by Sarah Anne
I'm going to apologize in advance for this one, folks. Just call me Debbie Downer. I'm cool with it.
With all the AMAZING baking tips, tricks and recipes floating around this great place currently, I feel a little bit like a killjoy coming in and trying to 'healthy' up the holiday season. While I don't completely eschew holiday baking and big plates of carbs covered in gravy, I do have to give myself a bit of a pep talk before going into situations ripe with vice. I've been working very hard for several months on my fitness and just am not ready to see it go to waste. Or, to my waist!
Now, don't think I am holier than thou or perfect at all. I love sweets. I'm a fan of champagne, gin and wine and as you know, I love food in general. I am about to spend two weeks with my in-laws where there are copious amounts of the most delicious butter tarts and melt-in-your-mouth shortbread, and the wine flows freely. I just thought I'd share some of the strategies I try to use.
1. Eat your veggies. Eat them for breakfast, at lunch, and as much as you can during the day so that when the evening comes, your body will be full of awesome nutrition and you won't feel the guilt of a couple drinks and snacks you might not always eat. There really is no fun in avoiding great cheeses, different wines, and great baking. So, I do what I can to even the score and often have a pile of veggies for breakfast, and salads for lunch. Bonus is, the fiber keeps you full and you'll probably indulge less anyway!
2. Drink water. Stagger your tasty beverages with some lemon water, or a great bubbly crack. Maybe, even try a non-alcoholic drink recipe to share like this one. Perhaps just a little cranberry and soda with lime. The water will help keep you full, keep you hydrated and will help prevent those awful hangovers that only seem to get worse with age. Anyone here feel like they can't have more than a single bevvy before they'll feel it in the morning? Yeah hi. My name is Sarah and I'm getting old. So try some water to help you feel better all around. Headache free and alert during the stressful times!
This is my current favourite bubbly (besides the best kind). Perrier Pink Grapefruit!
3. Bring your own. I think this is a great tip not just for holidays when you're trying to eat healthy, but if you have a different set of dietary needs than others. Gluten free. Vegan. Paleo, etc. Bring a dish or two to share with everyone. That way, you'll be sure to have healthy options for yourself, and also, you'll be introducting your delicious ways of eating to friends and family in an atmosphere that is welcoming and open. I love offering to help cook meals, or dishes to share, as I get to share my 'tweaks' on things and I always know I'll have options.
4. Soup or salad first! I try to do this when I'm eating out, sometimes at home, and often at gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. I'll fill up on a healthy option like salad, or a broth based soup before digging into the rest of the spread. It helps me feel great about what I'm eating, and gets me a good dose of veggies and fiber before overloading on mashed potatoes and stuffing. Not that I do that or anything.
These salads all look AMAZING and would be great to bring along or try during your gatherings!
Kale, Cabbage and Carrot Salad with Maple Sesame Vinaigrette (Source)
Roasted Kabocha Spinach Salad with Orange Honey Pistachio Vinaigrette (Source)
5. Remember that you have a choice. Just because you ate a fistfull of sugar cookies for breakfast, doesn't mean your lunch has to go sideways too. Make each choice on its own and don't get down on yourself for going a little overboard. Just promise yourself you'll make a better choice the next opportunity and keep on truckin'.
Do you have any tips or tricks you use to stay on the straight and narrow? Do you indulge at all, or do you do your best to stay away? Do you just not worry about it this time of year?
In the end, it's a time for family and celebration so don't go too hog wild and restrict yourself like crazy. I'd rather remember the fun times letting loose with family than the amazing turtle cheesecake I didn't taste. Truly. Be gentle on yourself, try to maintain, and enjoy yourself!
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