'TIS THE SEASON FOR HEALTHY CHOICES

[Carecoach1]

We’re well into the holiday season, which means that food is taking center stage in our lives. It’s so hard to ignore the desserts, the candies and cookies, not to mention the yummy drinks—I love eggnog lattes!—and high-calorie dinners with meats and gravies, and side dishes awash in cream and/or cheese.
As a caregiver, your job is to take care of yourself, as well as your patient. You must remain strong to care for him or her. Ask yourself, “If I become ill, who will care for my loved one?”
Your food choices are hugely important in that regard.
Athletes know this. During the 2010 season, pitcher C. J. Wilson of the Texas Rangers achieved a change of attitude about food in the clubhouse for the pre- and post-game buffets for the players. He argued that the barbecue, TexMex and usual high-fat fare was going to impede the team’s ability to win games during the long, hot summer schedule. So management started adding fresh fruits and vegetables and organic foods to the buffet. The Rangers certainly made use of the better fuel—they won the American League Championship, beating the New York Yankees.
You’ve got an assignment that would make the 162-game major league season seem wimpy by comparison. Doesn’t it make sense for you to make the same kind of change in terms of your eating habits, especially in December?
· Go for the raw veggies and dip or even the roasted nuts. Avoid the cheese and crackers, guacamole and tortilla strips and those creamy dips.
· If you want to drink at a party, alternate an alcohol drink with a glass of water, starting with the water. It will allow you to be more sober and save on those empty alcohol calories.
· Eat a snack at home before heading to a party. If you’re not hungry when you get there, you’ll be less likely to over-indulge.
· Eat smaller portions. You can have a little of everything, just eat less of all of it. You’ll avoid that horrid stuffed feeling.
· Skip a few of the higher calorie items like gravy on the potatoes, butter on the bread, ice cream with the pie.
You don’t have to fast during the holidays, unless that’s part of the way you observe them. But you don’t have to over-indulge, either. A healthy eating plan will help you go the distance like the Texas Rangers were able to do. Remember, your game plan is to remain healthy to give care: “If I become ill…”
Blessings, Joanne