Are you following the 10 Steps for a longer life and healthier brain?
I hope so. But what about these holidays? We’re right in the thick of things, aren’t we? And all of the holiday foods are tempting, aren’t they? It makes it hard to stick to your guns and not give in to all the seasonal delights from Halloween through New Year’s.
In America we are literally surrounded by food. It’s fast, convenient, available in large super-sized portions, and often loaded with carbohydrates. Pizza, pasta, fries, bread, cake, candy! They’re on every corner. There are rows of them in the supermarket, fresh and frozen. This fast food culture has spread around the world, taking the overweight/obesity problem with it. And with overweight goes high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, STROKE, etc.
During the holidays, food becomes even more important, taking center stage at all the festivities, from Halloween to Thanksgiving and Christmas. The holidays are a time for caring and sharing. That means parties and other gatherings. It also means people bringing candy, cake, cookies and other high carb treats to share.
Carbohydrates can be very addictive. What do you crave when the cold weather sets in? What about when you’re stressed, or upset about something? Macaroni and cheese? Mashed potatoes with gravy? I’m guessing it’s not a nice healthy salad, or a bowl of steamed broccoli.
The holidays are fun. But, they can also be stressful. That leaves us vulnerable to making bad food choices. Food at school, in the office, at home, in the form of festive meals, leftovers from those festive meals… Thanksgiving becomes a 4-day diet disaster, and the Christmas season turns into weeks of overindulgence if we’re not careful.
There is some good news, though. You don’t have to starve yourself. And you don’t have to give up your healthy lifestyle. Instead, plan ahead. Find some low carb festive recipes. And yes, they do exist. You can even find low carb versions of your family’s favorites and your own comfort foods. Start by mastering one or two dishes. Eventually you can learn to make an entire low carb menu from appetizers to dessert. Your family and guests will love it and everyone will be a whole lot healthier!
Every day…..Say NO To Stroke!
