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!
***
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!
