The Holiday Five by Julie Watson Smith

“Most Americans gain five pounds between Thanksgiving and Christmas” reminded the article I was reading. Surely, they must have been watching as I snuck Santa’s cookies off the plate and into my mouth leaving him with just a few leftover carrots for the reindeer last December. This year, however, I decided to reform my holiday eating. My family and I were going to stick with the five food groups: whole grains, dairy, meat/protein, fruits/veggies and fats. We were eschewing the six-week “all-you-can-eat-smorgasbord” attitude for some wholesome nutrition. Off we went to stock up on just those goods.

With my carefully planned meal schedule and shopping list, my kids and I walked the aisles packing in the grainy breads and cottage cheese. But wait…what’s this? Chips Ahoy are now made with 100% whole wheat? It can’t be true. And didn’t I just hear about the cancer fighting benefits of chocolate. Well surely, this wouldn’t contribute to the holiday five. It’s health food. And I could already see the delight in my children’s eyes as I tossed the package into our cart.

Onto fruits and vegetables…I mustn’t forget to eat my nine servings a day. Whoa! My eyes must be deceiving me. Right by the apples I see the words “Great Source of Calcium.” All women – especially mothers – understand the importance of decent calcium intake for our children but also ourselves as we ward off future osteoporosis. And, who I am to question if it comes in the form of a caramel square? Pair that with an apple and it’s another healthy afternoon snack.

Okay, I filled my grains, fruit/veggies, dairy so it’s off to find some protein. Milk is a good choice because it covers both dairy and protein, so eggnog must be even better. Filled with protein rich eggs and dairy-rich milk, this sweet beverage just can’t be beat. And, really, this delectable treat comes just once a year so who can resist.

Home we went to unload our bags brimming with “healthy” holiday fare. (Remember, I did cover all the essential food groups during my shopping excursion). The next week, however, I realized that the holiday five had seemed to have crept its way to my waistline a little earlier than the predicted Christmas deadline. In fact, at the rate I was going, I’d be toting the Holiday 50 before I even unwrapped one gift!

Cleary, it was time to go back to the basics. I no longer wanted to feel as stuffed as my Thanksgiving turkey. Like most people during this time, I wanted to maintain and possibly even lose those few added pounds during this glorious, food-filled season. After a little research and some common sense, here’s are the must-know survival tips we all follow:

• Don’t go to parties hungry: Eat a light snack or meal before heading out to avoid overeating.
• Watch your portions: Everything in moderation, right? From drink to din, keep portions small to allow you to sample the different tastes.
• Vary and limit alcohol: Rather than drinking a calorie-laden beer or Bailey’s and Kahlua, opt for a spirit with a diet soda or a dry wine to reduce the calories.
• Drink water…lots and lots of water: Not only does water help fill you up to avoid overeating, but it helps keep your body hydrated after consuming alcohol and coffee.
• Keep active: Take an evening walk with your family, hit the gym or just run up and down the stairs chasing after your kids, whatever you choose, be sure to stay active. You may also want to center holiday events around activities like ice skating, caroling, skiing, or even sledding.
• Step away from the food: The worst place to stand is next to the buffet table. Place yourself safely across the room, and indulge in some decadent conversation instead.
• Lose the guilt: Don’t beat yourself up if you do indulge. Rather, focus on the positives this season – your family, friends, home, hobbies and self. Rather than adding inches to your waistline, these treasured “holiday five” make their way to your heart and leave you feeling blessed and merry all year long.

My best to you and yours for a happy – and healthy – holiday season!

In chaos, karma, creativity and kindness,
Julie Watson Smith
Coach - Consultant - Author - Speaker

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Comments

[Sue Donckels]

I enjoyed your post, especially the comment on the egg nog! It's so easy to take in more heavy foods as it gets colder outside (and inside). Sometimes, I think I'm trying to make another layer of insulation, as if I were a bear anticipating hibernation! But maybe it's just that I'm a busy mom who dreams about hibernating in a den somewhere.

Your tips sound simple and easy for anyone. Thanks!