Staying fit over the holidays

This is usually the time of year that I notice a couple extra pounds on my body with a shrug, oh well, I'll lose it after the holidays. I'm not alone in this response.
Here are some veg-friendly tips for staying fit over the next few months.

If you do the cooking, you have more control over what you eat. Have dinner at your house. Opt for steamed greens and squash with cold-pressed oils and fresh herbs, in lieu of rich casseroles or complicated dishes. The flavor and simplicity of the veggies outweighs those complicated, fattening recipes. This is the time of year you can splurge on high-quality exotic oils like macadamia and avocado to add extra flavor. I like to sprinkle veggies with raw sesame seeds for an extra crunch. If you are visiting family, bring your own healthy dish or two so you can enjoy those while eating just a taste of the others. My favorite: steamed kabocha squash with parsley, olive oil and sesame. It's a hit!

Bring a meat alternative: Last year I brought vegetable pot pie to my carnivorous "in-laws'". I made a spelt crust and filled the pie with loads of fresh veggies. I was more than surprised to see nearly everyone take a helping and hearing the oohs and ahhs. Some people even took two helpings. Make a lot, you'll be surprised how willing people are to try the veg option.

Stay away from soy margarine and stick with heart-healthy oils and herbs. Make mashed potatoes with olive oil; even soy milk and soy butter will add extra calories. I like to place a dish of oil mixed with salt and herbs in the fridge until it turns hard and use this as a delicious buttery spread.

Say no to the roll. Offer baskets of pita wedges or homemade flax bread. If you are eating stuffing this holiday, then all the more reason to avoid that bread, there is no need to double-down. Keep in mind, oftentimes at Thanksgiving, stuffing is prepared inside the turkey. Gross! This year I'm going to take a stab at a raw nut-based stuffing with flax seeds and seasonings. I'll keep you posted with a recipe following the holiday.

Be inventive with cranberry sauce. One year my friend arrived at Thanksgiving with the most delicious homemade cranberry sauce made with spears of fresh rosemary and chunks of mandarin oranges. It was the best cranberry sauce I ever tasted and inspired me to never open that can of sugary jello-like sauce. Make your own being creative and use your sweetener preference, like agave or date syrups.

Don't shirk the salad! I was always given salad duty on the holidays for my knack of putting extraordinary ingredients into one giant bowl. Start with a mix of organic greens and go nuts. Sprouts, radish, shredded carrots, along with dried fruit and nuts always make a great base. Add an unusual veg like artichokes or avocado to make it that much better. Don't offer heavy dressings. Make a simple olive oil and lemon vinaigrette and no one will go without a huge helping of salad.

Egg Nog: For those of you who indulge in the typical eggnog, lighten it up with some soy milk. Yesterday at Whole Foods, I noticed that Rice Dream is making an eggnog for the holidays, that would be a better option than the rich-soy-based version. You can always water it down with some plain rice milk and don't forget the nutmeg for added energy!

Crudite: Avoid the rich cream-based dips, and load up on raw veggies. Make some flax chips to replace those fattening potato chips, served toasted pita wedges. Make your own vegan pate, by using a combination of veggies, nuts and spices, this also makes filling for tomorrow's sandwich. This year, I'm going to make a raw cashew-based sour cream and chive dip. Salsa, though not typically festive for these holidays, offers a refreshing flavor. Today, you can get all types of fruit salsas. Check out your local natural grocer to see what they have.

Dessert: Go easy. Have just one slice of pie. There's no need to deny yourself that delicious pecan pie after carefully saving calories all dinner. Opt for a homemade version, if you can. Eat fresh fruit also. It may seem lame to eat only one, but you'll be the only one with energy after mealtime.

Go for a walk. Holidays are a great time to catch up with that long lost relative. Offer to go for a walk around the block, play an active game with your niece or nephew. Alone in the big city? T-Day is great time to go window shopping! Keep off those extra pounds and spark your metabolism.

Have just two. Holidays are the time of year when we like to drink. Unfortunately, alcohol is loaded with empty calories. Have just two drinks, enjoy them, savor them, but say no to a third. Bring a high-quality wine to enjoy and when it is done, say no to more.

Most of all, have fun. Embrace the flavors of the harvest, sit back and laugh and eats lots of good food.