Oh yes…it’s that time of year!  A traditional time of overindulgence that begins with Thanksgiving and continues through to the New Year.  Maybe it starts with not making the time to fit in exercise.  Maybe it starts with that first delicious bite of pumpkin pie and carries you through the final toast on New Year’s Eve.  Whatever the impetus down the path of the typical Holiday Horror, there are ways to make that path a little less steep.

 

It’s no wonder we begin our year with resolutions, right?  After
4-5 weeks of being out of our healthy routine, the New Year is the
perfect time to throw down the gauntlet and get back to being serious
about our health.  I’m a strong believer in celebrating
with family and friends throughout the Season, so I follow a few rules
to keep myself on track.

 

Rule #1:  You must exercise at least three times per week.  If you’re busy at night with gatherings and events, then dedicate your early mornings.  Even if it’s just a brisk 45 minute walk – you’ve gotta make the time.  Not only is it burning those extra calories, but it’s keeping your mood up and helping to manage your stress.

 

Rule #2:  You must be sure to eat at least 5 servings of vegetables throughout your day.  This can be a big chopped salad for lunch, raw veggies with hummus as an afternoon snacks, a small spinach salad with dinner.

 

Rule #3:  When invited to a party, ALWAYS have a small, healthy snack beforehand.   This rule only applies only when you listen to your body’s hunger/satiety signals.  If
you tend to over eat in social situations, you should consider skipping
this rule to prevent yourself from just adding on more calories.

 

Rule #4: When invited to a party, ALWAYS bring something healthy you can eat.  I hear countless times, “There was nothing healthy to eat at the party”.  Bring
a healthy dish to share accomplishes three goals, (1) it will ensure
that you have something healthy to eat, (2) it will allow you to share a
healthy choice with others, since other guests are likely looking for
healthier foods and (3) it will take a little pressure off your hostess
and make Miss Manners proud.

 

With a little diligence and commitment, we can all make it safely through the Holidays!  That will leave room for us to attack the serious resolutions in the New Year! 

 

In
the Holiday spirit of sharing, here’s one of our favorite dip recipes
that we make at our Healthy Gourmand Nutritionally-Minded Cooking
Classes.  It’s a Zucchini-Eggplant Caviar that goes great with dipping vegetables or crackers.  Enjoy!

 

Zucchini-Eggplant Caviar

 

2 lbs eggplant, halved

2 lbs zucchini, diced

3 shallots, minced

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb tomatoes, diced

2 tablespoons lemon juice

 

1.      Cut eggplant in half lengthwise.  Brush with olive and roast skin side down for 30 minutes at 375 degrees.  Scoop flesh out and set aside.

 

2.      Add one tablespoon olive oil to a sauté pan.  Add shallots and sauté for 2-3 minutes.  Add in diced zucchini and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.  Add in garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes.  Remove from heat and set aside.

 

3.      Add eggplant into food processor, process for 10 seconds.  Add in zucchini mixture and process another 10 seconds.  Do not over process – mixture should have some texture.  Add in tomatoes, lemon juice and salt/pepper to taste.  Serve and enjoy warm or at room temperature. 

Being in control of your choices and, more importantly, making healthy ones is the best gift you can give yourself and your loved ones this holiday season.  Happy Healthy Holiday socializing!