Ahh, the holidays. A time to stuff our faces with delicious, caloric regret.
But wait! There’s good news! You don’t have to pack on an extra five pounds at the end of every year!
*Hallelujah*
Our friends at Fitbie have offered up 17 of the best superfoods of Fall AND six healthy pumpkin– wait for it– DESSERTS!
The holidays are also a time for family, and for most people, family includes their pets (as it should). Our Blackhawks buddy Bryan Bickell and his wife Amanda saved an adorable 14-week old puppy who needs a home, which would be the perfect addition to any household around the holidays.
Read on for the full stories below.
FIRST GUEST: Emily Abbate, Editor at Fitbie
It starts with all that leftover Halloween candy. Which there was more of than usual this year thanks to that lovely early snowfall we had on October 31st.
Then Thanksgiving hits us with turkey, stuffing, and pie-galore.
And then come the Christmas cookies.
Let’s face it: everywhere we look, we’re bombarded with pumpkin-spice-this and cinnamon-flavored-that for two whole months! It’s no surprise this is the time of year most people struggle to keep their weight under control.
Luckily, our pals at Fitbie have come up with two lists that will transform your Thanksgiving meal next week. Incorporate any of their 17 superfoods of Fall into a dish, and not only will both your hunger and tastebuds be satisfied, but your scale will thank you for sparing your gut all those extra calories.
And, Emily reminds us that desserts don’t have to be off limits to those of us watching our weight.
*happy dance*
With Fitbie’s six healthy pumpkin desserts, you can go back for seconds guilt-free.
Read about more ways to be mindful this holiday season at fitbie.com.
SECOND GUEST: Amanda Bickell, co-founder of the Bryan and Amanda Bickell Foundation, creating awareness for “pit bulls” and working with them to assist abused children
UPDATE: Monroe, Bick’s Pit for November, has been adopted! Thank you for helping us to spread the word! Click here to see other Bick’s Pits that are still up for adoption.
No home is complete without a furry companion! Just ask Bryan Bickell of the Blackhawks, who got to cuddle up with this month’s Bick’s Pit: a cute, 14-week-old puppy named Monroe, who needs a home.
Monroe is a friendly American Staffordshire Terrier-Mastiff Mix who was given up by her family when they could not afford her anymore.
The Bryan and Amanda Bickell Foundation intervened when they saw her on Facebook for sale. The Dog District picked her up immediately where she is learning about all walks of life and is super friendly and already spayed– bonus!
14-week-old Monroe needs a home! Head to bickellfoundation.org to learn more about this cutie.
Learn more about Monroe here.
To adopt this lovable girl please email tasha@thedogdistrictdariend.com.
Amanda also tells us about next year’s calendar which they are currently shooting. Expect another great year of Blackhawks and doggies– they go together better than chocolate and peanut butter!
And, get ready for A Fetching Affair to raise funds for the Bickell Foundation at the Drake Hotel on February 28th. Last year, Bryan Bickell, Corey Crawford, and Kris Versteeg were on hand. Who will be there this year? Click here for more details.
See more of Bick’s Pits who need homes and learn more about their mission at bickellfoundation.org.
AROUND CHICAGOLAND:
- Join US99.5 and CBS Chicago to help prevent fires and keep people safe this holiday season by donating to the Red Cross on Tuesday, November 25th. Get more information at cbschicago.com/redcross.
- The Anti-Cruelty Society is hosting their annual holiday fund drive. Make a donation, or better yet, choose a pet to adopt, at anticruelty.org.
- Have your pet’s photo taken with Santa Paws at Heartland Animal Shelter on Sunday, December 7th from noon – 3:00 PM. For just a $5.00 donation, you’ll have the cutest Christmas cards this side of the North Pole. Details at heartlandanimalshelter.net.
- Baconfest 2015 will take place on April 17th and 18th at the UIC Forum. VIP tickets go on sale in December; general admission tickets go on sale in February. A portion of ticket sales will go to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Details at baconfestchicago.com. Mmm… bacon…
Weekend Journal airs Sunday mornings at 6:30 on US99.5 and 6:00 on US99.5 HD2 The Wolf.
Listen to this week’s full episode below.
