Hello Loyal Soup People!
Unbelievable! One of the radio stations in my area has started to play holiday music. Wasn’t it just Labor Day?? In any case, whether or not we’re ready, the holiday season is just about here. And it is time to start planning. This time of year can be so challenging for people who are trying to adhere to healthy eating habits. While I can’t promise total perfection, I’d like to offer some strategies to help you stay on track during the next few months:
– Plan ahead. If you know your office has a party coming up, don’t skip out. Plan to eat a bit lighter the days before and after the event. Up your exercise regimen and don’t show up to the party starving. Have a healthy snack (or a bowl of soup!) a bit before so you aren’t tempted to load up on unhealthy options.
– Add a new healthy habit to your routine! Instead of slacking off on exercise, try a new class. Bundle up and head out on weekend hikes. Whatever you do, keep moving!
– Stay hydrated. This is extra important at this time of year. The air is incredibly dry which can cause chapped lips and itchy skin. Also, drinking extra water can make you feel full, so you won’t eat as much at those holiday parties. Plus, if you’ve had had a few extra drinks, the increased hydration will help you feel better the next morning. Speaking of which…
– Focus on food, not alcohol. We’re much more likely to lose control and make poor food choices when we’re a bit tipsy. Also – empty calories! If I’m choosing between a cocktail and pumpkin pie, give me the pie! And just one piece.
Most importantly, stay grateful. If you are fortunate enough to be able to enjoy the holidays with food, friends, and family, be grateful, present, and mindful. Don’t shame yourself if you go off track for a few days or a week. The cliche is true – life is short. Enjoy!
Love,
Soupermom
*NOTE – Soupermom is not a licensed dietitian, doctor, personal trainer, or anything like that. She’s just extremely knowledgeable about healthy living!! But if you slip and fall while taking her advice, it is not her fault!
Marilyn Polon (Soupermom), Co-Founder and CAO (chief anxiety officer) has been worried about Soupergirl since the company launched in 2008. Actually, even before that. Her career has also been random and fascinating. After twenty years as a speech therapist, Soupermom changed careers and became a volunteer coordinator. She then had a wonderful stint as a docent at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. She was then dragged out of retirement by her daughter who insisted that they start a soup company. Could that be any more random?
All of the company’s recipes come from Soupermom’s kitchen. Honestly, she’s a testament to the power of healthy eating. Her hobbies include really long hikes, walking, doting on her granddaughters, and coming up with new recipes for Soupergirl. She is also a guru of all things health related but gets the words to every single song she sings incorrect. All of them. Loudly. Lastly, her laugh is contagious.