Holiday Madness!

Happy Holidays from Miss C and Mr. F! Now that the holidays are here and in full swing, everyone is in full “elf” mode; shopping, cooking, eating, dining etc. Sometimes physical activity and exercise takes a back seat and you say “oh I’ll just start up again after the holidays…” DON’T!! Start NOW! I know its cold out, but this is New England! Bundle up and go for a walk with the family, play in the backyard, go ice skating at the local rinks, and the roads are still dry enough for a bike ride or skateboard! Not an outdoor person? Go to your local recreation center and PLAY! Sign up for a team sport, take a fitness class (kids or adults!), try out swimming at the YMCA, anything to keep you moving and active for the holidays! Here are some healthy tips and info on holiday eating and planning: 1) Be realistic. Don’t try to lose pounds during the holidays, instead try to maintain your current weight. 2) Plan time for exercise. Exercise helps relieve holiday stress and prevent weight gain. A moderate and daily increase in exercise can help partially offset increased holiday eating. Try 10- or 15-minute brisk walks twice a day. 3) Don’t skip meals. Before leaving for a party, eat a light snack like raw vegetables or a piece of fruit to curb your appetite. You will be less tempted to over-indulge. 4) Survey party buffets before filling your plate. Choose your favorite foods and skip your least favorite. Include vegetables and fruits to keep your plate balanced. 5) Eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed. Savor your favorite holiday treats while eating small portions. Sit down, get comfortable, and enjoy. 6) If you overeat at one meal go light on the next. It takes 500 calories per day (or 3,500 calories per week) above your normal/maintenance consumption to gain one pound. It is impossible to gain weight from one piece of pie! 7) Take the focus off food. Turn candy and cookie making time into non-edible projects like making wreaths, dough art decorations or a gingerbread house. Plan group activities with family and friends that aren’t all about food. Try serving a holiday meal to the community, playing games or going on a walking tour of decorated homes. 8) Bring your own healthy dish to a holiday gathering. 9) Practice Healthy Holiday Cooking. Preparing favorite dishes lower in fat and calories will help promote healthy holiday eating. Incorporate some of these simple-cooking tips in traditional holiday recipes to make them healthier. 10) Look at your plate. If all you see is whites and browns, then most likely you picked up all the heavier, starchy foods. Make sure your plate looks color-balanced. Potatoes and turkey with some roasted carrots and green bean casserole is a better color balance than all the “white” stuff.