11/ 15/ 2007
The next two months will be a busy time in your small business. Year-end purchases and benefits reviews, budget revisions for the coming year, employee vacations and holiday festivities will keep you busy and on your toes. You need to stay on top of your game— and that means you need to stay healthy.
Your calendar is probably already chocked full of parties, lunches and dinners with clients and vendors, and you may even be hosting your own party for your employees. Each occasion represents an opportunity for great stuffing, sweet pecan pie and festive holiday drinks. This is no time to try to "diet," but there are healthy choices you can make to keep the fun, food and festivities from sneaking up on your waistline and your health.
- Eat before you go. Sounds counterintuitive, right? But if you eat a small, healthy meal at home, you'll be less likely to stuff yourself on rich, fat-laden foods. You'll also have more control over the ingredients used and the cooking methods if you eat at home first.
- Drink plenty of water. Can staying really satiate your hunger? Many times when your body sends hunger signals to your brain, it's possible that you're simply thirsty instead. Drinking plain, boring water will also help keep your skin hydrated during the colder winter months.
- Choose colorful veggies. When faced with a buffet full of mashed potatoes and stuffing, look for colorful, healthy vegetables first. Avoid the deep-fried kind and opt for those that look the freshest. The more colorful they are, the more variety of vitamins and minerals you'll get.
- Watch out for alcohol. Alcohol may add to the holiday festivities, but it also adds a lot of "empty" calories. Instead of heavy drinks like martinis and margaritas, if you choose to drink opt for a drink mixed with club soda, which is calorie-free. If you choose to drink alcoholic beverages, limit yourself and alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks like water. And always have a designated driver nearby or a taxi company phone number in your pocket.
- Pick your pie. Did you know that pumpkin pie has about half the calories and more fiber and calcium than pecan pie? It also has nearly two-thirds of your daily vitamin A needs. So when going for dessert (Who can resist this time of year?), a slice of pumpkin pie is the healthier choice.
- Pick your seat. If you can, try to position yourself away from the buffet table so you're not tempted to nibble throughout the evening. Pick a spot in the corner or near the dance floor so that your evening is concentrated on great conversation and music rather than the food and drinks. Dancing for a song or two is good for you, too.
- Keep an eye on portions. It's easy to pile a large plate to overflowing when faced with a beautiful buffet of holiday foods. If you can't choose a smaller plate to eat from, perhaps you might consider the "don't let your foods touch" rule. This will allow you tastes of all the yummy offerings without overdoing it.
By eating well and keeping yourself healthy throughout this busy holiday season, you'll have a leg up on getting your small business rolling strong into the new year. Can you believe it's only 47 days away?!
