Donna's Top 5 Tips for Handling the Holidays

Happy Halloween! Whether you get into the "spirit" today or not, it's almost impossible to avoid the candy onslaught that begins in October and persists until February. So, today's a perfect day to take a look at some ways to stay on track with your weight management goals. Here's my Top 5 Tips:

1) Write it down. Even if you're skilled at eating awareness, it's oh-so-easy for a reasonable candy treat to turn into a candy binge. In part, that's why my second tip is...

2) Steer clear of scarcity. One of the most common reasons people get carried away during the holiday season is because they're thinking, "Oh, I'll have just one more handful of candy corn...after all, I won't have them again until next year!" If you really want candy corn in June, you can find it on the Internet year-round. But scarcity isn't the only reason we binge on candy, which is why my third tip is...

3) Manage stress. I'm hosting a small Halloween get-together this evening. In the past, I'd spend the day stressing over how clean my house is, whether the menu is adequate, getting my usual day's work done--and, of course, what costume I should wear! By the time my guests arrived, I'd have already been noshing all day, and I'd spend the night eating candy and mentally berating myself. Not any more! I'm reminding myself that "My friends love me for who I am." And that helps me follow Tip #4:

4) Stay on track. Whenever possible, follow your usual successful routines. Keep in mind you don't have to follow them perfectly. It's okay to shorten your workout time, go to bed an hour later, drink a little less water, and have a piece of candy or two. But sticking as close as possible to your routines will help you both today, and throughout the weeks. If you're struggling to stay on track, here's Tip #5:

5) Get right back on track. Remember, you do not have to do weight management perfectly to do it well! The trick to successful long-term weight management is to get back on track as quickly as possible. That means no harsh self-judgment. Instead, learn from it, then shrug it off and return to what works. Don't forget, if you maintain your weight during the holiday season, you'll be ahead of most Americans.

Food Day 2011

Have you heard about Food Day 2011? Organized by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, this nationwide event is designed to bring together consumers, restaurant owners, lawmakers, and as their Web site notes, "eaters of all stripes," and make a difference in the way we eat. Food Day 2011 is on October 24th. However, events are being held before, on, and after the 24th, so you've still got time to go to Food Day 2011's Web site and see what's happening in your community. Don't forget to come back and let us know what you do to participate!

Recipe of the Month: Salmon in Tomato-Red Pepper Sauce

I've been busy with editing "Luscious" and redoing my cycle menu, but couldn't resist developing a new recipe. It tastes heavenly -- like something you'd order at a restaurant -- but only takes about 20 minutes to prepare. Bon appetit!

Salmon in Tomato-Red Pepper Sauce

Ingredients:


1 pound linguine
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon parsley flakes
2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
1 teaspoon rosemary
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon fresh-ground peppercorn mix
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 cup roasted red bell pepper
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
½ cup sliced green olives
1 pound salmon

Directions:

Prepare linguine according to manufacturer’s directions. Drain and keep warm.

Meanwhile, cook parsley, garlic, rosemary, red pepper flakes, and peppercorn mix in oil in large skillet over medium heat until garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Combine tomatoes, bell pepper, and vinegar in blender or food processor until smooth. Add to skillet and mix well. Add salmon and olives and cook until salmon flakes easily. Serve salmon on linguine.

To Go Organic, or Not to Go Organic...?

Fruits and vegetables are on the menu at every meal in my house. That's why I'm a huge fan of Environmental Working Group's (EWG) 2011 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce. If you're watching your food budget (and who isn't?), check out the "Dirty Dozen" list to uncover which fruits and veggies are most likely to be contaminated. When you choose them, it's worth your money to go organic. In contrast, the Clean 15 fruits and veggies are lower in pesticides. Either way, don't forget to wash 'em!

Is Fat-Burning Underwear For Real?!

I laughed out loud when I first read this article about fat-burning underwear. The idea behind these underwear, which are apparently becoming popular in Japan, is simple: they're imprinted with a resin that prevents stretching, so you have to work harder to walk in them. That work results in greater muscle strength. My first thought was, perhaps skinny jeans will be America's answer to weight management?

Seriously, this article not only gave me a good chuckle, but reminded me of the importance of an often-overlooked element of weight management--lifestyle activity. If you don't want to spring for fat-burning underwear, you really don't need to. Instead, park further away at the store, toss around the football with your boyfriend, walk around the track while your kids are at soccer practice, take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator...you get the idea. Instead of finding ways to be less active, challenge yourself to be more active, every chance you get.