She conducts cooking programs and group counseling sessions for cancer survivors.
You do not have to abandon all of your efforts for a healthier lifestyle because of the riches of the holidays. Take care of yourself over this next month in order to keep energized. Here are some ideas to get your started.
- Planning is the key. As you plan when you have company, plan healthy eating and exercise in advance. Keep healthy food in your refrigerator.
- Stay well rested and stay true to your exercise program.
- Eat before you go out shopping or visiting. Avoid being in a position where a meal is skipped due to a hectic schedule. When out at the mall, resist picking up a treat as a pick me up. It may just be that you are need of a glass of water.
- Eat regularly scheduled meals – don’t skip a meal to save yourself for a big event. This only results in over eating.
- When at parties or at buffets:
- Survey the food options before picking up a plate.
- Decide what foods you would enjoy the most instead of trying to eat it all. If you are on a modified diet, this will help keep the “overages” in reason.
- Only eat foods that look fresh. Are the hot items in a buffet on a heating element? Are cold items on ice? This is particularly important for those with impaired immunity.
- Avoid all drinks or salad dressings with raw egg such as eggnog or Caesar salad dressing.
- Eat to your comfort level. Avoid being excessively hungry or uncomfortably full.
- Don’t decorate your house with food. It’s too tempting to reach for the cookie tray.
- Consider abstaining from alcohol. Combining alcohol and medications can cause some serious side effects.
