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Life is busy and sometimes the last thing I feel like doing at the end of a long day is making a healthy dinner.

And I’m a chef!

But here is what I know for sure: when I eat healthier, I feel better. And when I feel better, things flow better in my life. I have more energy all throughout the day. I can better deal with stress. I can maintain my weight without obsessing about it (been there done that!). My immune system hums along and I feel less susceptible to colds and flus.

The benefits of eating healthy are enough to get my tired self into the kitchen and cook even when I don’t feel like it. But I will let you in on a little secret: I don’t cook every night. I typically cook 3 nights a week and use leftovers wisely the rest of the week. I always have something yummy and high in protein in my refrigerator to snack on so my blood sugar stays balanced and I can make healthier choices.

My Healthy Meal Planning Service will make it easy for you to eat healthy and feel great even in the midst of your busy life! Every week you get meal plans featuring anti-inflammatory foods, an organized shopping list and weekly inspiration–all for less than 33 cents a day.

No kidding! Check it out here!

Chef Jenny’s Blog

Happy Holidays and a Healthy Almond Roca Recipe

I know how busy this time of year can be so I just wanted to take a quick moment to wish you a very happy holiday season filled with laughter, love, excellent health, and of course, lots of great food.

I also wanted to let you know that in January I will be writing about the ‘5 things I wish someone had told me about losing weight and keeping it off for good’. If 2012 is the year that you really want to make changes with your weight, your health and your relationship with food, you will not want to miss these posts.

Also, there is still time to buy a three month gift subscription of my meal plan for just $19.95. Click here for more information.

Lastly, here is one of my favorite holiday recipes for you to enjoy:

Healthy Almond Roca Logs

My grandmother’s favorite treat at the holidays was Almond Roca. Because she rarely asked for things for herself, we all jumped on the opportunity to buy her something she loved—which means she received a LOT of Almond Roca!! Here is a healthier version of that candy for you to enjoy this holiday season.

• 1 cup almonds
• 6 large dates, pitted
• 1 Tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 3 Tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut for garnish
• More almonds for garnish

In the bowl of a food processor, grind almonds until they are a fine powder. Add all ingredients, except garnishes, until well blended. You may need to add a little bit of water (like 1 tsp) to get it to hold together. It should be easy to roll it into logs that are about 2 inches long. Roll log in coconut and top with an almond if desired. Store in the refrigerator.

Have a wonderful holiday! See you in 2012!

~Chef Jenny