Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Prepping for the holiday sauces, soups, and sweets!

The holidays tend to stress me out because more than 1 meal quickly gets taken out of my control and spirals into a a mess of empty calories, high fat levels and self-deprication.

Here are a few things I have done this week - yes I know, it is only Tuesday but at least I am trying - to attempt to stay on track!

I made all my usual things. Sundays I usually make a crockpot of oats. Check. I also make a gluten free carb like rice, kasha or quinoa. Check. I chopped all the veggies, grilled tofu and stocked the bin with all the favorite fruits. Just as I would if I was heading to work all day.

Since I have school holidays being a teacher, I am sticking to my normal eating routine and not having any extra goodies close by, so I won't be tempted. I am also thinking ahead to Christmas Eve where we have been invited for a delicious dinner. My thoughts: Don't go big, go moderate. Breads and jams, mashed potatoes and pie will be just fine. I just won't eat a lot of them! Small portions are the best and if I did eat a lot I would feel horrible! My body just wouldn't be used to them!

When I go to these dinners, and I need to bring a dish, I usually opt for a stellar salad. I may splurge and add candied walnuts, but our salads have a reputation for being huge and delicious. Multiple types of lettuce; cherry tomatoes; avocado; craisins; nuts; feta; purple onions with dressing as an option. When I serve up, half my plate is salad and it is filled with nutrients and good fats! Plus it helps fill me up with the good stuff.

So don't worry about getting off your plan. Start thinking ahead now with the challenges you will be faced with and create an exit strategy! And realize all your hard work will pay off and that one meal won't ruin your objectives.

I also think about a dish maybe moms coffee cake or grandmas pumpkin pie. Now those I will eat! Not too much but part of the holidays is sharing, and these important ladies put hard work into making a delicious classic which they know I love. So I plan on enjoying a piece with them and savoring the flavors of Christmas. After I go for my bike ride. :)