I'm not the biggest fan of what Thanksgiving has turned into. Instead of being a holiday to spend with family/friends giving thanks for all of our blessings, it has turned into "all the things I don't need but really want & will push any living thing out of the way to get" holiday. In addition to all the hype surrounding the sales, which now begin on Thanksgiving day as if Friday wasn't enough, it has become the obesity epidemic's poster holiday. Yuck, absolutely yuck. GET A GRIP AMERICA….idiots.
Now Christmas is more my style. A season, not just a day. The magic of Christmas with the belief in Santa & the birth of Jesus is truly inspiring & uplifting. Not to mention there is no emphasis on stuffing yourself to the point of having to undo a top button on the ol britches.
However, the holidays can be stressful. Duh a time where your whole family gets together is bound to be stressful. Trust me my grandmother (Omi) is famous for pointing out pounds gained or zits at the Christmas table. But the holidays can also be stressful due to the over abundance of food & parties. My job can be the worst. Patients always feel the need to bring in tons-o-food during the holiday to say thanks. It's the thought that counts, right??? Wrong, if I eat another Christmas cookie or chocolate covered something I will vomit. Just say thanks, or bring a card. Okay, just kidding some treats are nice, but I don't like cake, remember that. Self-control, not easy during the holidays.
To combat the usual holiday flab that is impending, I am committing myself to a moderately healthy holiday. Yes, I will indulge is more sweets and tasty homemade food than usual. But I am drawing the line! No more lbs. in November or December. Now how to do this???
First, institute a family way to exercise. I have kindly ask if my family would all like to do the Turkey trot on Thanksgiving. A fun, family event & a sure way to bond and have great stories later. Those who do not care to get off the couch on the holiday, no problem. It is your holiday, you do whatever floats your boat. I on the other hand will be running 5 miles, so I will not be in a diabetic coma come 6pm. Christmas is easy this year. We will be in Cleveland with my younger cousins, so sled riding & ice skating will be some fat-burning fun. Get the kids out to play!
Second, control yourself. Like you've never seen pumpkin pie before??? Chill out, 1 piece will suffice. What makes holiday parties so much different than any other party throughout the year when it comes to eating? Sweets are not my downfall, my downfall is Omi's home cooking & cheese. I could eat like a thousand cheese cubes at a holiday party. Hello cholesterol! Don't look at it as depriving yourself or else you will just crave it more, look at it as "hey I'm full, I probably don't need that third piece of fudge."
So this holiday commit yourself to a healthy you, stuffing yourself silly never made anyone feel good right? Practice your healthy habits throughout these holiday months and I promise come January the new years resolution won't be to shed the pounds like it has been every other year! Welcome to the holidays everyone!
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| Olive, Harry's new baby sister! |
