Enjoy a Guilt-Free Holiday Season with Tips from Dr. Pacheco and Sweet'N Low

NEW YORK, Dec. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --  Between holiday parties with overflowing buffets and the tempting treats abounding in office kitchens, it is no surprise that the season can take a toll on anyone's diet. But, indulging your sweet tooth does not have to come with a high-calorie price tag!  This holiday season, America's iconic zero-calorie pink sweetener, Sweet'N Low, has paired up with Emmy-award winning Dr. Luis Pacheco to give you some tips on how to cut some calories and stay healthy while partaking in the season's festivities.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131216/NY34004)

1. Don't Go To The Party Hungry – Is your holiday party late at night? Don't wait until the party to eat. Have a small snack a few hours before the event to tide you over.  Choose a lower calorie version of your usual go-to snacks, like a delicious Strawberry Almond Smoothie or a quick and hearty Oatmeal Raisin Bar, instead of binging on unhealthy event food because you are famished.
2. Think Of New Recipes For Old Favorites – When baking your favorite sweet treats for the holidays, try new recipes that reduce sugar and calories so that you can indulge in the season's treats without the caloric guilt. Sweet'N Low's recipes for Holiday Cookies and Festive Fruitcake deliver the same delicious taste with less sugar and calories – it's a win-win!
3. Be Cognizant Of Liquid Calories – While the idea of "saving your calories for drinks" is a noble one, it may not be the best choice from a health perspective.  Your body needs substantial food to help absorb alcohol, so monitor what you eat and drink if celebrating this holiday season with spirits.  Drink in moderation, of course, and try lower calorie versions of your favorite classics that are just as delicious, such as Calorie-Trimmed Eggnog or a Skinny Cosmopolitan, so that you can celebrate the season while watching your waistline.

Remember, although many holiday activities are focused around food, by watching what you consume, you can enjoy the holiday season without worrying about extra calories! Focus on spending time with loved-ones and making memories instead of fretting over what's being served next. When you're able to make healthy swaps, you can enjoy what you're eating without any guilt!

***For more lower calorie recipes, visit www.sweetnlow.com. See below for a few favorites. Happy Holidays!***

Holiday Cookies
Serving Size: 1 cookie, Yields: 2 1/2 Dozen

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup margarine
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 3/4 teaspoons vanilla
• 4 packets Sweet' N Low zero calorie sweetener

Instructions:
In medium-size bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. In separate bowl, cream margarine; add sugar gradually and continue creaming until light. Add egg, vanilla, and Sweet 'N Low; beat well. Thoroughly stir in dry ingredients. Refrigerate one hour. Preheat oven to 400F.  Spray cookie sheets with nonstick coating agent.* Roll dough into 3/4-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets; press flat with base of floured glass. Flute edges with fork. Bake 6 to 8 minutes, or until brown.

*There's no need to spray with a nonstick coating agent if you own a nonstick cookie sheet.

Makes 30 cookies. 1 Cookie per serving: 35 calories, 5 g carbohydrate, 3 gm fat, 5 mg cholesterol, 1 g protein, 35 mg sodium

Calorie-Trimmed Eggnog
Serving Size: 1/2 cup, Yields: 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 3 packets Sweet'N Low® zero calorie sweetener
• 2 cups low fat milk
• 1/4 cup rum or 1/2 teaspoon rum extract
• 3 eggs, separated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ground nutmeg

Instructions:
In a small bowl with mixer at high speed, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. In another large bowl with same beaters and with mixers at high speed, beat egg yolks, Sweet'N Low® and sugar until lemon-colored and slightly thick. Stir in milk, rum or extract, vanilla, and teaspoon ground nutmeg. With rubber spatula or wire whisk, fold beaten eggs whites into milk mixture. To serve, sprinkle with additional ground nutmeg. Serve immediately.

Makes 8 servings (about 1/2 cup each) per serving: 84 calories, 5 gm sugar, 6 g carbohydrate, 3 gm fat, 86 mg cholesterol, 4 g protein, 56 mg sodium

About Cumberland Packing Corp.
For more than 56 years, Sweet'N Low®, America's favorite zero-calorie pink sweetener, has been helping millions of people around the world manage their weight by sweetening food and beverages without added sugars and unnecessary calories. Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, Sweet'N Low is manufactured by Cumberland Packing Corp., a family-owned and operated business. For more information, please visit www.sweetnlow.com.

Contact:
Stephanie Meyering
 212.297.2162 / [email protected]

SOURCE Sweet'N Low