By Marcey Klein BS, NC
We don’t have to give up and eat everything in sight during this time of year, there is a strategy we can follow for success. With just a few tweaks we can have some fun, let loose a little, but maintain a healthy balance, not going in one extreme or another. It’s important to have fun with friends and family, it’s good for our wellbeing, and it’s good to also take care of ourselves, not letting ourselves fall too far out of balance.
The number one rule for success is to never go to a party or restaurant famished. We will set ourselves up for failure that way. Keeping our blood sugar in check helps us make healthy food choices. Remember, a meal higher in protein and fat in the morning is important for energy and satiety, and having a snack with protein every three hours is important as well for blood sugar. I try to keep snacks in the car with me in case my blood sugar dips. I have a snack bag that I keep an apple, a power bar, a bag of nuts, and some beef jerky in. The apple gives me some fiber, hydration, and phytonutrients; the almonds and jerky provide fat and protein; and the snack bar provides carbohydrates and fiber.
When we are at that party, if we are not ravenous, we can make better food choices. I will scope out the appetizers and completely opt out of the highly refined and processed foods and desserts; these are the ones that wreak havoc on our bodies. I will also opt out of the store-bought baked goods, those have fats and omega 6 vegetable oils in them that inflame the body and damage our cell membranes. I will eat an olive tapenade, possibly some cheese and crackers, deviled eggs, definitely the veggies, items that seem homemade, and a few chips. To tell you the truth, sometimes there’s very little at a party that is edible to me, and that’s where your stashed snacks come in.
Drinks. These can be tricky. Sip slowly, savor, enjoy. Eat the cheese and crackers that are usually served along with wine, the protein will help keep blood sugar from spiking from the alcohol, which is naturally high in sugars. When our blood sugar raises and dips too quickly, we get really hungry, a bad recipe for trying to fit into our cute New Year’s outfit. Try to limit your drinks to one if you’re female, and two for a male. Some of us will have to sip real slowly, but if we are really trying to remain health conscience and take care of ourselves, we need to not overly imbibe. After your drink, have a fruit juice. I like cherry because of the sleep benefits, mixed with sparkling water. People will not know the difference and you can stay hydrated and hangover free.
Travel. If I’m traveling for the holidays, I will bring packets of green drinks that include probiotics and an array of super greens. We carry little packets of these at the register at New Leaf. I like the company, Amazing Grass, because they taste delicious even when mixed just with water. I also take packets of Oxylent, which will give me extra electrolytes, antioxidants, minerals, B vitamins and vitamin C. Between these two, I get the nutrition I need for energy and regularity.
Have a happy and healthy Holiday with friends, family, and loved ones, and stop into New Leaf of Boulder Creek to say “Hi,” or if you have any further nutrition related questions.