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Ramblings from behind the desk...
The closing of another year is just a few weeks away and this is now the time for self reflection on the year. I like to spend December thinking about my priorities and beginning the foundation of what is to come...the New Years resolution. Myself, I am always in a process of discovery and self reflection throughout the year but the end of one year and the beginning of another lays the foundation to a natural "beginning". I think the biggest mistake one can make is the "I'll wait until January" attitude, this opening up a type of indulgent behavior before the "date" arrives. I have gone down that path before and where it leads is a feeling of defeat and disappointment once January arrives. There becomes a feeling of now having to "catch up" from the Christmas indulgences and the idea of beginning a new routine begins to feel overwhelming.
I think a healthier approach and one that may lead to the fulfillment of resolutions is to slowly begin implementing them in December. This is not done rigidly but with kindness and forgiveness of the season. It is actually quite amazing the feeling of self power you will have when you are already going down your path while you see those around you in a haze of self destructive indulgent behavior. Think about the choices you are going to be making regarding your health over the next month and now think about making a commitment to choose options that are in line with your goals. These options are going to keep you on your path and not send you in the other direction. It is the little decisions that we make every day that dictates the life we lead, not the big ones.
So, the challenge is be the inspiration for your friends and family this holiday season and then to carry it forward with vigor into the new year. Honor your health and don't lose sight of the importance of maintaining it.
I hope you enjoy the articles and recipes I have included in the newletter and I look forward to seeing everyone throughout December.
Yours from behind the desk,
Monica
New Classes at the studio:
We have 3 new classes at the studio that I would hightly reccommend.
- Monday @ 6:00 Kelly Webb is teaching Core Conditioning
- Tuesday @ 6:00 Clinton Draper is teaching Pilates Mat
- Thursday @ 6:30 Meredith Elliot is teaching Meditation
All of these classes can be done as drop-in and are aimed for "all levels"
Healthy Holiday Eating
The December holidays are not like other holidays where there is only one day of feasting. In fact, it's more like a month of being surrounded by chocolate, desserts, alcohol, and other tasty temptations. 3,500 calories from food or drink will create one extra pound. Many of us will gain anywhere from three to seven pounds during this festive season. Most of the extra calories we will consume come from nibbling - the cookies your colleague takes into the office, the second glass of wine at the cocktail party, or the chocolate Santa or Menorah your child brings home from school. Despite our best efforts, healthy eating and exercising becomes a real challenge and a lower priority, particularly when we are surrounded by family and social events. Here are a few words of advice to help you win the war against holiday weight gain: More»
Holiday Recipes
- Mashed Cauliflowr "Potatoes"
- Lentil & Sweet Potato Stuffing
- Cinnamon Carrot Soup
- Quinoa Pilaf with Peas and Almonds
- Sweet Brown Rice Pilaf
- Scalloped Potatoes
- Mixed Holiday Nuts
- Vegan Eggnog
Nutritious Winter Squash Adds Variety
Deciding what food to prepare everyday can be a daunting task in many families. With different palates to please, and limited time to plan and prepare, cooking may become less than enjoyable. We often return to the same old "tried and true" recipes to save time and avoid meal-time battles. All too often, however, this raises the inevitable chorus of: "We're eating this again?" If your family meals need a shake up, turn to autumn harvest vegetables for a quick-fix solution to meal time boredom.
Winter squash are now readily available at your local grocery stores and farmer's markets. Winter squash are versatile and economical - one squash can go a long way - and can be easily incorporated into sweet or savory main dishes, sides, and desserts. More »
Naturally Fighting the Flu
Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection of the 
throat, nose, bronchial tubes, lungs, and middle ear. Instances of influenza usually occur during the fall and winter months simply because the virus survives better in lower humidity. Cold weather also makes the nasal passage lining more susceptible to viral infection.
The virus enters the body through mucous membranes in the nose, eyes, or mouth. It is mainly spread by coughing or sneezing, but you can easily catch the flu by touching something with the virus on it (like a doorknob, money, or your remote control), then touching your eyes, mouth or nose. More »
If you would like to include some interesting articles or fabulous recipes in our next newsletter please send them to info@balancevictoria.com