1 tbsp. whole cloves 1½ tsp whole allspice 8 cups of apple juice 1 cup fresh cranberries, crushed 4 cups low calorie cranberry juice 4 tbsp rum extract 1 ½ medium oranges, sliced/seeded 1 tsp bitters 12 packets of Splenda 10 3-inch cinnamon sticks

Place cloves and allspice in a tea ball. In a stainless steel stockpot, mix all ingredients and tea ball and simmer gently, but do not boil. Strain and serve warm. Per serving: 131 calories; 97% carbohydrate, 1% protein, 2% fat.

Serves 10

The holidays are a time to eat, drink and be merry, but beware: if you overindulge in goodies, you may find yourself rolling into the New Year like a sugar plum fairy.

To help you survive the season where butter and sugar ooze from every flat surface, we’ve assembled a list of 12 sticky situations you’re likely to encounter and tips on how to wiggle out of them while you still can.

THE MERRY MARTYR

Last year you gained so much weight during the holidays that this time around you’ve vowed to be an absolute angel when the hostess comes around and offers a tray of fattening goodies. Butter cookies? No Thank you, I’d rather nibble on Melba toast….

Wiggle out TIPs: Deprive yourself during the holidays and visions of sugar plums are certain to haunt you nightly – and we all know where those dreams lead. Rather than punishing yourself, give yourself permission to […]