Term papers!

December is a time when our body requires extra nourishment due to limited hours of sunlight and the year end frenzy (shopping, socializing, family drama, etc).   We may receive subtle signals that “down time” is needed but often the pull towards   festive holiday social gatherings   is greater.

Instead of going into complete hibernation to avoid this  dilemma, we must use our creative juices to come up with fun and  satisfying  ways for staying healthy during the holidays while still enjoying life and the party.

Tomorrow night I hope you will join me as I present   many healthy holiday eating and living strategies at Gallery Kitchens of Westport.   In the meantime, here are 3 simple starter tips that are often overlooked.    Let’s make this holiday your healthiest!

Image by a song under the sugar sugar

Concerned about gaining weight over the next 20+ days?   On average, Americans will add on about 1 pound total from now through the New Year.   This figure does not seem like a lot but remember, this an average calculation.   Many will gain more while the extra dedicated could shed a few.   The real problem is when these pounds accumulate over time…December comes along one too many times!

First:   Indulge In Half!

Are you making a cookie recipe that calls for sugar?   I suggest you cut the amount down by half.    If you are concerned about your guests not enjoying the treats as much, sample the batter before it goes into the oven.   95% of recipes include much more sugar than our taste buds really need or even desire.

Are you heading to a party that is serving alcohol and/or pigs in a blanket?   I suggest you cut your portions down to half.   That’s right, instead of 2 glasses of  Cabernet, have one.   For your second glass, try sparkling water with a splash of cranberry.   If appetizers gets passed around, take half of what you would normally consume.   Concerned that you’ll still be hungry?   Hydrate prior to the party and fill up on healthy food from home first.

Second: It’s All About Location

If the hostess is circulating around the room with fried delights, do not stand by the kitchen.   Instead, socialize in an area that is the farthest away from the oven.   You’ll be glad you did!

Or, if you are at a sit down dinner, keep the side dish of vegetables nearby and the bread rolls closer to your neighbor.

Third: Incorporate Frequent Movement

Don’t have time for the gym?   Take a walk around the block after dinner or do some sit-ups nightly to keep the body burning fat.   Get up from your desk in the middle of the day and do 20 jumping jacks or grab a co-worker and always choose the stairs over the elevator.   These brief yet energizing movements will not only prevent added poundage, they will help you focus better throughout the day by reducing stress and  invigorating  your daily work routine.

Keep Your Creative Juices Flowing….

There are only good ideas when it comes to healthy holiday eating strategies so make a list of three things that you will start today to help gear you up for this fun time of year.   Recruit a friend to hold you accountable or keep a journal to document your successes and struggles.

I can’t wait to explore more tips with you tomorrow night (December 2nd) at Gallery of Kitchens!   Do you have a great tip that’s worked for you that   I need to know about?   Please comment below and share your favorites!

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 at 2:43 pm and is filed under Food, Life Balance. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.