Date-Nut Bread

Quick Info:

 Servings
Contains NutsContains Wheat/GlutenContains EggVegetarianDiabetes-Friendly

Nutritional Info (Per serving):

Calories: 120, Saturated Fat: 0g, Sodium: 172mg, Dietary Fiber: 3g, Total Fat: 3g, Carbs: 22g, Sugars: 9g, Cholesterol: 13mg, Protein: 3g

Exchanges: Fruit: 0.5, Starch: 1

Carb Choices: 1.5

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 50 mins

Rest Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 1 h 10 mins

Ingredients

• 8 ounce(s) dates, pitted and whole
• 1 1/2 cup(s) boiling water
• 1 cup(s) flour, all-purpose
• 1 cup(s) flour, whole-wheat
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg(s)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup(s) nuts, almonds, sliced
• corn syrup, light-colored
• sugar, coarse

Recipe Tip:

Cool overnight.

Preparation

1. Place dates in a medium bowl. Pour the boiling water over dates. Let stand about 20 minutes or until dates are softened and mixture has cooled slightly.

2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease bottom and 1/2 inch up sides of an 8x4x2-inch loaf pan; set aside. In a large bowl, stir together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a small bowl, beat the egg and vanilla with a fork; stir into the cooled date mixture. Add date mixture and almonds to flour mixture; stir until well mixed (mixture will be thick).

3. Spoon batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan. Cool completely on a wire rack. Wrap cooled loaf in plastic wrap and store overnight before slicing. If desired, brush loaf with corn syrup and sprinkle with coarse sugar before slicing.

Protein Powders

There's no question that protein wins hottest nutrient of the moment — research shows it helps you lose weight and ramps up energy, maximizes strength, and balances blood sugars. Though it's easy to get all the protein you need from food, if you're looking for a fast, no-fuss way to inject more into your meals, consider one of the many protein powders on the market, most of which provide 20 to 25 grams of protein per serving (what you'd get in 3 ounces of grilled chicken). Whey protein powder is the most popular variety, but you can also find egg-white powder and vegan varieties like pea, brown rice, soy, and hemp. Combine a scoop with skim milk and fresh or frozen fruit in the blender to make a protein-packed smoothie, or stir some protein powder into your favorite whole-grain pancake batter for an energizing and filling breakfast. Keep in mind if you have any sensitivity to sugar substitutes that most brands are sweetened with sucralose or stevia.

Dance Like the Stars!

Dance Like the Stars!

Kirstie Alley says that dancing around her living room helped her slim down to her new, hot physique. So why not put on your favorite CD or radio station and shake your booty for 30 minutes a day? If you want to go the more formal route, you can try classes in ballroom dancing (or another kind of dance) — they'll rival any gym workout!

Garden work's a workout

Get out in the Garden!

Making your garden beautiful is another good way to be physically active. Weeding, mowing, and gardening for 30 to 45 minutes can burn up to 200 calories. Be sure to stretch your arms, back, and legs beforehand to help you prepare for digging holes with a spade or shovel, planting seeds, or laying sod. Another trick: Get even more exercise by using a push mower to cut your grass.

Yay for Yard Work!

Raking leaves for 30 minutes can really work your upper body. But don't overdo it, especially if you don't exercise frequently — you could injure yourself. To minimize this risk, keep your feet and hips shoulder-width apart and rake by shifting your weight from leg to leg rather than twisting your back. Wear gloves to prevent blisters, and bend at the knees to bag and move piles of leaves.

Walk It Off!

Walk It Off!

Brisk walking is a good way to get around town, boost your heart rate, and stay physically fit. Walking two miles in 30 minutes — or breaking up your route into short but vigorous 10-minute sessions — strengthens your bones and muscles and improves your stamina and your fitness. It doesn't have to be a chore — invite a friend or relative along and use the time to catch up on each other's news!

Hooray for Housework!

Hooray for Housework!

Whether you love or loathe housework, it can help you burn some serious calories and keep you in good shape. For example, when you spend 45 to 60 minutes washing your windows or floors, you're not only giving your house a super cleaning, you're giving your body the benefit of exercise. So grab that mop and go!

Make Healthy Food Swaps

Substitute tomato salsa for fattening condiments like mayo, sour cream, butter, and creamy salad dressings. With less than 20 calories per ¼ cup, salsa makes a terrific, low-cal dip for crunchy veggies like baby carrots, celery sticks, and bell pepper slices.

Slim Your Snacks

Slim Your Snacks

Carrot sticks aren’t the only way to enjoy a satisfying crunch, a texture a lot of dieters crave after giving up potato chips and other snack foods. Try sliced water chestnuts — they’re a low-calorie, non-starchy veggie and you can munch your way through a whole can for just 50 calories. They also make a crisp, refreshing addition to low-fat chicken or tuna salad and a terrific ingredient for stir fries.

Eat More Skinny Foods

Eat More Skinny Foods

What are Skinny Foods? They’re great-tasting, diet-friendly foods that offer phenomenal calorie bargains and other health benefits. Some of my favorites include grape tomatoes, air-popped popcorn, grapefruit, and egg whites. I also love vegetable soup — just think of all the fabulous fresh summer vegetables available now! — and pumpkin, which I buy year-round. A scoop of canned (no-sugar-added) pumpkin added to some nonfat vanilla yogurt makes an easy, yummy snack.