Friday, December 23, 2011

Health and Happiness through the Holidays

Holidays can be more stressful than any other time of the year. Expectations rise. Disappointments occur. Illusions flop. And with all the added stress, some people turn to food to fill the empty hole in their hearts. Even if one isn't sad or stress throughout the holiday season, there are a lot of temptations out there calling our names. Fattening meals, sugary treats, succulent and savory treats.

Over-indulgence is almost expected. Cheered on. Dieting? Through the holidays? Not so much. So what is a person to do if she is on a diet and trying to lose weight for health reasons? Give up? Cave in? Gain a bit?

Maybe. But this girl isn't giving up or caving in. She's seeing results so she's not willing to see that scale go up. That would stress this girl out.

My solution to the holiday temptations? Balance.

I'm not denying myself a slice or two of my favorite cheeses nor am I eating a frozen low cal meal for Christmas dinner. I've got two heavy meals planned for this week. One is a Disney Themed meal which will have some pretty high calorie dishes including Twinkie Tiramasu. I can't wait to make it and to taste it. I've also got my favorite pot roast planned for this evening along with a dreamy chocolate lava cake for dessert. I've decided to make Oreo Truffles with my daughter as well as our favorite Chocolate Sambucca cookies. They're tradition.

I don't want to lose weight right now. But maintaining the number is important. First weapon against gaining is working out. I've been to the gym every day or out walking for at least half an hour. I'm adding additional time to the gym next week to offset the calories. I'm also weighing every day to make sure that the scale remains in balance. Frankly, I've worked too hard to lose this weight. I don't want to lose it again and again and again. I also am eating very healthy and low cal foods during my other meals. Same low cal breakfast and lunch and dinners with large salads.

And best of all, my family is on board with this plan. It helps. A lot!!

I'm doing my best to remain on track during the holiday season. What are you doing to keep on track?

2 comments:

Robin said...

Twinkie Tiramasu? Do you share your recipes? And chocolate sambucca cookies? Sounds yummy.

I'm having a very hard time staying on track. I've got the world's biggest sweet tooth. But I do try and work out 3-4 times a week, so that helps. Otherwise, I keep saying, after the holidays...

Have a wonderful weekend with your family! Happiest holiday wishes to you!

Christine said...

The Twinkie Tiramasu is from the Disney Cookbook. We're having a Disney Themed Christmas dinner--making dishes from their cookbook. I posted the sambucca recipe last year. I'll send that link to you, Robin.

I think if you keep working out you'll stay in good shape and catch up on your necessary weight when you hit the new year.

Happy Holidays!!