Now that we are in the midst of the holidays, it’s easy to lose sight of keeping our bodies in top form. Since we in publishing have sedentary jobs, we must be vigilant about our health. Even though many of us work at home, we still have parties at church, our outside jobs, our spouse’s work, clubs, and other food-laden events.
I’ve already been challenged by two events: Thanksgiving (as has everyone else), followed by a trip to Connecticut to see my in-laws. For a visit of less than two days, my dear mother-in-law had for my husband and me:
1.) Hershey kisses
2.) nuts
3.) a box of cupcakes
4.) two boxes of cookies
5.) Haagen-Dazs chocolate chip ice cream
6.) Ben and Jerry’s cheesecake brownie ice cream
7.) an apple pie
8.) cranberry bread
9.) banana bread
10.) sodas
11.) Jarlsberg cheese served with crackers
12.) applesauce she made herself (Okay, we were obligated to try this and it was yummy.)
Since she is 88, we don’t ask her to cook and since it’s too difficult time-wise for me to prepare dishes at her house, we ate out for every meal. No matter where you go, restaurants serve way too much food.
My guess is if you are visiting family over the holidays, this scenario sounds all too familiar.
I staved off many unwanted calories by:
1.) not ordering dessert at any restaurant
2.) ordering half sandwiches at Panera Bread
3.) having the waitress box side dishes before the meal to take home so I only ate the entree
4.) refusing snacks
5.) avoiding all sodas
I am also hoping to keep up my regular gym habits as much as I can and eating at home as often as possible over the holidays.
I love a delicious cookie as much as anyone else, but I never regret not overeating. Feeling more energetic and productive in and out of the office during the Christmas season is its own reward.
But it’s OK to indulge just a little. Especially if it’s homemade applesauce.
Wishing you a Merry and Healthy Christmas!
Your turn:
Can you share some tips on how you are staying healthy over the holidays?
What is your biggest holiday food temptation?
