November 2004 
Healthy Holiday Eating
Most people enter into the Holiday season with feelings of apprehension or defeat as they consider what Holiday menus mean for their diet or health goals. Many expect this time of year to be the time they “blow it.” Temptations seem to mount up on every side.
Offices are overrun with goodies brought in by well wishers who seem to have sugar fixations. Stores and restaurants, even the delis and fast food places add a special holiday hunk of calories, all packaged to look irresistible! What would home be like around Thanksgiving or Christmas without the aromas of pumpkin and pecan pies, or Grandma’s Holiday cookies and candy? Don’t forget the fruitcake.
It could appear hopeless. Maybe the best one could wish would be to set a limit on the pounds gained during the season and resolve to fast or extreme diet the first few months of the new year.
Good news! It does not have to be a lost cause. There is a sensible and yet enjoyable solution to the holiday feast problems. Put into practice all those good health guidelines we have discussed on our web site. If you are a new reader, or need a refresher here is a quick and easy way to have fun at all the gatherings and not sacrifice your health.
First remember what the good fats and cholesterol foods are and eat most of your caloric intake with them. The good foods are filled with antioxidants that will help lower your cholesterol blood level and help keep you mentally alert. Color is the key. Rich colored foods are usually the ones best for you. Go for the broccoli and fresh veggie trays. Carrots, squash, and tomatoes are low in calories and rich sources of antioxidants. Choose the sweet potato pie — better if it is made with Splenda which has no calories. Fruits are good; take a generous serving of the Waldof Salad and citrus salads. Strawberries, blueberries, and cranberries have good antioxidant composition. Turkey is a seasonal favorite, and is an excellent choice for low fat and low calorie — enjoy. Make your bread choice whole wheat, preferably fresh without preservatives. Nuts are at most parties, and are always a good source of good cholesterol and antioxidants; but they are calorie intense.
Second, drink plenty of water. By drinking your required eight glasses of water all day you will enter the party area at least half full, which will enable you to limit amounts and caloric intake. Additionally the right amount of water in your system will help you to process food that you consume. The better processed your food is, the less likely it will be to hang around your waist in form of fat deposits.
Third, do not forget to exercise. Try walking a little extra each day of the holiday season to burn extra calories. This should be easy as parking lots and public areas are crowded. Let someone else have the close parking spot and walk a few extra feet towards your destination. The kindness of this act will benefit your health. If walking is difficult for you, do whatever exercise you can for an increased 10 minutes per day. Even a few arm lifts and leg bends will help if this is an increase in activity for you.
Lastly, focus on pleasant thoughts. Do a good deed for someone — even a stranger. Take a few moments each morning and each evening to clear your mind, stretch and relax each muscle group and take several deep breaths. Such action is wonderfully effective for reducing stress and lowering blood pressure. Do not let the hustle and bustle of the season rob you of its serenity and reverence. Plan time to meditate on the Greatness and Goodness of God, and the wonder of our holiday season from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Give thanks.
These are some very simple yet very rewarding ways to make your holiday a time to enrich your health and not harm it. Try these methods; you will be glad you did come 2005!