Staying Healthy Over the Holidays

Written by Trisha Patel, CSUN Dietetic Intern

The holidays are rapidly approaching and with that comes fun, family, food and the traditional layer of “warmth” we begin to carry throughout the winter. This year, why not try something new. Instead of living in fear of the upcoming festivities, let’s enjoy every minute of them while making smart and healthy decisions, without missing out on any of the holiday fun!  With these quick and easy tips and tricks you will not only be able to make healthy decisions, but also pack in the same amount of fun and memories, if not more!

Tip 1:

  • Pace yourself. With the many courses of meals coming your way, each topping the last, pace yourself between each meal. Instead of serving yourself a full portion of each dish give yourself a taster. You would much rather try everything out than be sick to your stomach full of goodies.

Tip 2:

  • Head outdoors. Here in sunny southern California it is easy to head outdoors almost all year round. Don’t stop just because it’s the holidays. Grab your family and friends and head out for a hike or stay indoors and engage in a fun game of twister. Whatever you choose, stay active and keep moving. Not only does this help keep your endorphins up, but it also helps prevent slipping into the oh-so common holiday “food coma.”

Tip 3:

  • Focus on the FRESH. With the countless dips, bakes, casseroles and more surrounding you, turn your attention instead to the FRESH. No matter where you go, keep an eye out for the fresh fruits and vegetables staggered around as décor. Not only will they keep you full, but they are also packed with key nutrients that will fight away any holiday blues.

With Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s coming around the bend, your schedule is slowly filling up with dinner parties, cocktail hours, family gathers and so much more. With each event the amount of food and variety increases, making each dish even more decadent than the last. With all of the deliciously dense dips and dressing floating around, covering veggies, crackers, cheese and more, it’s often hard to find one that you can enjoy all year round.  Well fret not because this fun and healthy dip will not only curb your rich and creamy cravings, but it will make you the star of your next potluck.

Avocado Feta Dip

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

  • ½ diced red onion
  • 1 diced seeded jalapeno
  • 1 avocado
  • 1 cup cilantro
  • ¾ cup feta cheese
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • Salt to taste

Directions:

In a medium saucepan sautee the onion and jalapeno until soft. In a blender, puree the cooked and cooled onion with the remaining ingredients until smooth. Serve with toasted bread and vegetables. ENJOY!

How to Stay Healthy on Campus

Part of staying healthy over the holidays is making sure you keep the stress of finals, the holidays, your families, and a new semester starting at bay. The best way to do so is to take advantage of the many resources on campus. If you find relief through releasing energy, then head on over to the Student Recreation Center (SRC)  to break a sweat and put your body at ease. Are you more of a relax and unwind person? Worry not, head on over the  Oasis Wellness Center for a relaxing massage, a small nap in the nap pods or even cupping and acupuncture to help relieve any pent-up stress within your muscles. Need a boost and kick start with some healthy recipes, head on over to the Marilyn Magaram Center’s Nutrition Experts website for countless Delicioso  videos to help you be the chef of your kitchen. The key to staying healthy is to listen and take care of your body from the inside out.

References
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/avocado-feta-dip-recipe-2105940

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