ROUSES_Holiday2018Magazine-FINAL.indd

by ESTHER ELLIS, MS, RD, LDN

There are only so many tips to give — holiday baking swaps, tips for not gorging yourself at the holiday party — that I think I become a bit holidayed out. I could tell you how many calories are in your favorite dishes or suggest you eat a salad first to fill yourself up prior to the big feed — but I think you’ve heard it before, and I’m pretty sure you know what to do. Isn’t it funny how much emphasis we put on these two months? Coordinating family schedules, cooking the perfect meal, buying the perfect gift, planning parties — and, of course, stressing over a couple of added pounds. A recent survey by Healthline found that one of the biggest holiday stressors is healthy eating and exercise, second only to concerns about finances. The holidays are supposed to be a joyous time, filled with cheer, not fear. Too often we get in our heads and forget to enjoy the moments as they come. If we can attempt to declutter our brains and be present in the moment,maybe we’ll be present with what we choose to eat as well.This holiday season, I challenge you to worry less about what’s next and focus on what’s now. One way to do this is to practice mindful eating, which I’ve mentioned before. A practical way to incorporate mindful eating is to frequently check in with yourself during a meal: Are you still enjoying the food? Are you still hungry? If not, don’t feel the need to finish every- thing on the plate. Take time to practice gratitude for the effort it took to get your food from the farm to your plate, and always try to eat free from distractions like cell phones and television. Before you reach for the snacks, only allow yourself to pick your very favorite, no matter if it’s a chocolate chip cookie or a piece of fruit.This way, you truly enjoy what you eat and feel satisfied. Incorporating these tiny steps into your holiday (and everyday) eating routine will help you be more present in the moment. That way, you can feel good about your food choices, enjoy your company, and not worry so much about what’s to come or the New Year’s resolutions loom- ing just around the corner. AS A DIETITIAN, I’M ALWAYS SKEPTICAL OF WRITING FOR THE HOLIDAY ISSUE.

LOOK FOR THE LOGO Our registered dietitian has hand- picked more than 500 grocery items that have lower sodium, saturated fat, healthier fats, more fiber and less sugar. Just look for the Eat Right logo on the shelf tag or package.

GOOD-TO-GO

GROCERY STORE TOURS We offer complimentary tours designed to teach you how to shop your local Rouses. Tours are available by appointment. To schedule a tour, email eatright@ rouses.com. Food that’s good for you and tastes good too! Our Eat Right with Rouses meals, side dishes and snacks are created by our in-house chefs and registered dietitian. They’re sensi- bly sized, made with better-for-you ingredients and suited to specific dietary goals or restrictions. Options include high protein, low sodium, low calorie, dairy free and no added sugar.

EAT RIGHT HEALTH FAIRS

Our Eat Right health fairs are fun and educational and a great way to learn how healthy can taste good, too. Visit www.rouses.com to see what Eat Right events are going on in your neighborhood.

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