Eating Your Way Through the Holidays

There is an urban legend that we will gain 8-11 pounds between Halloween and New Year's Day. That's one half a pound a week. The change in light and temperature may biologically drive us to eat and store more calories to ward off the cold. Also, for various reasons we may choose carbohydrate rich foods over less calorically dense fruits and vegetables. These may be excuses or, perhaps, rationalizations. There is an old saying that "we die by our fork". It may be more true than we realize. Scientists are now suggesting that the food we eat speaks to our genes. The good news is that there are some antidotes to the tempting and tasty food and treats that are put before us.

We can walk or keep our appointments at our local gym to prevent and work off the added pounds. We strongly suggest that you block out the time to do this or it won't happen. Another suggestion is to eat only when you are hungry, and drink water to ward off hunger. Or, eat every two and a half hours to keep blood sugar stable. Eating foods low on the glycemic index adds satiety and a longer time between hunger pangs. (see glycemic index.com) Low blood sugar creates cravings. This means choose nourishing foods and eat at regular intervals as well as nearly the same time on a daily basis. You want to eat food that has some protein component at most of your food contacts, but not a French banquet. Don't throw out portion control.

Have something to eat at home before going out to a party. If you are leaving from the office to go to a party, have a snack before leaving. This could be a fruit and handful of nuts or trail mix. A small sandwich or a good energy bar would suffice.

You are not obliged to eat everything or to eat often, or to drink alcoholic beverages. A glass of sparkling water with lime can last an evening, and no one will know it's alcohol free. Seven Up with a few drops of Angostura Bitters is refreshing, has color, and looks like something. When at the party table concentrate on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. this will give you volume, but lower fat and fewer calories. Remember, for every 100 calories you take in, it takes a mile of walking, swimming, running, skiing, or, cycling, to work it off. For more on this go to http://www.leanplateclub.com/; http://www.fitnessonline.com/; http://www.prevention.com/; http://www.webmd.com/; exercise.about.com. The Lean Plate Club has a series of very good holiday themes that you may enjoy reading. Bon Appetit and please enjoy the Holidays, the company you will be keeping and the positive prospects for the New Year.