Comments on: C’mon, Get Healthy! (No, Really!)

By: Betsy

Betsy — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:42:51 +0000

I’m actually registered to run a half marathon in Phoenix January 17th. I’ve been training and the days that I’ve “indulged” were tough. I didn’t realize running this race right after the holidays was great way to stay in check DURING the holidays. I don’t want to feed my body too many treats or I won’t be able to train well. Blessing in disguise!

By: Irene

Irene — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:08:31 +0000

The best thing is to select only the most special foods that are usually only eaten for the holiday (I eat pate once a year and no one makes pie from scratch, easy to pass on when they aren’t family recipes). Our family has some good choices during the holidays without even realizing it, so it is just a matter of choice. It is the holiday parties at a restaurants that is difficult so I do my best to drink plenty of water, eat good snacks before and eat a miniature dessert to minimize the damage!

By: LindsayE

LindsayE — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:41:35 +0000

Since I eat both gluten AND corn free (I <3 my life!!) I bring all of my own food to holiday dinners so at least I know what I'm eating. Often people look at my food and say "Oooh!!! What is that? Can I have a bite?" so that's a nice feeling!
As much as I joke about it it's actually a better way for my husband and I to live. We cook all of our own food, bake our own bread, little to no processed or boxed food, no preservatives, all organic fruit and veg from the local farm mart or our own garden, no take-aways so we save money. I still get jealous of some of the "regular food" but my food is pretty darned good, as well! (especially the cookies!!!)

By: ohlala

ohlala — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 10:49:04 +0000

my solution, especially here in the land of the baguette and the croissant (and wheat flour in most sauces and soups), is to host as many parties myself as i can manage with the little 11 week old addition to our family! i’m also shameless about letting hosts know about my condition, ever since i showed up at a dinner party where i couldn’t eat a SINGLE thing. not even a scrape the top off this or the crust off that. i always offer to bring dessert since that’s what seems to confuse most people – as in oh this only has a LITTLE flour in it… and with so many restrictions, i think it’s important to indulge in what we love and can eat – in my case, lots of raw organic butter! they say it’s good for the brain. i’m still waiting… in the meantime, i would looove to have elana’s book to show off to these frenchies.

By: Abigail

Abigail — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 05:27:33 +0000

Since I have celiac (have to eat gluten free) and also have a dairy allergy – I can’t eat a lot at parties that I didn’t bring. So I plan my calories ahead, cut back at my 3 meals – so that I have enough calorie allowance for 2 cookies or a brownie.

Also I always make sure I eat well before a party so I don’t show up hungry to the party – which is like going to the grocery store hungry. Everything will look good and enticing because you’re hungry.

My general year round advice though is to always have fresh veggies cut up in the fridge in case you need a quick snack. Often times this will do the trick if I’m just having a case of the munchies and keep me out of the junk food. If you’re craving something sweet have a piece of fruit first – this usually takes away my sweet cravings. And if you still want a treat – it’s fine if in moderation.

I live alone, so when I bake, I freeze most of what I bake. So later I can take a cookie or even a half of a cookie out of the freezer to indulge. This allows me to have sweets available when I want to indulge, but I’m not faced with a dozen cookies staring at me after I’ve eaten the one I planned on.

Freezing every time I bake – is also great, because I always have gluten free dairy free goodies on hand for friends or to take to the party.

So here is to an enjoyable but not overly indulgent holiday season.

By: Ninufar

Ninufar — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 23:44:21 +0000

My best way through holiday feasts is to follow the same eating plan I use every day, which is a mostly-plant-based gluten-free kinda deal (think Dean Ornish’s work w/o all the wheat)… I have found that some foods don’t leave me alone if I try “just one bite”. Am very thankful that after a few years of messing my body up with a range of unhealthy eating patterns, some friends have helped me find a way to eat tasty, satisfying food each day and be more focused on my friends and loved ones at parties than I am on the buffet table!

By: Cassi

Cassi — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 23:22:18 +0000

eating gluten-free for the last eight years means i’ve gone hungry at every holiday for fear of getting sick. my real struggle is not to start stashing goodies because i feel deprived.

that and always inviting one or two people on long walks to get some peace and quiet and time to actually bond during this season of often too much over-socialization and yet sometimes not enough personal connection.

By: Karen in TN

Karen in TN — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:15:44 +0000

Staying gluten free is easy (just ban it from the house). Staving off the holiday pounds much harder (especially if you ARE staying gluten free), so I started back with karate – several hours of workouts a week matches (or beats) even a week of Thanksgiving dessert leftovers!

I’d love to get a copy of this book, so thanks for the contest.

By: Heather

Heather — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:57:54 +0000

Hello, great site! Have tried some of Elana’s recipes & would love to win a copy of her book ;)
After deciding to only eat junk at “special occasions” & realizing those come all too often, I made a comittment to God & myself to eat no sugar until 2010- (or possibly forever). I wear a wristband to remind me, my hubby & kids are great at holding me accountable, too!

By: Clay

Clay — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:40:06 +0000

My 4yo was recently diagnosed with Celiac disease so that was a sort of automatic downsizing in terms of going out or making seasonal favorites.

But for myself I imagine I’m being profiled by a health magazine… they’re going to publish (and probably dissect) whatever I eat at a party or during the day! I don’t have the time or the willpower to actually keep a food log, but I’ve found that just pretending works pretty well.