Holiday Treats

Christmas is a time where indulging in special lunches, delicious treats, and Christmas cocktails become a daily activity.  I love a great lunch, an interesting gingerbread cookie, and a spiked hot chocolate around this time of year.  But, I do not love the idea of bulking up around Christmas time just because my hand can't stop itself from reaching for that plate of cookies someone brought to work.

How can you balance your week of holiday eating?  I am no expert in self-control.  But, I am trying to be good this holiday season and I thought I would share a few tips, with the hope that you would share some too!

1.  Stay away from the generic chocolates!  What are generic chocolates you ask?  They are the chocolates that come in a box from CVS that you receive as a generic gift from a generic friend who only knows generic things about you.  Perhaps they had you for Secret Santa, or there was some sort of gift obligation involved.  They figure that you will eat it, or someone else will eat it, so even if you do not really want it, it won't go to waste.  Instead, pick your favorite chocolate and eat that.  I like xmas m&ms.  I get they are just like real m&ms, but I appreciate the festive colors.  I buy myself a bag every year to enjoy around this time.

Instead, consider purchasing....: Please note, not all chocolate in a box is generic.  I received 2 boxes of chocolates from Nunu Chocolates and they were absolutely fantastic.  I got salted caramel and hokey pokey.  These chocolates were unique and delicious.  THAT was a great chocolate gift.   Even if you know someone in a very general sense, try to give a somewhat unique gift.  

2.  Go for quality, not quantity.  I bought myself a nice red bordeaux to have at night, since I love a glass of wine at night.  Instead of drinking 1 big glass, I just have a little of this nicer quality wine.


3.  Buy flavored, seasonal coffees and teas.  You will get that Christmas flavor and feeling without all of the calories.  During this season, I buy Swiss Miss diet hot chocolate, at just 25 calories a packet.  I also buy mini candy canes to put in the chocolate, to give it a nice peppermint flavor!

4.  Sometimes, lots and lots of hors d'oeuvres are equal to or more than a meal.  If you go to a cocktail party and eat several hors d'oeuvres, that may count as your dinner!  I know my Christmas day at home will consist of lots of appetizers, so we will take it easy for our dinner meal.

5.  Eat and drink what you LOVE!  Don't let the holidays trick you into eating things you normally don't care about it.  Indulge in the foods and drinks that are worth indulging in!  For example, my mom and my Aunt both make delicious sausage bread around this time of year, and I can't wait to eat it! 

Have a delicious day!
NYC Menu Girl