HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE by Gregg Avedon
Thanksgiving to New Years can be a tough time for many of us health conscious individuals, so follow these simple guidelines and you’ll survive the holidays like a champ!
Imagine all the savory smells that permeate the house during the holiday season: roasted turkey, baked ham, seasoned stuffing, sweet yams smothered in brown sugar and covered in a blanket of lightly toasted marshmallow. The tantalizing aromas of warm apple, peach, pecan and pumpkin pies tickle our senses, as they adorn the desert table just waiting for everyone to unbuckle their belts and make room. Yes the holiday season can be tough, especially when everyone around you is gorging themselves in this food-fest of reckless gluttony, all the while encouraging you to do the same. “C’mon, it’s once a year! Relax and enjoy yourself! Live a little!” Believe me, I’ve heard them all, yet I don’t particularly know whether they’re comments to make you feel better or them!
Just in the nick of time – here’s the Holiday Survival Guide’s 5 simple rules! Follow them and you’ll enjoy this holiday season without losing your game in the gym, or around your waist.
RULE #1: DON’T COME TO THE BUFFET TABLE STARVING
I always try to eat a healthy meal about 3 hours before holiday feasts (although my wife thinks I’m nuts). This allows me to keep my eyeballs in my head and my portions within reason. If you don’t have time, drink a MRP shake or munch a protein bar a couple hours before.
RULE #2: DON’T BE A GRAZER
There’s bound to be plenty of cheese platters, breads, chips, dips, holiday cookies, candy, and other tempting finger food to occupy your time prior to the main meal. Opt for the raw veggie platter, a half-a-dozen water crackers, possibly a handful of nuts, and the fruit plate instead. A key to controlling your grazing is to enjoy everyone around you. Make your rounds, talk with Uncle Phil, give Grandma a kiss, play outside with the kids, and before you know it dinner is served. Plus you’ll actually have a great time in the process!
RULE #3: HAVE VISION
Think about tomorrow and how your choices today will affect that outcome. I’d rather be hitting the ground running than just hitting the ground!
RULE #4: DINNER IS SERVED!
Think about nutritional balance and steer clear of the high fat – high sodium stuff. Enjoy a nice portion of roasted turkey garnished with a side of cranberry sauce instead of gravy. Forego the mashed potatoes since Aunt Helga added a pound of butter and a tub of sour cream to them. Instead, go for the fresh herbed potatoes, lightly cooked greens, and colorful squash. Its okay to grab a small portion of yams, but the stuffing is an absolute no-no!
RULE #5: AFTER DINNER – COFFEE WILL SOOTHE THAT SWEET TOOTH.
While everyone goes for the cakes, pies and other sweets, I always start with a nice tall cup of hot aromatic coffee. Not only does it satisfy that sweet craving, but the caffeine also acts as a hunger suppressant. If you absolutely have to do a dessert though, go for a small piece of homemade apple pie and/or some fruit.
And there you have it —Contact: Gregg Avedon
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