December is upon us and the holiday season looms

The holiday season looms ahead with office parties, family dinners, nights out with friends, too much eggnog and the vicious cycle of over-eating, over-drinking and under exercising. So how can one stay healthy but still enjoy the holiday season. Here are a few simple tips:

1) Liquid calories count. All those cute, fruity drinks with the little umbrellas or those creamy drinks like eggnog are not calorie free. Remember a glass of red wine has 80 calories (and I am talking dry full bodied merlot and cabernet here, not sticky sweet or fruity wine - I've read that a sweet Riesling can have as much as 270 calories for a 6 oz glass, wow!), a gin and tonic has 118 calories and an apple martini 188 calories, while a frozen margarita has about 275 calories and a cup of eggnog a whopping 343 calories! See http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0846/is_5_21/ai_82333620, http://www.calorie-count.com/calories/item/1057.html for more information. I'm not saying not to drink and enjoy, but be selective and drink in moderation.

2) Even though its the holidays, make time for exercise. When there is music at that office party, get up and dance! Be on the dance floor all night long at a new years party. Dancing can burn an average of 306 calories per hour (see http://www.calorie-count.com/calories/activity/43.html for more information). I know the gyms are a bit emptier this time of year, but make time for it amidst holiday shopping and parties. Holiday shopping itself can be an activity. Walk from store to store quickly while carrying packages instead of using your car. Weight bearing exercise and cardio in one!

3) Try to eat 1 handful of nuts (not peanuts, but almonds, cashews or other mixed nuts - no raisins) and if you need some sweetness why not try some goji berries from your local health store with a few cacao nibs or 70% or greater dark chocolate pieces or chips 1/2 hour before your next holiday party or outing. This may fill you up and curb your appetite for calorie laden starters and drinks saving room for healthier choices at dinner or smaller portions of rich food (which is ok!)

4) Fill up on raw vegetables! When presented with coconut shrimp at 300 calories for a serving or 4 or 75 calories each or raw carrots and brocolli at about 25 calories for a handful, consider which one makes more sense for you. You can still enjoy roast beef at dinner, but save the pre-dinner calorie rich starter by filling up on the veggies or better yet - have one shrimp to satisfy that craving and eat vegetables (sans dip) to fill you up.

Sobel Wellness will officially launch on January 7th. Stay tuned and visit the site www.sobelwellness.com for updates, pricing, and more information. Please also stay tuned for the first edition of my newsletter and to be added to the newsletter mailing list, please send me an email at meredith@sobelwellness.com. Happy Holidays to all.