All Boxes Are Not Created Equal...

Let’s not have any back injuries this season after attempting to lift a box that was heavier than expected. The culprit is typically a smaller box that looks deceptively light because of its size. Don't fall for it! One safety tip is to lightly kick or push the box with your foot to determine how heavy it is before you commit to the lift. Muscles get injured from altered weight differences because your core stabilization muscles are not fully engaged in preparation for the movement.  Also, remember to always lift with your hips, not your back. Proper lifting technique is crucial in preventing low back pain. How you lift makes all the difference in how much your back ends up disliking you. The average person who is not skilled in proper lifting techniques will simply bend over at the waist and pick something up without a second thought. Bad idea! This is what causes most low back injuries.  All I have to say is “squats.”

Dine in slow-mo...

You know me by now - I am always looking for more ideas to slow down instead of chowing down!  Try this - Make sure you’re the last one to start eating and also the last person to finish. Do this, and it might help you slow down and chew your food properly instead of inhaling what’s on the plate, and more. Eat this way and you’ll actually take in fewer calories at your meals because, you’ve heard it before, you are much more conscience of knowing when you are full!

NEW - Tofu Shirataki Noodle...

Macaroni!  I am a big fan of the angle hair, I use them all the time in our Asian style of cooking!  Now the macaroni could open up some new doors for other alternative recipes!  

Yes, this low-carb pasta swap is a bit "bouncier" and slightly more slippery than conventional noodles, but if you eat lots of pasta (or want to eat lots of pasta!), give these noodles a try. You can find them in the refrigerated section where the tofu is stocked, floating in bags of liquid. Don't be scared! Follow the directions on the back!

"Tofu Shirataki is a great pasta alternative made from blending the root of the Konnyaku -- a member of the yam family -- and tofu. It is a healthy, uniquely textured noodle. [It] pleases people of all ages!"

House Foods Tofu Shirataki Noodle Substitute
PER SERVING (4 oz., 1/2 bag): 20 calories, 0.5g fat, 15mg sodium, 3g carbs, 2g fiber, 0g sugars, 1g protein

Dress The part...

Ha Ha - this is definitely going to help me!  Make a few changes to your party outfit, and you’ll beat the temptation to overindulge. At a cocktail party, carry a clutch instead of a purse. With a cocktail in one hand and your handbag in the other, you won’t be able to reach for too many hors d’oeuvres. Also, zip into a form-fitting dress or your tightest jeans it’ll be your biggest reminder to not revisit the food table for seconds.

Until Monday - keep thinking veggies and protein!

Break the Sugar Cycle...

I have to keep reminding myself of this because sweets are my downfall and I can easily spin out of control!

The Splurge: Those dreams of sugarplums dancing in your head may be more like a nightmare brought on by too many sweet treats. While experts used to dismiss the notion of sugar addiction, a growing body of research suggests that the sweet stuff can hijack the same brain circuitry that's affected by drugs and alcohol, leading to a vicious cycle of cravings and binges. And holiday desserts with high levels of both sugar and fat provide a double whammy. The sugar hooks you, while the fat piles on the pounds.

The Solution: Eliminate desserts that are rich in sugar and fat for at least 3 days--7 to 10 would be even better. This will help quell cravings while you start to reestablish a taste for naturally sweet foods, such as fruit and starchy vegetables.