Thinking of your diet as a bank account that allows you to save and spend, within reason, as you wish can be a healthy strategy during the holidays. Special luncheons, after-work gatherings, weekend cocktail parties and delectable desserts are hard to avoid -- but, why would you want to?
Concentrate on Nutrition
Be diligent about eating healthy breakfasts: Try oatmeal, yogurt and fruit, poached eggs on toast, or a Scandinavian buffet of white cheese, kippers, rye bread, tomato and cucumber. You'll have lots of energy to get through the morning, while "banking" some calories for later. A cup or two of steaming coffee will get your body and your brain functioning fully.
Choose Salad for Lunch
Forego that stuffed bun midday, and order salad instead. Concentrate on the greens, however, rather than loading it up with grilled chicken and salad bar add-ons. Satisfy a sweet tooth with a piece of fruit. Choose a cup of consomme rather than chowder or cheese soup, as a healthy option. Drink a glass of water before lunch; and drink it slowly. Drink hot tea rather than soda.
Spend Time in the Kitchen
Without altering your lifestyle to the point that you eat in every night, you'll find that preparing your own dinner from fresh ingredients is not only satisfying, but good for your health and your waistline, too. Grilled fish, roasted vegetables, homemade fajitas, and simple one-dish meals are perfect, quick and economical.
Take No Guilt Trips
Finally, the holidays are a time to celebrate the good things of life with family and friends. Just use a little common sense. Enjoy that glass of wine; savor the pumpkin pie; sample the cookies. But, go easy on candied yams and rich appetizers: Chilled shrimp, cheese trays and vegetables are your friends.
Year-Round Health
Adopt these principles as your eating "budget" for year-round health, and you'll reap multiple benefits in terms of health and disease prevention. APEX Wellness Center offers comprehensive nutrition and exercise counseling in addition to our full range of natural, non-invasive chiropractic care. Together, we can make this the best holiday season ever.