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Green Living During the Holidays |
| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Dec 04 2008 at 10:32 AM |
Here are some tips to help keep things simple, healthy and green during a stressful time of year.
Meal Prep and Clean Up: Handling preparations for a large holiday feast? Buy local and organic, plan the menu based on the number of guests, and cook as many items as you can in the oven at one time. Keep the oven door shut as much as possible to save on electricity and keep the oven temperature constant, and use the oven light and window to check on baking items. Use the microwave for side dishes or a slow cooker. Stuff the dishwasher and scrape instead of rinsing dishes, compost veggies and fruits, and use the bones from the holiday meal to make soups, use leftover sides for other meals. Be sure to send extras home with guests.
Healthy Holiday Eating: From holiday meals to snacking at parties, eating during the holidays can easily add up to a larger waist band. Make the effort to eat smaller, more frequent meals and lots of salads during the non-stop month of celebrations. Also be sure to minimize the amount of sauce used on foods, and eat a light meal at home first – don't wait until big main meal. Trade out high-calorie items such as rich salad dressing for a sweet dessert. Also be aware of portion sizes, and take home some leftovers for another meal.
Simple Exercise: Each December we are bombarded with ads and commercials for gym memberships promoting healthy exercise in the New Year, but why wait until then? Take a walk with the dog or by yourself after a big meal, or offer to help with dishes and clean-up. Do some extra laps with your holiday gifts in tow, or volunteer your time to an organization to keep you moving.
The holidays can be fun or stressful, depending on your state-of-mind. Keep it simple, and remember that it is possible to stay healthy and green while you enjoy this festive time of year.
provided by Katrina Pfannkuch
Writer, editor and owner, Buzzword Communications, LLC
www.buzzwordonline.com
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