My tips for Holiday eating and recovering

crazybookworm

Recovering from the Holidays

In Canada, we have already had Thanksgiving (October 8th) but Thanksgiving is approaching quickly for everyone in the US, and I know that it can get people that are on the "Weight Loss" wagon a little panicky. So, I thought I would share some of my Holidays tips. Some tips that you can use during the Holidays, and then tips that you can use to recover from the holidays.

**Please note, I am not an expert. These are just my personal tips that have worked for me so I thought I would share**

During

If your preparing your own Holiday dinner, then it's easier for your to incorporate some of those healthier options. Of course, you want to accomodate some of your family's favourites as well.

Mashed Potatoes
Yes, you can serve up some of those creamy mashed potatos, but why not toss in the oven a Sweet Potato as well. Sweet potato is loaded with all kinds of goodies! Vitamin B6, D, C. They are also a great source of Iron and Magnesium as well! You can just bake it plain in the skin while your turkey is roasting away. No fuss!

Steamed Veggies
I know nothing beats that creamy bean cassarole, but that one is a major calorie fest! Toss some veggies in the microwave and steam them. If you have the healthier version available, you'll be more likely to spoon some onto your plate.

Rolls
Instead of just white rolls, offer a variety of white and multi-grain.

Side Dishes
Instead of Coleslaw, or aside from your favourite side dishes, do up a fresh garden salad! To make the work load even less for you, feel free to use the ready made bags of spring mix greens or lettuce.

Turnip is also a fantastic side dish and it works wonders for your metabolism!

Desserts
Fresh fruit. Instead of two scoops of Ice cream, have one scoop of fruit and one scoop of ice cream! Or even better, A yogurt parfait!

Pie. It's a holiday staple. You deserve to indulge at least a little bit! Food for thought: Pumpkin Pie is the healthiest and better in calories VS any other pie out there!

Now if your not preparing your own meal, and your attending someone else's family dinner, don't hesitate to call up and ask if you can bring anything. Offer Salad, veggies, or a healthy fruit salad!

Recovering from the Holidays

Okay, you decided to give in and enjoy all of your holidays faves. That IS NOT a crime. We all deserve to indulge from time to time, and what better time than the Holidays, right? So, how do you recover from all those goodies?

The Next Day

Eat lots of fruits and veggies. Try to add a cup of one or the other to every meal. It will provide your body with it's vitamins and will cleanse you.

Lots of water! This is pretty obvious. The water will cleanse your body, and boost your metabolism and digestive system.

Exercise. Even if it's just a 20-30 minute exercise. A walk, a run, a visit to the gym. Working out a good sweat will definitely make you feel better! And will help you blow off any holiday stress.

Yoga. This is a personal staple of mine. I recommend Yoga for everything. A long day, a tiring day, in the morning or after a long holiday. You cooked, you ate, you visited with family. Your exhausted. Have a good Yoga Session in the morning. It's relaxing for your mind and body, but will also boost your system as well! Not sure how to do yoga? There are great videos on Youtube for all fitness levels!

Sleep. I know, this seems obvious. Try to get at least your 8 hours of sleep the night of and the night after your big holiday.
That's it! Don't stress over the holiday season. Eat, visit and enjoy!

tommygirl15

Great post, just reading your alternative suggestions makes me hungry for those!