5 Tips to staying Healthy during the Holiday Season - recipes included!

We all know the signs. We foresee the siren's call with baited breath anticipation, "Come to my holiday open house", the Holiday Temptress croons. We gleefully envision the culinary delights that will await us - rich quiches, juicy sausage rolls, decadent truffles, cocktails, mocktails and much more!

This delectable food odyssey will go on until early January. Not to mention the sweet baking smells wafting from our kitchens as we start our holiday baking. Shortbread anyone? Logically, this provokes the question of what to do?

First, full disclosure: I'd like to put the disclaimer out there that I'm not a nutrition specialist. I am someone who is concerned about nutrition in general and mindful that we are heading into the festive season. I thought it would be helpful to share and exchange our ideas of coping with the merry parade of festive food and drink.

 

Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Hydrate your body - we've all been told to drink the proverbial eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. According to the www.mayoclinic.com site, the rule isn't corroborated by hard evidence but ensuring that you're getting fluids into your body is key as it all helps.

 

With all of the sugary, high calorie drinks (gingerbread lattes at your local cafe, eggnog rum punches at your friend's party), being featured for the season, grabbing that frosty cold glass of H20 will help you stay on track.

2. Have a buddy system - some people have found Weight Watchers or similar weight loss support groups to be really helpful.

momstown Milton has a Biggest Loser challenge going on right now which will run for a 12-week period. The group meets weekly for weigh-in and measurements. A 30-minute discussion ensues to review successes, setbacks and then planning new goals for the following week. A guest expert provides advice every other week to ensure the women are on track to achieving their goals.

3. Watch your plate - yes that holly leaf and berry pattern may be pretty, but I'm talking about what you put on your decorative plate. Think about whether you really need that extra meatball that's been sitting deliciously in a slow cooked sauce for hours. Rather think about how it will make you feel afterwards. Will you feel lethargic? Bloated? Maybe it would be better to walk around and mingle instead...

4. Keep moving - whether you like to hit the gym or release your inner Gangnam Style on the dance floor (after all Psy's motto is dress classy; dance cheesy...perfect for rocking around at the Christmas tree trimming party). Bottom line: make sure you're staying active. Don't be afraid to switch up your exercise routine if you feel it's getting a bit stale.

It doesn't have to be anything fancy. Even just putting one foot in front of the other and talking a brisk walk outside will help. If the cold isn't your thing, take a walk on the inside. momstown Milton mamas meet at the Milton Sports Centre for indoor power walks or runs twice a week through the winter months.

5. Shift attention away from food - instead of reaching for that glazed decadent dessert, reach for a spray can and get crafty. Spray paint a wreath or decorate a wine glass. You'll have fun and maybe even burn a calorie or two while doing it!

 

And, please remember, that while this is the busiest time of the year, it's also a time that we cherish to spend time with our family and friends. You don't need to diet your way through the holidays, although you certainly can if you'd like. If you happen to overindulge a little every now and then, it's perfectly OK. You can always take it a bit easier at your next party.

 

Looking for a calorie reduced beverage to serve at your holiday soiree?

 

Try this Razzmopolitan from www.kraftcanada.com

What You Need

1 pouch Crystal Light Tangerine Grapefruit Low Calorie Drink Mix

4 1/2 cups water

2 cups low-calorie cranberry raspberry drink

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

 

Make It

Mix drink mix and water in large plastic or glass pitcher until mix is dissolved. Stir in remaining ingredients.

 

ADULT ONLY VERSION

Prepare as directed, substituting vodka for 1/2 cup of the cold water.

Click here for 6 more delicious low cal holiday drinks!

 

Want to serve a sweet but light dessert?

 

Try Heather's Skinny Mini Cheesecakes based on the The Most Decadent Diet Cookbook by Devin Alexander. Their small size makes them perfect for passing around at your holiday party! 

 

Ingredients

Butter Flavoured Cooking Spray

18 reduced fat Nilla Wafers

16 ounces Neufchatel Cheese, room temperature (can substitute for reduced fat cream cheese)

9 tablespoons sugar

3 tablespoons non-fat vanilla Greek yogurt

3 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/2 teaspoons unbleached flour

3 egg whites

1 can light cherry pie filling

Method

1. Preheat oven to 300F

2. Line 18 muffin tins with cupcake liners and spray with butter flavoured cooking spray

3. Beat egg whites in a bowl until they reach a soft peak.

4. In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese and sugar and beat until smooth.

5. Add remaining ingredients (not cherry pie filling) and mix on low until just combined.

6. Fold in egg whites in 2 batches with a spatula.

7. Fill in tins and bake 18-20 minutes or until set. The cheesecakes will puff up and crack - this is good!

8. Transfer to a cooling rack and then to the fridge for at least 5 hours or overnight.

9. Top with cherry pie filling and serve!

One cheesecake is one serving - 109 calories

Number of servings: 18

Click here for another Healthy Holiday Dessert recipe: Cinnamon and Brown Sugar Poached Pears.

This post is written by Liz Marques Kogan, a momstown Milton member and mother of two girls.

You can check out my blog at www.orchidaforever.blogspot.ca