This serves as my second Good Living post, created for a special opportunity from FAGE Total and the the Foodbuzz Featured Publisher program. The team invited a selection of bloggers to create blog posts illustrating how the Greek concept of “good living” and FAGE Total contribute to a positive, healthy life.

Each post enters me to win an 8-day trip to Greece, and at the end of this post, I have included details on how readers can enter the same competition and hopefully join me eat my weight in Baklava.

With the holiday spirit out and about in full force, I’ve been doing lots of thinking.

Just the other morning, I was listening to Christmas music and I was hit with an OVERWHELMING sense of gratitude. For my family and my health. With those two simple things, nothing else matters. Nothing.

It’s easy to get caught up in the MORE MORE MORE mentality around the holiday season. To figure out what else to buy — for gifts, decorations etc. It can get a little out of control. But I’m willing to bet most people on your list really just want some quality time with YOU.

I mean, do they really need another sweater? Another Starbucks gift card? Another ornament?

Didn’t think so.

But quality time? Now that’s the gift that keeps on giving. Because unlike the gift cards that enentually run out and the sweater that loses shape or goes out of style, memories last a lifetime.

And if you really need to give them something, why not make it homemade. And delicious. And healthy. Tall order? Never.

 

Crust

• 1 cup whole wheat graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cheesecake:

• 16 ounces reduced fat cream cheese
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 egg
• 1 egg white
• 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt (like FAGE)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

First things first, preheat the oven to 350*F.  Spray an 8 x 8-inch pan with cooking spray. 

Start with the crust – combine graham cracker crumbs, canola oil, honey and cinnamon until well-moistened.  Press mixture into prepared pan and bake for about 8 minutes.  Remove from oven and set aside.

To make the filling, beat together cream cheese and honey until well blended.  Add egg and beat well.  Add egg white and beat well.  Add Greek yogurt and vanilla extract and beat well.  Pour mixture on top of graham cracker crust.  Bake for 40-45 minutes.  Let cool and refrigerate for several hours or overnight before serving.  Makes 9, “healthy”portioned bars.

Hint — make these with someone you love! One person could be in charge of the crust, while the other whips up the filling.

The stats:

• 178 Calories
• 5g Fat
• 0g Saturated Fat
• 29g Carbs
• 1g Fiber
• 6g Protein