Happy Holidays! Its officially starting to feel like Christmas is just a week away. This being because Christmas is the time of year when I experience the most stress. There are gifts to buy, resolutions to make and parties to attend. This year I've added a few more items to my holiday to-do list. Number One: Start a monthly newsletter to marry the Sweet Potato Soul blog and my new work as a personal chef and health counselor, The Nourishing Vegan. The stress has been heightened, but it's worth it to be able to share Sweet Potato Soul tips with my family and friends. In the newsletter (The Nourishing News) I'll be sharing healthy tips, original recipes and cooking videos. This month's video for Raw Apple Pie is still not edited, but it'll be posted sometime next week, I PROMISE! I've created a list of tried & true ways to avoid weight gain during the holiday season. I hope you find it as helpful as I have : ) Avoid Holiday Weight Gain in 5 steps! 1. Bring a healthy dish when you attend a holiday party AND eat before you go. You don't have to make anything elaborate, but make something that you can share and will enjoy for the duration of the party if all that is served is fattening and guilt causing. Don't worry, you won't insult the host by bringing something fresh and healthy to their party. They'll be honored that you took the time to contribute. For example, as a vegan I would bring a vegan dessert with me. It shows the host that I appreciate their hospitality, and it keeps me from binging on bread when all I really want is a cookie. Who knows, you might have people begging you for the recipe. 2. Drink water. Often times we eat when we're thirsty, feeling bored or nervous; of course we don't realize this is happening; and when we don't understand the cause of our overeating it can control us. This holiday season I encourage you to have a glass of water when you get a craving for the 3rd slice of pie. After drinking the water wait 15 minutes, and if you still want the pie... 3. Eat more consciously ...if you still want that 3rd slice of pie GET IT, but make it worth the extra calories. Place it beautifully on a plate, slice through it with your fork, take a deep breath, smell it's aroma, put it in your mouth and chew slowly. Engage all of your senses when eating and take your time. I recommend savoring everything you put into your mouth; you'll be shocked by how much less you eat. This goes with drinking as well. Enjoy that first glass of wine, and you probably won't drink the whole bottle : ) 4. Get your sleep. We now know that the amount of hours we sleep each night affects our weight and our overall health. Sure, there is a lot to stress out over this time of year but nothing should be as important as your well being. If it means paying someone else to clean the house or cook for a week while you're busy with holiday plans and projects, then so be it. 5. Move your body. Different physical activities work better for different people. Find your ideal physical activity this season. One of my favorite things to do is walk; I turn Christmas shopping into a fun exercise by walking all around NYC hunting for gifts. If you drive, then park and walk to each store. Dancing is another great way to burn calories, get your heart rate up and lessen stress. Blast your favorite music while in the kitchen and dance while the food cooks. Before or after dinner grab your family for a dance party. If these options don't work for you, I guarantee that there is something out there that will. If you're the one throwing the party, then I recommend these fantastic "10 Tips for Throwing a Healthier Holiday Party" by Clean Plates. photos on this post are from Getty : )
Tags: newsletter, christmas limas, dinner party, entertaining, healthy tips, holiday, seasonal,
