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Chow Down for the Holidays

Chow Down for the Holidays

The holidays bring lots of cheer, fuzzy feelings and special presents. But for the health-conscious celebrator who is trying to keep his or her waistline recognizable, the most wonderful time of the year can also usher in a list of all of the tasty foods that are off limits.

But I say that not all holiday temptations have to be nixed. In fact, I say you can have your fruitcake and egg nog! Of course, we want to make sure that you keep your best health intentions intact, too.

That's why I suggest you add a bit of activity to your day in order to keep your cute, round bum and your tummy happy. Here's how to keep your belly cheerful minus the jellyroll:

* One cup of full-fat egg nog: You only have to do 2,100 jumping jacks (35 minutes) to burn off this holiday treat! If jumping around isn't your style, you may want to opt for cleaning up around the house before your guests arrive. A 70-minute cleaning session equals out to about one cup of egg nog.

* Potato latkes with sour cream: A 140-pound woman would have to walk 113 minutes at 3.5 mph to burn the 500-550 calories that are in this Hanukkah favorite. Instead, hit up your favorite 90-minute yoga class. If you are a guy, go play a 60-minute game of basketball with your friends and make this appetizer all yours.  

* A piece of grandma's famous apple pie: This sweet treat tops out at about 400 calories per piece (1/8 of a 9-inch pie). But that's OK because if a 140-pound woman has a 30-minute holiday smooching session with her significant other (34 calories), and then hits the pavement for a 35-minute jog, then she's good to go. Boys, you only need to jog for about 27 minutes—lucky you.

A good exercise session always helps me keep things in perspective. Something about wasting that chilly run on three pieces of pie just doesn't seem worth it to me! But it also reminds me that a bit of indulgence is A-OK. That way, there's no reason to feel bad after I drink that glass of wine or eat a piece of mom's famous chocolate cake.

I want to know: How do you prep for holiday eating while keeping things healthy?

—Caroline Shannon

Posted: 12/16/08
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Mary5432

Great Mother is Real... I am Aisha Kun and i want to testify about Great Mother how she cured me of hiv aids. I was diagnosed of this disease some time ago and i was worried. when i was searching the internet looking for a cure, i came across some testimonies of Great Mother how she has helped a lot of people and i decided to contact her on her info and explained to her. She laughed and told me that she will help me and i was surprised. She sent me the cure and it was a spiritual holy oil and water which is more than a medicine. She directed me on how to take it and i did. I took the cure for 3 weeks and i went to the doctor for check up and to my greatest surprise the disease was no longer in my system. I am so glad and i want to thank Great Mother for helping me. Contact her now on her website ourgreatmother1.com   and her email is Greatmotherofsolutiontemple1@yahoo.com  you can also reach her on her whatsapp number  +17025514367. If you have any disease, she can help you. Contact her now

aliciak

Balance! I don't think I go to quite as many holiday/eating events as others, so going overboard a few days won't completely sabotage your goal to live healthier. It's all about getting back on track, realizing that holiday time is exception time and not the norm.

  • By aliciak
  • on 12/23/08 10:16 AM EST
LauraLee311

Yay for awesome holiday treats! The only problem is that I keep indulging and then not balancing it out with a workout. I'm trying to get all my last minute holiday shopping and cards finished along with put in overtime at the office because I'll be gone next week. I had planned to get in at least two workouts this week, but work and holiday stuff gobbled up my time. And even though I'll be on "vacation" next week, with all the family obligations, it's not exactly relaxing.

carolineshannon

Agreed, LMAYO9 ... I gotta have my homemade chocolates, sugar cookies, pumpkin bread and other glorious treats. Indulging is part of the holiday spirit!

LMAYO9

Love it! Yes we should indulge in the holidays. It's no fun to say no to everything, and then you just end up gorging on other things because you denied yourself the one thing you wanted!

  • By LMAYO9
  • on 12/17/08 10:42 AM EST