Happy New Year: Cheers to Healthy Living

Holiday season is over and while the memories of family togetherness and festivities linger, folks may find that they have forgotten their physical fitness routine and their clothes feel a little tighter. So, how can people re-start their normal healthy eating and exercise routines or meet their New Year resolution to watch what we eat and get healthy amounts of exercise?

Health Promotion Council has come up with simple steps, manageable substitutions, and some fresh ideas to help get you back on track.

Re-adjust your eating habits:

·        Eat a healthy snack during the day to sustain your energy and avoid overeating. Quick ideas are whole grain crackers with string cheese, baby carrots with hummus, cereal with milk

·        Use wholesome foods for making lunch and dinner dishes that will cut down on high fat, cholesterol and sugar (and save money from eating out)

o   Whole Wheat/Whole Grain dinner rolls instead of enriched white flour rolls

o   A new take on Green Bean Casserole http://www.diabeticlivingonline.com/recipe/fresh-green--bean-casserole-1

o   Loaded Mashed Sweet Potatoes:

http://www.diabeticlivingonline.com/recipe/vegetables/loaded-mashed-sweet-potatoes

o   Fresh Vegetable Antipasto Platter—always a hit!

http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/antipasto-platter/

o   Delicious Roasted Cauliflower: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/balsamic_parmesan_roasted_cauliflower.html

·        Watch the salt. Choose fresh or frozen vegetables that are low in sodium. If using canned veggies, always drain and rinse them.

Pay attention to stabilizing your blood sugar:  

You can regulate your blood sugar by making responsible choices:

·        Alter your portions. There are so many foods to choose from; try taking just a small amount of many different items.

·        Choose low-calorie drinks such as sparkling water, unsweetened tea or diet beverages. (The best beverage of all is water!)

·        Choose high fiber foods. Foods high in soluble fiber, like beans, oats, barley, and certain fruits and vegetables, help to slow down digestion and the release of sugar into the bloodstream. Try adding beans to salads, soups, or casseroles, or top fruit and yogurt parfaits with oat cereals like Cheerios.

Find new and rediscover fun physical activities:

·        Walk with loved ones or a pet and count how many neighbors or trees you see.

·        Play with a younger generation of relatives or family friends

·        Try to learn a learn dance or sporting activity

·        Jumping rope, yoga and kickboxing are all activities that are low cost and easy to do indoors.