On average, Americans can gain 5-10 pounds every holiday season and often do not ever lose that weight. Most of the time the extra weight comes in smaller doses of extra calories more often rather than 1 or 2 large portion meals. Therefore, you need to look at how those tiny tastes can add up. You may have coworkers that bring snacks to the office, may eat out more often as you are doing some grocery or holiday shopping, may attend more holiday parties, drink holiday beverages, taste new recipes, finish up leftovers, and enjoy more appetizers. Each of these scenarios can add anywhere from 30-200 calories with each tiny taste and those don’t include the normal 3 meals a day that you usually consumer. If these tiny tastes are continued over the next 2 months, it is possible to gain 1-2 pounds each week. On average, an additional 3,500 calories above your needed intake can lead to a weight gain of a pound. So think before you taste test.

For those suffering with diabetes, we have help for you this month. Next Tuesday, November 16, 2021, from noon—1 p.m., we will be hosting our monthly virtual Lunch N’ Learn workshop on the topic of "Take Charge of Your Diabetes" for free. Register for our virtual workshop on go.ncsu.edu/fcsregistration

Here is a recipe is that is delicious and a nice warm dish during those cold fall/winter days. For more information, follow us on a variety of social media sites: Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @persongranvillefcs

Slow Cooker Tomato Balsamic Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. boneless and skinless chicken breast
• 28oz canned diced tomatoes, half of liquid drained
• 1 sweet onion, sliced thin
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 6 cups fresh spinach
• Fresh mushrooms
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Serving: 227 calories, 2g fat, 74g cholesterol, 222mg sodium, 12g carbohydrates, 3g fiber