In the Thick of the Season

The holidays are a special time of year, but be careful when characterizing them as that. You don't want to fall into the too common philosophy that you can treat your body like crap now and then start anew in January. You may barely make it through until January if you aren't providing your bod the nutrition that it craves. And forget starting anew, you will be starting with a handicap. Now personally, I know that I would be angry and resentful if I refused to let myself enjoy the holiday season and the treats that come with it, but I do realize that a night of fatty and sugary foods will kill me the next day and shorten my life over the long run. Here is how my brain works to try and keep the balance at a holiday gathering.

I don't eat before I go. To me that's silly. I know I'm going to nibble a bit while I'm there, so why would I eat my full meal before I go and tack on all those extra calories at the party? Even if I have a full stomach from home, that won't keep my away from the yummies that are all set up and looking delectable. Shoot, I'm only human afterall! I will grab an apple or some sugar snap peas before I go since these are cold, refreshing and healthy snacks. That puts my mind in a good place. It makes me feel proud that I am taking care of my body and rising above the stuff-your-face mentality. When I arrive at the get together, I still have those I'm-a-healthy-person thoughts in my mind and I do not want to add a bunch of sludge into my bloodstream. Now, on the other hand, I don't have this kind of selection in front of me on a day to day basis so I have to sample some of the treats presented. Ha ha~the keyword is sample! Get a good long look at what is offered and what is special, like only-at-Christmastime-special. I never snack on standard crackers and dip this time of year; I see that stuff all the time. I want to try a bite of the cranberry pecan cheesecake or my sister's homemade toffee. These are small holiday treats that only come around once a year. Have a piece of yummy #1, #2 and possibly #3, then go on with your night.

I'm a big socializer, but not a huge drinker. I do enjoy my dirty martini, as some of you may know, but I really only have it on special occassions. The calories just aren't worth it for me to have one every time we go out. Plus my liver would just plain hate me! I like to save my cocktail (or two) for one night a week...even during the holidays. I always like to start an occasion off with a glass of water. If that isn't one of the drinks offered, I sometimes will need to put my H2O in a wine glass. This gives me time to assess my surroundings and decide whether this is a night for me to have a cocktail or not. If I'm just not feeling it, I will stick with the water all night long. Sometimes it takes me a little while to decide if I am "feeling it" so why not hydrate in the process? And the fresh cold water maintains that clean, healthy taste in my mouth from my snack at home and makes me feel like my teeth are really white so I smile a lot! :o) Also, when I'm holding the wine glass, I don't seem to get as much pressure to drink (which is crazy coming from adults!) in the form of "why aren't you drinking?!" And holding a glass makes it a little more difficult to manuever a snack plate so I will have to think twice before I decide if the yummy is going to go in my mouth or not.

Try to remember that this get together is to visit with people~family, neighbors or office staff and their spouses~that you may not have seen since last year at this time. Take advantage of this time to catch up with those who are there. Rechannel your brain so that food isn't the first thing you focus on when you think of the holidays. You have many blessings to celebrate including a healthy body that works and people with whom to share your life.