Smart Nutrition Notes – December 2014
Smart Nutrition Holiday Tips
Welcome to December and the happy holiday season! This month tends to be one of the craziest, busiest and most fun times of the year. With all the holiday parties, celebrations AND stress, it’s easy to end up eating a lot of goodies which means too many empty calories.
Mindful eating is the best strategy to maintaining a healthy approach to the next several weeks. This doesn’t mean abstinence from all things wonderful. We all have our holiday favorites, like your mother’s special cookie recipe or grandmother’s pecan pie.
Indulge during the holidays with wisdom which means, for example, taking time to enjoy a couple of special cookies with a loved one in a relaxed and conscious manner followed by a quick walk around town to check out holiday decorations or some other form of physical activity you enjoy to help burn off those extra calories.
A few goodies won’t break the calorie bank especially if you focus on eating healthy nurturing meals and snacks for the rest of the month as well as incorporating movement into your day.
Don’t put off making healthy changes until after the holidays. You will only be setting yourself up for overeating over the next several weeks. Remember, when it comes to eating healthy, an ounce of prevention is the wisest choice.
The Happiest of Holiday Wishes to you and yours!
Ruth
Holiday Tips
Here are some quick Do’s & Don’ts to help you cope with the temptations of the season
Don’t skip meals.
Do eat breakfast and other meals
which will support your blood sugar,increase your energy, and help you manage stress better.
Don’t go shopping hungry.
Do eat a small meal or a light snack
so you can stay level headed and makes the right gift choices.
Don’t show up to parties starving.
Do bring your own side dish
so you know there will be something healthy for you to eat. Call the host/hostess ahead of time to let him/her know what you are bringing.
Don’t give in to temptation all of the time.
Do pick your top indulgences,
enjoy them and stick with your plan.
Don’t burn the candle at both ends.
Do find a way to get some rest, relaxation, and some time alone.
It might mean saying no thank you to some of the parties and get togethers, but your immune system and your mood will thank you for it.
Don’t let holiday stress get the best of you.
Do let go of the holiday stuff that doesn’t work for you anymore.
Trying to do everything to perfection gets in the way of our ability to appreciate the little things and to really be in the moment, truly experiencing the joy and magic of the season.
Don’t miss the sentiment of the season.
Do enjoy your loved ones,
participate in gatherings and be grateful for all you have in your life.
Recipe of the Month
The Smart Nutrition Recipe for this month, Curried Roasted Squash and Mushroom Soup features an easy, healthy and delicious blend of flavors and textures that’s always a favorite. Download the Recipe HERE (PDF)
Happenings
New Year Cleanse in January at Trilogy Fitness at in Amherst, NH – Please join us for a free introductory session on the Clean and Lean Program which is a gentle, safe and effective approach to cleansing at Trilogy Fitness in Amherst on January 13th from 7:00 to 8 PM. You will learn why you should be cleansing regularly, how it works and the pros and cons of different cleansing programs. If you are feeling sluggish, achy, hormonal, foggy in the brain or in need of losing a few pounds, this program is definitely for you!! Trilogy Fitness is at 71 Route 101A, Amherst, NH 03031. To reserve your spot please call Ruth at 924-9505 or email at RuthRD@SmartNutritionLLC.com
New Year Cleanse in January in Peterborough, NH – This free introductory session to the Clean and Lean Program will be held on Wednesday, January 21 at 6:00 PM in the Smart Nutrition office on the third floor of 20 Grove Street, Peterborough, NH 03458. Please call or email (see above) to reserve your spot.