging into the annual splurge/guilt syndrome," says the author of "Low-Carb Sweets and the Art of Self- Indulgence." "Plan ahead" is the first tip she offers for dilemmas (ranging from parties to presents) and promises not a bit of deprivation or New Year blues. Planning offers safe indulgence for the millions who reportedly gain at least a pound during the "feastivity" season. "If visions of 'sugar plump' dance in your head, create a pre-season cache of sugarless and flour-free goodies for savvy splurging," says Allbright. Her five-minute "Macadamia Fudge" (recipe info at end) requires no cooking and quickly diffuses a "chocoholic" attack. It's sugar-free and loaded with protein. "Family gatherings can be tough, especially when visiting the infamous matriarch whose slogan is 'Eat-Eat-Eat.' So once again plan a strategy for warding off the onslaught of unwanted eating demands and never eat just to make another happy," encourages the author. House parties can be a breeze if you show up with a sumptuous dessert. "This makes you a thoughtful guest and guarantees a healthy finale to any meal," says Allbright. The gourmet recommends her recipe for "Chocolate Creme Brulee," which is always a showstopper. Relieve stress by shopping the Internet for 24-hour browsing without tired toes, parking hassles or long lines. Play a Christmas CD, light a cinnamon candle and snuggle comfortably as you peruse with a pre-set budget. If exchanging presents feels like a senseless ritual, investigate meaningful gifts that are life-changing. View the WorldVison.Org Christmas catalogs or call (800) 423-4200. "My favorite is a $75 goat -- which provides a needy family with milk and income for years. There is nothing like the 'soul glow' of volunteering for activities that delivers holiday cheer to the needy. Check with churches or shelters," says the author. Once you have shopped without blowing the budget, stocked up on favorite goodies and volunteered to do a charitable stint -- it's time to indulge yourself. "My favorite luxury is a $35-a-day outdoor hot springs spa. Christmas week is deserted and chilly but the steamy water feels delicious. Soaking and relaxing in the outdoor splendor gives new meaning to the phrase: 'All is calm -- all is bright,'" quips Allbright. "Low-Carb Sweets and the Art of Self-Indulgence" is available through bookstores, at http://www.lowcarbsweets.net/ or (800)247-6553. Macadamia Fudge recipe is available by contacting Sharon@LowCarbSweets.Net . Media Connection Honey Gordon 888-989-6684 This release was issued through The Xpress Press News Service, merging e-mail and satellite distribution technologies to reach business analysts and media outlets worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.xpresspress.com/ . Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Sharon Allbright http://www.profnet.com/ud_public.jsp?userid=501385 Source: Allbright Productions CONTACT: Honey Gordon of Allbright Productions, +1-888-989-6684, or honeygordon@lowcarbsweets.net Web site: http://www.lowcarbsweets.net/ EDITORS' ADVISORY: For print, radio and television interviews with author, please see contact. ------- Profile: International Entertainment