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Missy Kane's Holiday Survival Tips
Did you know that the average American gains 5-7 pounds from Thanksgiving to New Years!!! You're not alone in worrying about adding pounds over the holidays, but there are ways to help avoid this common problem. Try to balance your food intake with your energy output, meaning eat sensibly, limit yourself to small high calorie treats. Prepare plenty of low fat/calorie foods, and don't cut out exercise. Try these low fat/calorie recipes.
Marinated Carrot Salad
2 lb. baby carrots boiled 10-15 minutes 2 red onions sliced thin
1 green pepper
1 red pepper thinly sliced
Sauce:
1 can tomato soup (low sodium)
1/2 c. red wine vinegar
1/2 c. salad oil
1/4 c. sugar
1/4 c. Equal sugar substitute (or 1/2 c. regular sugar)
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. lemon pepper
1 tsp. pepper
Refresh carrots by draining hot water and covering with cold water to cool. Drain thoroughly. Slice into 1/4 inch rounds. Toss with onions and peppers. Prepare sauce by bringing all ingredients (except soup) to a boil. Add soup and while stirring over medium high heat, allow to "boil up" to blend. Pour over vegetables, toss and chill. This holds well for several days in the refrigerator, and is very low in calories -- less than 100 calories a cup!
We all like chips and dips, but, boy, do we ever load up on the calories on every dip! Mayonnaise is 100 calories a cup and potato chips are also high in fat and calories. For a healthier alternative, try this spinach dip.
Spinach Dip
2 c. fresh spinach, chopped, or 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen chopped spinach1 bunch green onions
1 (8oz.) can water chestnuts, sliced
1 pkg. Knorr vegetable soup mix
1 1/2 tbsp. reduced-calorie mayonnaise
1 1/4 c. plain nonfat yogurt
1/2 c. shredded carrots
1/2 c. parmesan cheese (optional)
1 round loaf rye or sourdough bread
If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out water. Combine all ingredients and chill in fridge for at least 3 hours before serving. Hollow out loaf of bread. When ready to serve, put dip in hollowed out loaf and use bread cubes made from loaf for dipping. Yield: 3 1/2 cups.
(The main ingredients are from a Lions Club cook book and it mentioned that it is ideal for diabetics. Diabetes exchange: 4 tablespoons equals 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat exchange (without cheese).)
Pretzels and Dip
When nibbling at parties, try to avoid chips or anything that leaves a lot of grease on the napkin. Instead choose pretzels -- they are low in fat and lower in calories. If you must use a dip, try mixing 1 cup spicy mustard with 1/4 cup low calorie mayonnaise and adding some pepper.
Fitness on the Run
I know how we all get busy during the holidays running errands, buying and delivering gifts, and attending parties. How many of us are guilty of omitting our usual exercise routine at this hectic time of year? 'Tis the season when we need it the most!
Suggestions:
- Leave your walking clothes in the car at all times. Get to work a little early or stay late, or plan on walking at lunch. Even a brisk 15-20 minute walk will help you avoid getting out of shape and gaining a lot of weight.
- When you go shopping, wear comfortable clothes and sneakers and park far away from the shopping center, then plan to walk a few extra laps of the mall before leaving.
- Keep a good exercise tape on hand so you can workout for 15-20 minutes after the kids go to bed or early in the morning.
- Schedule a fun fitness activity once or twice a week with friends. Meet friends at a park and exchange gifts after you go for a 30 minute fast walk.
- On holidays, plan a fun family activity like walking, playing soccer, etc. For some quiet time away from a hectic family gathering, get out and walk around the neighborhood for 30 minutes.
This time of year is hectic, but keeping fit is a great way to reduce stress while increasing your feeling of self-worth. Just do the best you can and try to get in some form of aerobic exercise 15-30 minutes three to four times each week. And be realistic -- this is not a perfect time to try and lose a lot of weight. Maintaining your current weight is a reasonable goal until the holiday season, with all its edible temptations, is over.
Holiday Non-Alcoholic Drink Favorites
Nogless Eggnog
12 eggs, separated1 1/2 c. powdered sugar
1 qt. milk
1 qt. heavy cream
1 tbsp. grated orange rind
1 tbsp. grated lemon rind
1 tbsp. freshly grated nutmeg
Beat egg yolks with sugar in large mixing bowl until thick and lemon colored. stir in milk. Beat egg whites until they hold a soft peak; fold into egg yolk mixture along with grated orange and lemon rind and nutmeg. Refrigerate overnight. Just before serving, whop cream until thick but not stiff. Stir into eggnog and pour into punch bowl. Sprinke with freshly grated orange rind and nutmeg. Serves 15-20.
Wassail on the Wagon
1 gallon apple cider1/2 c. instant tea
1 1/2 tsp. powdered cloves
1/2 c. sugar
1 qt. hot water
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cinnamon stick
Heat water, add tea, cider, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, cloves and cinnamon stick. Serve warm. Serves 64.