Valentine’s Day

I believe most people love to have a reason to celebrate. Valentine’s Day for many means a card, box of candy and or a dinner out including alcohol and dessert. Sometimes we need to make an effort to make new traditions and habits. I am firm believer that we should be able to enjoy some treats in moderation.  Moderation representing portions and frequency. A little snack everyday will help with binge control and the inner joy we need since there is so much pressure to perform to perfection. If we are eating an out of the ordinary meal we should plan in advance to choose a particular indulgence. Maybe skip fatty appetizers, go for a clear broth soup or a really nice salad of mixed greens (little or no dressing). Maybe you just really love that french onion soup…think about the contents, is that how you want to spend your calories? You only have so much need for calories in a day. It is a physical challenge to make up for overdoing it with too many unnecessary calories, but I little extra can be shaved off the next day. It takes a really tough workout to work off too many extra calories, so that would not be good mental reasoning. If you would like alcohol, those are calories that add up quick and have no nutrients. You can do that, but I say, “there’s your dessert”. We always have choices and we are free to make them and then live with the consequences. Decide what your long term goals are and make sure your daily decisions are in line with their progress.  Consider alternative activity for Valentine’s Day, go indoor rock climbing, bowling, roller skating. See a show, play a game (I love scrabble) take a walk. Enjoy the company of those you love and make happy memories… they are calorie free.