By Joen Lane, Ideal Family Weight Loss & Life Balance Center
With the Thanksgiving season here and Christmas on the horizon, it’s natural that we feel an inner stirring to pause and celebrate things for which we are sincerely grateful. Traditionally turkey, mashed potatoes, candied yams, green bean and corn casseroles, rolls, dressings, pies, cakes, cranberries, and cookies are part of these traditions. I am the first to admit that the comfort foods I grew up with are often made with ingredients that sabotage any attempt at healthy eating. We tend to feed ourselves the worst nutritional foods during the holiday season. However, there comes a time we must honor our bodies and reduce or eliminate the barrage of sugar, bad carbs, and fats.
So what’s the answer? I’m glad you asked. Take the following quiz to help move toward better food decisions. The more conscious we are in feeding not only our body but our mind and souls, the better we are able to maintain a healthy lifestyle without the pitfalls of the sugar addiction we have come to know and love.
Answer yes or no to the following holiday food questions.
- Does the smell of pumpkin get you excited about the Thanksgiving holiday?
- Are you able to say “no” to foods such as apple pie, dressing, and candied yams?
- Is hot apple cider a favorite of yours in the fall?
- Do you often take seconds during the holidays, or at least one more little bite from one of your favorite dishes?
- Are mashed potatoes always on your holiday table?
- Are most holiday sweets baked in your kitchen from scratch?
- Do you give candy during the holiday season?
- Do you have one or more recipe dishes on your holiday table that your grandparents made?
- Do you consume more alcohol, including drinks such as wine, spiked cider, eggnog and cocktails, during the holiday season?
- Do your favorite recipes often include sugar, flour, butter or chocolate?
- Do you look forward to the goodies that flow into the office over the holidays?
- Do you entertain over the holidays at your house more often than not?
- Is hot cocoa a winter beverage at your house?
- Do one or more of your family members request certain foods during the holidays?
- Do you have cool whip in your freezer
If you have 1 to 4 “no” answers, it’s time to hire a coach to get your sugar impulses under control. 5 to 8 “no” answers, find a friend to help you through the holiday sugar season. 9 to 12 “no” answers mean you may consider formulating a plan to avoid certain eating traps. More than 12 and you’re ready for the upcoming holiday sugar season. Good job!
Depending upon your answers, you might want to consult with a nutrition coach to help you through the planning process for holiday eating celebrations. If you feel up to the challenge, you can search for healthier recipes to substitute for the traditional holiday foods. You can become a pioneer in your circle of friends and family for some new food items and create some new traditions as well. You and those you love will be on their way to a healthier, longer, better quality of lifestyle, and a longer life span. Make better choices people — it’s your health we’re looking after!
Joen Lane is a certified weight loss coach with Ideal Family Weight Loss & Life Balance Center, offering Ideal Protein, the medically developed, sensible weight loss protocol. The center is located at 2103 E. Washington Street in Bloomington. Their mission is to help people take control of their weight and keep it off. Classes are offered on a variety of food and lifestyle topics. For more information, please call 309-661-3235.