As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, scrumptious holiday deserts and drinks accost us everywhere – Starbucks, grocery stores and even Whole Foods.

I’m a big believer in “filling the void,” or in other words, finding something healthy and yummy to take the place of a “not-so-healthy” drink or desert.  I’ve never been a big fan of deprivation and find that the more we deny ourselves something, the more we want it…and then eat 5 servings :-)

Here are 3 absolutely delicious smoothies that you can make with your USANA Nutrimeals – not only during the holiday season, but all year around.  They taste amazing, are completely healthy and balanced, and will help keep your cravings and nutrition plan in check during the holidays. They come from a book that utilizes the USANA Nutrimeals called, “Slender with a Blender – Shake Your Way to Health”.

Mix all ingredients for each recipe in a blender or blender bottle. You can also warm your water and skip the ice if you want a “hot” treat, enjoy!

“You Won’t Even Miss the Pumpkin Pie”

• 3 scoops USANA Vanilla Nutrimeal*
• 8-10 oz. water
• 1-2 tbsp pumpkin butter (or ¼ cup pumpkin puree)
• ½ -1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ginger
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp allspice
• ½ cup ice

“Cozy Gingerbread Latte”

• 3 scoops USANA Vanilla Nutrimeal*
• 10 oz water
• 1 tsp molasses
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or 1 tsp ground dried ginger)
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup ice

“New Year’s Eve Eggnog Celebration”

• 3 scoops USANA Vanilla Nutrimeal*
• 10 ounces water
• 6-8 shakes Angostura bitters
• ½ tsp brandy extract or 1 tbsp dry sherry
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 1 cup ice

And, for a yummy desert or snack, check out this delicious recipe for Healthy Pumpkin Spiced Cookies by my friend Elizabeth Rider – they’re good and good for you! Her first book, WholeEating Cookbook, launches December 7th on Amazon.com and is filled with tons of yummy, healthy recipes just like this one. Get on the book’s wait list and download free recipes here: http://wholeeatingcookbook.com/

*Visit your USANA shopping cart or contact your USANA Representative today to purchase USANA Nutrimeals.

Be Happy…Be Vibrant…

Carmen xo