Heart Health: A Plan for the Holidays

It’s November and there is an element of electricity of the holiday season in the air.  Even around here, you can feel the excitement in the air.  As we prepare for the holidays, I have to keep in the front of my brain, eat healthy!  Sometimes this is easier said than done.  Just one look at all the cookies, cakes, pies, sweet potato casserole, ham and turkey can cause a person to lose all common sense and before you know it, you’ve eaten a months’ worth of calories!!!

I remember the very first Thanksgiving James and I spent together.  We decided to have Thanksgiving at my sister’s house and even though we said, “We’re not bringing a LOT of food”, we did.  James had a ‘taste’ of everything!  EVERY-THING!!!  He said, “I didn’t want to seem rude.”  And that night, he was hugging the porcelain god!!!

So, when I began to think about what to do for the Heart Healthy blog post this month, I decided to help us all out and post a few ideas on healthy eating during the holidays.  It’s not easy.  It’s hard enough to eat healthy on a good day.  But it is even more important to eat healthy during the holidays.

The holiday season is stressful enough, so placing unrealistic eating goals is just adding to that stress.  Don’t go on a diet during this time of the year.  It’s not feasible and you will fail.  Understanding this will help you out….a LOT!

We all get those party invitations.  So, when you go:

Use a smaller plate when at a buffet type party.  You will eat less.  If you have a lot of parties to attend, eat a healthy snack before going.  You will eat less at the party.  Spend the evening talking to other people at the party.  It’s free calories.  Look at the buffet before loading up.  Make healthy choices.  If you know you have a party to attend, balance what you eat during the day with what you eat at the party.  Drinks contain calories, unless it’s plain water.  Alcoholic drinks, punches, and anything chocolate have calories you may not be aware of.  Moderation is key!  Portion size counts!  Do a ‘taste’ of higher calorie foods. The holidays are very stressful.  Don’t feel like you have to accept every party invitation.  And, again, if you go, and you are not hungry, do not eat!  Don’t let pressure decide your fate.

Things you can do at home:

At home, keep fresh fruit and veggies out for snaking.  Go easy on the dips though.  Some dips, even homemade, can contain high calories.  Make a plan.  This can save you many calories.  Plan smart.  Carrots, celery, apples, oranges, and grapes can be set out for you and family members to snake on.

MOVE!

 If there is a time more important to exercise, it is during the holiday season!  It will help you deal with the added stress that comes with family get-togethers, and all the planning and decorating.  And, it will help get rid of those extra calories.  Do not beat yourself up if you do eat more than you should, or choose unhealthy foods.  Take responsibility for it and go back to your normal eating/exercise routine as soon as you can.  The holidays are a joyful time of the year.  You do not have to be a prune!  You do not have to be a vacuum cleaner and suck all the fun out of the party!  But, be smart.  Plan smart.

Finally, take time for you!  Take some alone time.  Get a manicure or pedicure.  Give to yourself; go to a spa, stay away from stressful situations.  For me, shopping during this time of the year causes me stress, so I stay away as much as I can, or I go late at night.  Read a book, pray, meditate, get together with friends, take a walk through the neighborhood and enjoy the Christmas lights.  Do for others; do sometime nice for a family or person in need. Pay for the person behind you.  Pay it forward.  And above all else, enjoy the reason for the season.