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Christmas Gifts, Parties, Food, Priorities

Saturday, December 13th, 2008

At my house, Christmas is the most hectic time of the year.  More visitors, lots of shopping to do, decorations to put up, plus all the regular activities.  During this  time, we need to keep the P touchstone with us at all times. P for priority.

Remember what Priority is?  Our priority is what we choose to do instead of something else. We may think we do not have a choice, but we always do. We can either do it or not.  We may think we have to do this or that; in reality we may have the responsibility to do it, but we still have the choice to do it or not.  Watch out that what you feel is your obligation does not pre-empt your priorities.

In weight loss, as in weight management, one of our priorities is to eat healthy and portion control.  With so many social gatherings going on with the traditional food and goodies, remember your priorities.  Choose what you will consume, do not just grab anything that looks good. Choose the smaller plate when you choose your food. Concentrate on socializing rather than eating.

Remember to continue your eating schedule.  You can adjust how much you eat while maintaining your 3 meals and 3 snacks.  Eat your breakfast everyday.  When you are out shopping, take some healthy snacks along.  Zip lock bags can carry a variety of snacks.

Christmas, or Hanukkah, or the season are about love, thinking of others, peace, giving.  It is about being with friends and family.  What if you are alone – no family around?  There are many people in shelters and nursing homes that would love company.  Many groups meet together to wrap gifts for the needy, serve dinner to the homeless and needy, deliver food and gifts to their homes.  Volunteers are always needed.  Doing something for someone who needs it can feed your soul.

No one to celebrate with?  Ask others who live alone to come to your house – make it a pot luck or provide for our friends, depending on your and their financial situation.

Choose to be alone?  Nothing wrong with that.  Just don’t sit in depression or despair.  And don’t eat to fill loneliness, sorrow, or an aching  heart.  Turn on the radio, put a CD or DVD on.  Exercise or dance to Christmas songs and carols.  Rejoice because you woke up on the right side of the grass.

Above all – remember that Christmas is NOT about food and binging.  Keep your priorities in place whatever you do.  And have a wonderful holiday season.  Remember  You are worth it, you deserve it, and you are going to become a healthier, happier you.

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24 Days Until Thanksgiving: Are You Ready?

Monday, November 3rd, 2008

Are you ready for thanksgiving?  Is your family coming to your house?  Are you traveling?  Is your church or other social organization having a potluck?

You plans for Thanksgiving can have a lot to do with how you plan your eating for the weekend.  If you are cooking, this is a good time to stock up on:

  1. Sugar substitute (powder, brown, white, granular)
  2. Butter Buds
  3. Non-fat or low-fat Mushroom soup
  4. Non-fat or low fat Chicken stock/broth
  5. Non-fat or low fat whipped topping, cream cheese, etc
  6. Frozen veggies

Most of your favorite recipes can be modified simply by substituting for the sugar and fats contained in your dishes.

Other suggestions:

  • When using nuts, choose the healthier cashews and almonds.
  • Choose to bake or boil or broil rather than fry.
  • Try baked sweet potatoes rather than mashed white potatoes
  • If you have to candy veggies, use the sugar substitutes
  • When making dips, use the non-fat cream cheese or non-fat sour cream
  • LIGHT on the SALT
  • Accent is a great flavor enhancer, but it is mostly sodium – try not to use it. A small amount of vinegar will have the same affect.
  • Make or buy breads in whole grain – not processed white flour
  • Turkey breast is the leanest meat for you. And leftover turkey can be ground for turkey sandwiches, mixed with non-fat mayo and seasoned with onion and your other favorites.

You might even want to plan your menu now.  Try to balance it for protein, dairy products, carbohydrates, starches, and fats.  If you are taking a dish somewhere, make it one that you can eat.  Fresh veggie trays are always a hit.  And sugar free/fat free deserts can be very tempting.

I have written this post as if the only reason for Thanksgiving is to feast.  Actually, it is a time for friends and family to come together to reflect on the good things in like and enjoy the time together.  When you are at your festivities, keep this in mind.  Just as we need to be aware while we eat, we also need to be aware when socializing with friends and family.

We all need help and ideas.  Please leave your suggestions in a comment.  I know you all have good ones.

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