Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Within Moderation

Welcome to December, a month of holiday lights, celebration days, great eats, and fun parties!  We’re here at Pathfinder Produce to help you prepare for all of your get-togethers by providing the freshest, tastiest fruits and veggies around!  We’re open at the Village Commons every Thursday afternoon in December, with extended hours from Noon to 5 p.m.  Also, we have our convenient online ordering … check it out at our website and pick-up on Thursday afternoons!

During this festive time of the year, we all try to shine in the art of entertaining. If you have a veggie tray arrangement or table display that you’d like to share, take a picture and send it to us at lgrace@pathfindervillage.org.  We’ll be happy to share it on our blog posts. Also, if you’re feeling a little hurried and stressed in the next few weeks, take time to relax, pamper yourself, and perhaps follow the advice of these seasonal quotes from the Huff Post.

Below, my colleague Martha Spiegel shares some other year-end strategies to manage the mountains of treats that come our way each holiday season.  Enjoy -- but within moderation!

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For many people, the holidays are a time when we gather friends, family, and pounds. If it were only Thanksgiving, New Year’s Day, and Christmas or Chanukah, it would not be so bad, but from Thanksgiving Day through the first week in January there is a constant supply of treats, party food, and feasts. If you’re like me, you have to take precautions not to put on the Holiday 5!

I did a search on the internet for suggestions for managing caloric intake during this ever-so-tasty time of year, and here are a few that seemed fairly doable.

1.     If you go to a potluck gathering, be sure to bring something that you like that is healthy, and eat that first, along with other healthy choices. This does not mean that you have to eat nothing but carrot sticks with no dip, but a tasty vegetable casserole or something made with a lean protein and not a lot of gooey cheese would be a good option. Here is one of my favorite potluck contributions: Southwestern Spaghetti Squash. (I make it in a casserole dish, not stuffed into squash halves.)
2.     Use the smallest plate available, and take tasting portions of several items. This way you can try a bite or two of several dishes or desserts without stuffing yourself.
3.     Be selective. Try foods that are new to you, that you can’t get other times of the year, or that look particularly amazing. And again, remember to take small portions. 
4.     Eat before you go. If you are hungry when you arrive, you’ll be more likely to overeat.
5.     Be sure to balance alcohol, sodas or punch with water. Calories in beverages can add up quickly, so perhaps go with a glass of water instead of a refill.
6.     Engage in conversation. You’ll eat less if you are spending more time chatting.
7.     Eat slowly, savor the flavors, and be mindful of your appetite. Stop eating when you feel satisfied, not stuffed.

For more suggestions, see the following:


So don’t deprive yourself, but do your best to not overindulge. That happy medium can be achieved!

Martha (and Lori)