November 2005
Holiday Health
Thanksgiving Day marks the beginning of our most social time of year. During this brief festive month friends and family make special efforts to gather. Even business acquaintances join in the party mode with office gatherings and parties. All of these times will include some sort of food. From simple snacks to gourmet banquets the range of treats and goodies is broad and tempting. Such a time can be hazardous for health if one is not cautious. Being health-conscience does not mean one has to pass on all the good stuff. A little forethought and planning can make holiday eating and celebrating fun and guilt free, even healthy!
There are many very healthy foods that fit naturally and nicely into holiday party menus. Nuts are wonderful fill in snacks. Any kind is a good choice just as long as salt is limited. Wipe them in a napkin id they appear to be heavily salted; with a little practice one can do this without notice. If you can remember the rule of antioxidants, that they are naturally bright in color, good choices can readily be made as you round the buffet. Yams are bright and yummy. They are also a good strong antioxidant. Salads will have colorful ingredients that announce their good nutrition: greens, red tomatoes, sometimes black or purple grapes, and red or bright green peppers. Many hosts will be health wise and serve whole grains and whole wheat bread. Date bread with cream cheese and pineapple is an excellent choice. Turkey and chicken both seem to make every party and both are good sources of lean protein and antioxidants.
Coffee and tea are generally available and both can be served without caffeine and sweetened with Splenda if desired. Fruit juices, if natural are a good source of antioxidant also. Hot cider is often a party favorite and makes a good healthy choice. Diabetics need to remember to count the carbs however.
Once you have chosen the bright and healthy foods eat your fill. The desserts will give us problems if we allow them the liberty. Many times fresh fruit is served. If you have been very wise in the other choices you may find some solace in the fact that dark chocolate is an excellent antioxidant. The sugar is sugar no matter what and should be at the bottom of our choice list if we are choosing to eat healthy. Perhaps a very little will satisfy. Using these few helpful plans will ensure you a healthier eating holiday and perhaps make the post holiday season less stressful when you have no need to crash diet.