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November 2009
Party Hearty
The holidays are really a special time of year. However for some
women “special” could mean happy or it could mean stressful. Do you know anyone
who doesn’t feel stress during the holiday? One thing for certain is that stress
can spell trouble for women that struggle with food, eating and weight.
A national survey of women conducted earlier this year revealed that women see
stress and lack of energy as two of their top health issues. So how do you enjoy
the holiday parties that start with snacks at work, weekend brunches and last
through dessert parties late in the evening without overdoing it? Here's a list
of ideas that help reduce your holiday stress, boost your energy and help you
make smart choices while you party hearty.
1. Keep It Simple- an absolute must to enjoy the holidays. Talk over the plans
with family and friends. Get a commitment from others to share with the extra
tasks.
2. Feed Yourself- evening gatherings doesn’t mean starving during the day It
only sets you up to overeat. Consider having regular, balanced meals and snacks
that include fruits, vegetables, protein foods when you are hungry and stopping
when you are satisfied not full to capacity.
3. Get physical- gives you the biggest boost to deal with the holidays. Physical
activity not only is a natural outlet for tension but also boosts our energy
level and motivates us to keep going. Get creative! Dance, skate, ski, or walk
the night away. Fun not food should be the main focus.
4. Let the party work for you- fix the centerpiece dish, like a salad or dessert
and let the supermarket and bakery do the rest. Suggest a potluck menu for your
family gatherings. You might be surprised how a healthy meal with a few festive
touches will impress your guests.
5. Make yourself a priority- this is the bottom line. If you take care of
yourself first, then you will be better able to take care of everyone else.
Ladies, this is not being selfish. Take a relaxing bath while burning your
favorite scented candles or a walk in the park. Enjoy 30 minutes of you time in
comparison to 10 hours a day caring for others. We need balance and a gift of
more time for ourselves hits the nail right on the head.
6. Weight loss is not a New Year’s resolution- you may put on a few pounds
during the holiday season when there are so many wonderful foods to choose from.
But if you eat sensibly, get physical, and be positive, those extra pounds won’t
be there forever. Be happy and enjoy your holiday season. A little something for
your reading pleasure--
Before
‘Twas the month after Christmas, and all through the house,
nothing would fit me, not even a blouse!
The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste
at the holiday parties have gone to my waist.
When I got on the scales, there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber)
I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared,
the gravies and sauces, and beef nicely rared,
the wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese,
and the way I'd never said, “No thank you, please.”
As I dressed myself, in my husband's old shirt,
and prepared once again to do battle with dirt,
I said to myself, as only I can,
“You can spend the winter disguised as a man!”
So away with the last of the sour cream dip.
Get rid of the fruitcake, every cracker and chip!
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
‘til all the additional ounces have vanished.
I won't have a cookie, not even a lick.
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.
I won't have hot biscuits, or cornbread, or pie;
I'll munch on a carrot, and quietly cry!
I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore –
but isn't that what January is for?
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot,
Happy New Year to all, and to all a good DIET!!!!!!!!!
After
Hey, what am I thinking? That's really old hat!
A 'dieting' mind-set will just make me fat.
So away with restriction! I'll eat what I want.
I'll start when I'm hungry and stop when I'm not.
May all my friends join me in this state of mind.
For then we'll be happy, creative, and kind.
Author Unknown |
