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So it’s the day after Thanksgiving here in the US and I have a question midlife women–what kind of exercise will you do this weekend? “Why do you ask?” you might ask. Because if you are anything like me it’s helpful to have someone remind me to include this uber beneficial activity in my long weekend with leftovers lurking in every corner of the kitchen. Hey, we have yesterday’s extra calories to get rid of but that’s not all. 

Yes, the holiday season has officially started bringing with it the once-a-year-only delicious morsels, parties, and longer than usual to-do lists. In our already busy lives, these rituals can squeeze out our much needed exercise program. Skipping exercise is never a good thing but when temptation in the form of food and libations beckon ditching that walk or spin class is the surest way to the Holiday 5. Hate to break it to you, if it was a 5 pound weight gain in our 30’s and 40’s it’s an 8 - 10 pound gain in our 50’s.

Rather than fretting let’s do something different this year. Let’s plan some movement into our month rather than trying to squeeze it in as the days progress. Oh, and if you are of the mindset that “it’s already the end of the year, I’ll just party like it’s 1999, eat what I want, and start my new lifestyle habits in the new year” I have a question for you? How has that kind of thinking worked for you in the past?

Starting on Dec. 1st I’m going to give you tips to party smart and avoid the Holiday 5 (10). I am not asking you to starve, forgo treats, or stay home like Cinderella all season. I’m going to give you easy ways to manage it all and not gain the weight. 
Wouldn’t it be a bonus if you woke up on January 1st feeling like a success before you even looked at your new year creation plan?

I can’t wait to hear your success stories.

Heavens, talk about the current economic situation is everywhere. Drawing more attention to a very disheartening time of life for us here in the US is not my reason for writing.

Knowing that some people are cutting back on some foods they feel are unnecessary as they are too expensive I wanted to note how vital some foods are to keeping you well during times of extra stress. The concept of expensive is relative, and I’m not being pejorative. Being able to fight off illness, deal with stress, maintain your energy etc. is priceless. 

So what foods must you keep in your shopping cart?

Vegetables whether fresh or frozen. Keep in mind that any food that has been processed at all is generally going to cost more than something you must process but frozen veggies are convenient and full of nutrients because they are processed field side so little nutrition is lost.

Seasonal fruits and veggies are going to cost less than things imported from far away where the climate is different than where you live. 

Lean protein is important but and if you cut back an ounce or two here and there you’ll still be able to enjoy your favorite fish or meats. How about using skinless chicken thighs for dinner rather than the expensive boneless, skinless breasts? Many people won’t touch dark meat because they don’t want the extra fat calories found there. Truth is the difference is negligible unless you are eating pounds of chicken in one sitting. Dark meat is full of iron and other minerals which white meat lacks.

Speaking of chickens you know I love eggs for all sorts of healthy reasons. Up to 7 eggs per week is acceptable. They are inexpensive and versatile. Crustless quiche anyone?

Berries are nutritional giants but fresh berries out of season can be very costly. Frozen berries however are a bargain. While you probably won’t enjoy them in a yogurt parfait, they can be tossed in oatmeal for the last few seconds of cooking, blended in a smoothie, or pureed with a bit of sugar to make a great sauce for pancakes or french toast.

Speaking of oatmeal, I know lots of you rely on packets that require only hot water to reconstitute cause they are quick. I’ll grant you they are convenient. Now’s a good time to try this idea on. You cook up a batch of oatmeal from rolled oats once a week, pack it into small containers and stash them in the fridge. Pop in the microwave, add your own raisins, nuts, berry syrup or whatever it is you like. It’s fast, inexpensive and you’ll get the added bonus of extra fiber and other nutrition those packets just don’t have.

How is this crunch we are in affecting your shopping and eating habits?