Holiday Moderation

I hate to call it 'damage control' but this time of year can wreak havoc on all the wonderful ways we've changed our eating and exercise habits in the past months. The holidays can be a time of joy and gratitude but they can also be a time of overeating and indigestion. Here are some things I do to help myself have a good time and stay healthy.

It's ok to say “no”.
No to excess
No to a second helping
No to dessert if I am already full

It's ok to say “yes”
Yes to a walk even if it's raining – the fresh air is amazing this time of year
Yes to a large portion of salad
Yes to fruit salad rather than dessert
Yes to a tiny piece of chocolate and leave the rest for others or for another time
Yes to an extra workout
Yes to some quiet time, hot bath, sitting by the fire, gazing into a candle
Yes to wearing the nice outfit that I've worked hard to fit into

Some things I do before a party:
Drink lots and lots of delicious, refreshing water beforehand
Men need 12 cups a day, women need 9 cups of water per day. You've heard me say that I fill a 32 oz bottle once in the morning and drink it before noon and I fill it again in the afternoon so I get 64 oz a day.

At the party
Dance!
Play games!
Eat protein first – appetizers like shrimp w/ cocktail sauce and slices of lowfat deli slices. These will fill you up a little and you will make better choices at dinner.
It's a lifestyle change: Leaving the breaded, fried stuff alone and going for the fresh, lightly seasoned fare.
Enjoy the people, the conversation, the children, the elders, the beautiful trees and flowers, the rain, the darkness and leave the rich, artery clogging foods on the serving platter. Eventually all of us will be serving the healthy stuff and you can be a trend setter!

My downfall: eggnog, ok I admit it. But I recognize my limits and I'm moderate with it. If I say “no” altogether then I feel deprived. You know the drill. Everything in moderation including enjoying it all! I found some RiceNog at Ballard Market today. Only 80 calories compared to the 140 calories for a ½ cup of regular Egg Nog. Happy Holidays!