Common Sense Tips to Offset the Cookies!
’Tis the week between Christmas and New Years, my dears
And I’m here to quell a few holiday fears!
This isn’t the best time to try to lose weight,
So strive to maintain and that ought to work great!
These common sense tips for the pros and the rookies
Will hopefully offset a few Christmas cookies:
Sparkling water adorned with a berry
A drink low in sugar but still, oh, so merry!
Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in your dips
Puts flavor and health at your own fingertips;
Another great plan is to eat light at lunch
But feature fresh fruits and crisp crudités to crunch!
If you’re looking toward heartier dishes to chew
Double and triple up veggies in stew.
Refrigerate gravy and skim off the fat,
Reheat and enjoy, it’s as simple as that!
Try not to indulge when you’re feeling too stressed,
Have a light, healthy snack and get plenty of rest.
And when you are battling temptation’s great pull
Just remember: Stop eating the minute you’re full!
Keeping your appetite firmly in check
Will help you avoid gastronomical wreck!
To shore up your strength for the parties in store
Eat a crunchy sweet apple as you head out the door…
Be a great guest as the one who’s invited
Your hostess or host will be truly delighted
When what to their wondering eyes should appear
But your very own (healthy) dish…offered with cheer!
When limited choices may cause you to groan,
Here’s a solution, dear…just bring your own!
And as you develop your holiday groove,
Burn a few calories…get up and move!
Another great way to enjoy celebration:
Substitute chewing with great conversation!
Avoid overeating by flapping your gums.
You’ll save calories, sure, and you won’t need your Tums!
I’m just about finished, but make sure you go
All the way down to the recipe below.
There you will find a healthy rendition
Of what I would say is my favorite tradition!
As this holiday season now comes to its peak
From Christmas to New Years – one heck of a week!
As 2013 quickly fades out of sight,
Happy New Year to all and resolve to eat right!
Recipes
Holiday Nog
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
In a blender, combine the soy milk, orange juice, banana, vanilla and ice cubes. Blend until smooth. Pour into serving glasses and sprinkle with allspice or cinnamon.
Nutrition Facts per serving: 56 calories, 1g fat, 0g saturated fat, 0 cholesterol, 21mg sodium, 11g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 2g protein
Source: Cooking.JeffersonHospital.org
Quick Holiday Nog
Ingredients
- Four bananas
- 1-½ cups skim milk or soymilk
- 1-½ cups plain nonfat yogurt
- ¼ teaspoon rum extract
- Ground nutmeg
Preparation
Blend all ingredients except nutmeg. Purée until smooth. Top with nutmeg.
Source: Terrebonne General Medical Center (tgmac.org)
Joanie Taylor
Director, Consumer Affairs & Community Relations
Schnuck Markets, Inc.
