Archive for November, 2009
I’m in full baking mode this week as I prep for my Thanksgiving Day contribution: dessert. I’m fortunate to be able to spend it with my boyfriend’s family (since mine are out in California) and it has sort of become “my thing” to do a dessert. This is very serious for me, and I spend a fair amount of time trying to find the perfect dessert that is on the healthier side without compromising taste. (my boyfriend politely asked me to make a “normal” dessert instead of my usual sugar-free options. I pick my battles…)
The problem is that I’m an incessant snacker, grazer, taster.. whatever you want to call it. The cheese board is my worst enemy (for several reasons). And in the past, so was baking. I had a tendency to do major damage before even opening the oven door. These were the “small things” that would hurt me.
Each little taste here or there (which in my head, were “nothing”) added up so that by the time I got to the cheese–well, what harm could a little Brie do? Or by that point, what harm could an entire wedge of Brie do? (answer: lots) And you can only imagine how the rest of the meal played out. I had it all wrong.
But, it doesn’t have to be that way. I know what it feels like when I’ve overstuffed myself, and I don’t like it. I also know what it feels like to feel good when I make smart choices. And I’m going to remember that when I’m at the dinner table! Yes, it’s a day for indulging, but it’s not a day to go overboard.
And yes, it is possible to make healthier dishes without compromising taste! And it doesn’t have to be sugar-free. It may be a little late for this year’s feast (or not?), but take a look at a few Thanksgiving sides featured on last week’s NYTimes Well column. Smart but still delicious.
Enjoy the day and all that comes with it, but don’t throw all caution to the wind! Remember to truly enjoy and appreciate the meal, and savor each and every bite. Sample the stuffing, gravy and dessert, but do so knowing it’s a treat. Don’t give yourself servings large enough to make up for what you haven’t had all year. All things in moderation.
So in a few hours when the kitchen gets messy and I have tasty batter and chocolate floating all around me, I’ll sample (of course I will). But I’m going to remind myself that taking one too many swipes from the mixing bowl will only leave me feeling blah, and I’m not a fan of feeling blah. I’m going to hold myself accountable! And if I can do it, and so can you.
Happy Thanksgiving Day! Here’s to making healthy choices even in the call of duty.
November 24th, 2009
How do you start your day? Or, I guess a more appropriate question for some is when do you start your day? I often hear from people that their day doesn’t officially begin until they have their first cup of coffee. Why? What is it about that cup of joe that has everyone hooked? And according to their latest subway ads, why is Dunkin’ Donuts the answer to an afternoon slump?
Personally, I don’t have anything against the little coffee bean itself. Heck, there are even health benefits to having coffee in one’s diet. We all know a little coffee will help you to improve concentration and stay alert, but did you know coffee can help prevent diabetes, increase your antioxidants intake, and reduce muscle pain? Not bad. And chocolate covered espresso beans? Amazing. See? There’s so much to love. Then why all the concern?
The problem is that it’s easy to get hooked on caffeine. When soda or coffee is necessary to get you going through the day, you know you’re wearing your adrenal glands thin. This can further lead to exhaustion, cravings and irritability. Sound similar to how it feels an hour after downing a venti skim double lattè? Or maybe it was the sugar (given there are 23 grams in that one drink!). Point is: too much caffeine is not a good thing.
In addition to increasing our stress levels, too much caffeine can give your body major blood sugar swings, which directly affects your energy level and can ultimately lead to weight gain. Other side effects include: heartburn, ulcers, attention disorders, cardiovascular problems and nutritional deficiencies (like calcium, iron and magnesium). And ladies, as if that isn’t enough, PMS, osteoporosis, and infertility problems are all exacerbated by coffee. And let’s not forget premature aging.
When you begin to reduce your caffeine consumption it’s normal to experience headaches and cravings. This will pass in a week or two. Your body is basically going through withdrawals (caffeine, like sugar, is highly addictive!). Soon you’ll feel you have more energy than before, and without the mood swings. And no more of those anxious jitters that come with a caffeine overdose.
As far as that afternoon slump, clearly, coffee is not the answer (though tempting, I know). Try opting for a healthy, energy-boosting snack like hummus and carrots, a fresh juice (wheatgrass is great), or a rice cake with almond butter. The key is learning to choose the right foods for optimal energy–especially at lunch, when your afternoon depends on it!
So where do you stand? Are you going to scale back on your daily Starbucks runs? Stop altogether? Or do you feel good about the amount you’re currently consuming? And don’t forget to explore the wonderful world of tea. I personally stick to green teas (less caffeinated), though there is the occasional espresso (and chocolate covered espresso bean!).
November 17th, 2009
It’s been a busy, busy fall. But I’m not complaining- it’s been a good one! I did some cross-country traveling last month (my little sister got married!) with lots of meetings and appointments in between. I was on a roll! Then, it happened. I caught a cold.
Now, I hate admitting to being sick because it makes me feel like I did something wrong. I thought to myself: does this mean I let myself go? I even had someone exclaim “and you’re the healthy one!” Um…I blame the weather? (as a native Californian I feel this claim is valid whenever the NYC temp takes a dip)
Yes, I was sick. But I stuck it out (although my title may have tarnished a bit) and nearly a week later, I returned to my full health. Yes, a week later. This is because I don’t take medicine under normal circumstances (and I don’t consider a cold to be a huge threat to my body). No, I’m not a masochist, I just like to have my body heal itself by itself. I believe it boosts the immune systems when you make it work a little.
But, no matter your method for getting better, it’s always great to take preventative measures to avoiding getting sick altogether. Especially now as we enter flu season. Aside from eating your veggies, here’s a list of helpful tips for staying whole and healthy (courtesy of IIN):
- Get your Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits and Omega 3 fats, found in fatty fish
- Garlic, carrots and sweet potatoes, which are loaded with beta carotene, also pump up your immune system
- Probiotics, or the “live active cultures” found in yogurt, are healthy bacteria that keep the gut and intestinal tract free of disease-causing germs
- Add Vitamin E and Zinc to your diet for extra defense
- Take extra care of yourself by resting and reducing stress. Lack of sleep lowers immunity and increases your chances of getting sick, so get some sleep!
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and keep your hands away from your face
- Drink plenty of water and hot liquids, like green tea. Green tea is a super-charger for your immune system!
- And exercise to sweat out toxins and keep your immune system in tip top shape (I also like to sweat it out in the steam room when I can)
And there you have it! Try to think ahead this year so as to avoid any downtime. Your body will thank you! I was probably too busy traveling and moving around, and honestly, I should have at least popped an airborne in before that last red-eye… ah well, happens to the best of us!
November 4th, 2009
