In the Asian, African and Latin American countries, well over 500 million people are living in what the World Bank has called "absolute poverty.“ Every year 15 million children die of hunger. For the price of one missile, a school full of hungry children could eat lunch every day for 5 years. The World Health Organization estimates that one-third of the world is well-fed, one-third is under-fed one-third is starving. Since you began reading this article, at least 200 people have died of starvation. Over 4 million will die this year (World Health Organization, 2007).
As a nutritionist I am constantly faced with weight-loss plights. Certainly I empathize and respect these ventures and am eager to help anyone in search of healthier lifestyle and weight management. But if I could have one wish granted this holiday season it would not be for every American to reach his or her goal weight. My wish would be that each of us might enjoy this season with hearts filled with gratitude – gratitude for the freedoms we possess as Americans, gratitude for the plentiful foods and health care available to us, gratitude for our loved ones and time shared with them, and gratitude for the ability and responsibility we all have to take care of our selves – our bodies, and our minds our spirits.
Studies indicate that the holidays bring added stress and that the greatest source of such is weight gain. If we forge into the holidays placing our energies into this fear, that fear will grow. We will walk into holiday parties with anxiety rather than joy and shame ourselves for the foods we eat rather than relish company of others and rather than enjoying the food and drink we choose to consume. Do you remember what you ate between Thanksgiving and the New Year of last season? Likely not. Do you remember where you spent the holidays and with whom you spent them? I certainly hope (and suspect) so!
I am not asking that you throw wellness or nutrition out the window during this time. Quite the contrary. I am asking you to switch your focus from fear and anxiety to thankfulness and joy. Learn to prepare healthy renditions of your favorite holiday recipes. Bring fruit or veggie trays to share (and enjoy yourself) to events and festivities. Give gifts of spa treatments, great books, homemade greeting cards or donate to charities in the name of gift recipients rather than gourmet boxes of chocolates. Volunteer your time at a shelter or donate toys to organizations who supply them to children in need.
When you indulge, do you do so consciously and enjoy it? Know that a decadent treat will not make or break your dietary regime and that every day is a new chance to make healthy choices and care for your self and others. Share that fabulous slice of pie with another. Put your fork down between bites. Make your holiday dinner a meal rather than a week long buffet. Fill your plate with veggies and smaller portions of the less healthy food choices. Remain active. Do not arrive at parties starving, nor leave unable to stand up from your chair.
Use this tips and when you feel anxiety rising within, take a deep breath and remind yourself what the holidays are truly about — loved ones, giving, creating fabulous memories and celebrating another year you have been blessed with.
Perhaps this sounds more like a “Jerry McGuire” mission statement than a diet article, and so be it. It is what is in my heart this holiday season and I pray that a part of it might resonate with you. Here is to a blessed, healthy and joyous holiday!
In health, August
Sugar Free Pumpkin Cheesecake
Ingredients:
Non-stick cooking spray
16 oz. light cream cheese
1 cup Splenda ® (or Stevia)
1/2 tsp. Vanilla extract (I used a bit more)
2 eggs
1 cup canned or fresh pure pumpkin puree
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
Directions:
Spray pie dish with non-stick spray. Preheat oven to 350 F. In large bowl combine softened cream cheese, Splenda ®, and vanilla. Blend until smooth. Blend in eggs. Add pumpkin and spices to remaining batter and stir until blended. Bake 50 – 60 minutes, or until center is almost set. Allow to cool, then chill several hours or overnight.
For additional recipes, order my cookbook:
Feed Your Starving Artist Cookbook
