Have Yourself a Health Merry Christmas

“Lechon” is just one of the many Christmas traditions in the Philippines. Aside from the “simbang gabi” or “misa de gallo,” foods on the table, such as fruit salads, “leche flan,” cakes and pastries, “hamon de bola” and other variants of “hamon,” various local rice cakes, are ever-present on the Filipino family dinner table when the clock strikes for Noche Buena. With the numbers of Filipino Christmas family traditions, I wonder if being healthy is one of them.

Since Christmas season in the Philippines is the longest – September up to February of the following year, weight gain over Christmas is common. Come January though, losing weight becomes a difficult New Year’s resolution.

How to have a healthy Christmas

1. When going to a party, think of ending those “long time no sees,” and in maintaining family connections, and not just the food. Enjoy the company of friends and family, instead of focusing on foods. Nurture your relationships.

2. Plan your day. Plan for a healthy snack one hour or two before you go so that you are not starved when you arrive.

3. Eat healthy most of the time and organize your portions. This is not the season of the year to begin your diet. For this Holiday season, just pick the foods you like in downsize portions.

4. Swap and substitute. For example, go with non-fat milk instead of whole milk. Try soya milk. To the great fans of meat, try “vegemeat” for a change.

5. Drink more water. Always keep yourself hydrated. You might think you’re hungry when you are just thirsty. Skip soda and juice. Ice tea has more calories than Coke. Fruits and vegetables, along with vegetable-based soups also count toward fluid. Drink a lot of water. It serves as a good, if not an excellent drink. Go easy on alcohol.

6. Spice up you favorite dish. Spices are antioxidants. They have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Incorporating spices to your favorite dish, tend to let you use less sugar and salt.

7. Include a fruit and a vegetable at each meal. Fruits and vegetables contain lots of fiber. They also contain vitamin A and C, folic acid, and potassium. They are also low in calories.

8. Keep moving! Exercise. Park your car far from the party house and walk. Go for a swim. Take yoga classes. Be mindful of your weight.

9. Be grateful. Life itself is a blessing. Being thankful of the good things that come your way is very important. Christmas is an important time of the year to take time out and have a grateful heart.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!