The Cookie Swap Disaster Averted
I am sure that you all have your own examples of potential holiday calorie disasters, they’re everywhere! In fact, just last week I received an invitation to a cookie swap. My point in passing along my story is to emphasize that even just one event can undo a lot of hard work on your calorie management. As in past years, I received an invitation to the season’s first cookie swap. What a great way to dive into the holiday season, get together with friends, and share recipes, so I sent my RSVP with a resounding “Yes, I will be there!” What was I thinking? The whole intent of this event was to send us all home with thousands of calories in cookies. It was a calorie disaster waiting to happen. Many of us are faced with this type of invitation for food and fun during the holidays. For me, saying “no” can feel pretty depriving because I really enjoy these festivities. Because of that, saying no is not always easy. So hopefully this story provides some moral support for any of you who are struggling with decisions to indulge during the holidays.
I went to the cookie swap. If you’ve been to an event like this before, you know that the worst part is not the party, but coming home with dozens of goodies. I was telling myself that “I deserve it” and “it’s the holidays after all”… but really, I was also thinking, “this is going to be a disaster.” Remember, no kids left at home – just my husband to share these calories with me. So, with HMR on my shoulder, I decided to close up the cookies, and take them to my scale! I had to know just how bad it was going to be. Just in case you’re curious – I had 6 pounds of cookies! 12,000 calories! Talk about a wake-up call.
I actually found a way to quickly donate my cookies and get them out of my house. But this is obviously a pretty risky approach. My advice is to find ways to enjoy the holidays and celebrate with healthy alternatives. Invite friends and family to join you in your environment where you have much more control over what is served. In the days that followed, I stayed focused on what my husband and I are doing to protect our health and our weight. We had our HMR Turkey Chili for dinner one night. We spent a few fun hours together in the kitchen making a huge pot of vegetable soup to last for several dinners, and we have kept our evening walks in place. I am already thinking ahead to the next two weeks and realize that the task is still daunting. I’m plotting my strategies for a low-calorie finish to the year. What plans are you making to support your weight and health into the New Year?
About the Author
Anne came to HMR as a health educator in 1990. Since that time Anne has worked with the development team for the HMR at Home Program and provides support to HMR programs as an account manager and trainer. Anne is an avid walker and also loves to explore low calorie cooking.
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2013 (51)
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May
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April
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March
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The Vacation Question: To Eat (Junk) or Not to Eat (Junk) Moo Goo Gai Pan: In the Box Take-Out Food How Asking “How?” Can Help You Succeed Health Outlook: Physical Activity On the Road Again: Top Tips for Healthy Travels Navigating a Restaurant Menu Girl about Town: Hot Drinks for Cold Days Cook Your Way to Long-Term Weight Maintenance
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January
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The #1 Killer of American Women Has US Seeing RED Eight Ways to Get Off the Couch and into the Stretch Zone The Super Bowl: Who’s Going to Win? How to Boost Your Family’s Veggies and Fruits The Social Network for Health Kitchen Essentials for Your Healthy New Year Myth Buster: Why Eating After 8:00 Doesn’t Matter Ready-to-Go Snacks: A Good Offense is the Best Defense New Year, New You: Change YOUR World PA Your Way Out of a Hard Day! Make Healthy Eating a Family Affair this New Year
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December
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November
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October
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September
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August
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June
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March
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January
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5-2-1-0 Let’s Go! After-School Snack of Champions BBQ that’s PDQ and ITB A Blast from My Past: The Counter-top Blender The Childhood Obesity Dilemma The Secret Life of a Five-Bean Entrée No Time for Morning Exercise? How to Pick a Diet Soup: The Weight-Loss Secret That Comes in a Bowl The DVR is my Secret Weapon So You Made a New Year’s Resolution to Lose Weight. Now What? The Rehabilitation of Brussels Sprouts
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December
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2011 (65)
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December
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November
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October
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September
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August
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December
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