Holiday Tips and Recipes Part I covered the first 5 of my 10 survival tips for the holidays and gave you my favorite holiday mashed potato recipe.
Here are the final 5 Survival Tips for the Holidays and my favorite kale recipe!
6. Sign up for a 5K or fitness walk. During the holiday season, we often are so busy with the to-do list that our exercise ceases. By signing up for a 5k or other fitness event, it will help to keep your mind focused on fitness goals. Many cities have Turkey Trot’s on Thanksgiving and holiday themed events during December. Also remember to take a walk before and after big meals and be physically active every day!
7. Don’t plan on dieting after the New Year. Anticipation of food restriction sets you up for binge-type eating over the holidays. Plan to continue your healthy eating through into the new year! Don’t “save” healthy eating for next year.
8. Prepare for pressure. During the holiday times, friends, family and co-workers will constantly be offering you treats. Their intention is good, however you cannot eat everything offered to you and maintain good health! Practice saying “No Thank You”. It is not impolite to refuse food or drink offers.
9. Plan for the must-haves. Think about what foods are really special to you that you really want to eat vs. those that you could probably do without. Potato chips at a holiday party are not a must have! You can have those any time of year. Cookies from a store bought package are not must have’s either! Save your calories to eat those foods that you really want.
10. Enjoy the company! Although food can be a big part of the season, it doesn’t have to be the focus. Holidays are a time to reunite with good friends and family, to share laughter, celebrate and give thanks.
BOTTOM LINE:
Remember balance and moderation. It’s OK to eat too much once in a while. Just relax and remember what it is about the holidays that is special to you.
Holiday Recipe:
This is the second recipe I will be bringing for Thanksgiving this year. Trust me, it’s EASY! It’s also great because you can cook it ahead of time, reheat in the microwave and tastes great!
Tasty Kale
(For other tips on cooking kale and other vegetables, check out Vegetables Made Easy)
Tasty Kale
- 1-2 bunches of Kale
- 1 medium Onion
- Canola Oil
- Water
- Salt
- Rinse and dice onion.
- Rinse kale and cut into strips (lengthwise across the leave and stem)
- Place oil in a pan with onions and turn on medium high. (Use as much oil as you need to cook the onions).
- Let the onions cook in the oil until they begin to turn transparent.
- Add the kale to the pan stirring until onions, oil and kale are mixed.
- Let cook for 1 minute.
- Add enough water to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Cover and let steam. Add water if it dries up.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes or until kale is tender to eat.
- Add salt to taste.
- Eat immediately, keep warm covered in oven or refrigerate until reheated before eating.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!
– Julie
