Ring in the Holiday Season with Healthful Holiday Eating

Healthful eating and the holidays, is that even possible? For those already stressed about the many commitments and expectations for the holiday season, it's easy to forget about ourselves. However, by taking better care of ourselves, we just may be able to start the New Year on a different note. One of the most important ways to take care of yourself is by eating.


Eating? The problem isn't eating, the problem is eating too much and then gaining the dreaded holiday pounds. Here are some tips to help you eat healthy this holiday season:

1. Don't let yourself get too hungry. Eat small meals and snacks frequently to keep your energy up and prevent your eyes from becoming bigger than your stomach. If you're too hungry, you'll be less selective about what and how much you need to eat. Walking into a party or meal on an empty stomach is a surefire way to end up eating too much.
   
2. Make sure you get enough sleep. Without enough sleep, your body will naturally look for more energy and where does it turn for more energy? More food. Your body will go for the higher calorie stuff (candy, cookies, yummy treats) that give you quick energy, but leave you feeling pretty tired shortly after and also looking for more of the good stuff (more calories).
   
3. Be aware of liquid consumption. Seasonal drinks such as cider, hot chocolate, and eggnog can add up. Alcoholic beverages especially can add in a lot of extra calories. Also adding alcohol can lessen inhibitions when it comes to making decisions about what and how much we're eating.
   
4. Don't eat something if it doesn't taste good. Sounds simple, right? Be selective about your food choices. How many times do we just eat something because it's there or that's what we eat every year. Don't eat out of obligation, eat for enjoyment.
   
5. Don't deprive yourself. This time of year is filled with good-tasting food. Your taste buds want to enjoy their favorites, too. So, pick a few items that you want to sample and do just that, sample.
   
6. Your body knows when it's full, listen. If your body is full, it's telling you that it's done. If you choose to keep eating, your body will hold on to those calories for later, or turn them into extra pounds.
   
7. Move as much as possible. By making your lifestyle active during this time of year, those little extras won't add on as much as you think. Use holiday shopping time as a way to park and walk farther in the parking lot, take the stairs instead of the escalator, make vacuuming your house as you prepare for relatives and guests a cardiovascular workout.
   

Lastly spend some quiet time re-grouping and clearing the static out of your brain. Take deep breaths when you feel the stress mounting and remember the importance of the holiday season. It's not about the food, it's about spending time with family and friends.

Gingerbread Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup low fat buttermilk 1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg, lightly beaten


Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Combine flour, ginger, cinnamon and baking soda in a small bowl. In a large bowl, stir together sugar, buttermilk, oil, molasses and egg. Add flour mixture to wet ingredients and stir well. Pour into baking pan and bake for 25 minutes.
Cut into 16 squares.