As the April showers usher in the blooming May flowers, we begin preparations for the Passover festivities. Like a kid in a candy store we rush to the supermarkets whose aisles are lined with a myriad of matzahs, jars of jellied gefilte fish, and packaged potato flour, Yum-Oy! We pulsate with anticipation and stock up on all the Pesach goodies. Spotlessly scrubbing our homes from ceiling to floor of any leftover challah crumbs we are meticulous about insuring a chametz-free zone. But, do we implement such discipline when it comes to our bodies? Do we make sure our own temple is just as clean from “impurities”? Perhaps, we can use this Spring cleaning to reflect on our health habits and ponder whether or not we sometimes fall prey to over-indulgence..especially around the holidays?
Holidays often call for family and friends to gather around a delicious display of home-cooked meals. Stews simmer, breads bake, and kitchen aromas align to embrace us in their comfort and warmth. Our eyes begin to feast the colorful dishes as we are about to experience the ultimate culinary cornucopia. As the evening eventually tapers down though a slumber slowly slips its way into our limbs. Caressing our satiated bellies we take a deep breath and promise ourselves that after tonight we will banish ourselves to the diet inferno! Does this sound like familiar scenario? While our ancestors battled the 10 plagues we are stricken with the 10-pound battle of the bulge! As much as feasting ferociously and holidays make a great shiduch…we often end up feeling like a matzoh ball at the end of the night! We don’t have to become slaves to gluttony however. You can still enjoy all of the delectable delicacies, including your grandma’s lip-smacking scrumptious potato kugel! With just a smidgeon of discipline you can have your mouthwatering macaroon and eat it too..minus the guilt!
A Dash of Discipline
Do holidays give us licence to lose control? Why are we so obedient when we must fast, or refrain from consuming chametz? However, as soon as it’s time to eat, restraint goes out the window? Remember to listen to your body, chew slowly and really savor each bite.
Don’t try to starve yourself the day of the seder to only gorge yourself later that evening. By the time dinner starts you’ll be so ravenous you will devour everything.. including the bone shank! Follow these strategies to help you prevent a culinary coma:
Please Pass the Greens
If there is anything you should stuff yours belly with first and foremost it is the greens! Surprise, surprise! Fill half of your plate with non-starchy vegtables (potatoes don’t count) whether it is raw or cooked veggies. Prepare dishes with as many vegetables possible because they will fill you up with fiber and water. That means, less room for dessert..
Go Fish!
If you’re like me and you go meshugas for gefilte fish then enjoy! Fish is not only great for your sechel, it is also an excellent source of lean protein that will provide you with long-lasting satiety. Stick to one serving if you plan to eat any more meat dishes later in the evening.
Drink Water
Must you serve or drink that neon-orange corn-syrup flavored concoction?! Your body and waistline will be eternally grateful for saving it from unnecessary calories and artificial additives. Drink filtered water instead. About a half hour before the seder drink an eight-oz. glass of water and you will be surprised that you will want to eat less. Don’t drink during meals to allow for better digestion. You may want to wait at least 30-40 minutes after your meal to sip on some water or hot tea.
Sip on Soup
Sipping on some hot broth is one of the best ways to start your evening meal, especially if its swimming with lots of scrumptious green veggies. After a small bowl of steaming soup you may find that your belly is quite satisfied. Enjoy one delicious matzoh ball for the sake of tradition, but just one..
Schmooze More, Eat Less
Temptations abound and as we feast with our eyes each dish beckons us for a nibble. Instead of piling your plate with a mound of morsels enjoy just a small sample. Remember that it takes twenty minutes for our brains to tell our stomach “Enough motek! I’m full!” so chew slowly. Where’s the rush? For example, take 1 spoonful of the braised carrots, 1 small square of the potato kugel and 3 oz of the brisket. Put your fork down between each bite and enjoy some schmoozing before you dig in again. How was Moshe’s bar mitzvah or uncle Shmooly’s Florida vacation?.. If you crave another bite or two, fill the rest of your plate with non-starchy greens. Commit to eating just a plateful of the foods you choose without going back for seconds, unless you enjoy that inflated feeling.
Mind your Matzoh
Although it is customary to consume a certain amount of matzoh on Pesach, must you eat an entire box?! Before you reach for another scrumptious sheet of flour and water ask your body if you really need that extra piece. Really, put your hand on your bloated belly, close your eyes and listen to what your body says. I think we both know the answer to this one..
Pass-Over Dessert
You have 51 weeks out of the year to enjoy buttered pastries and sugary treats so why not give your body a well-deserved break? Do you really have any room left over for that potato starch plagued coconut macaroon? Chances are you are simply succumbing to indulgence and temptation. Ok, it’s Pesach so take one and nibble slowly while still schmoozing. Remember tomorrow night you must prepare for another marathon of macaroons…
Take the rest of the week to focus on consuming lots of vegetables, fresh fruits, and lean proteins like eggs, unsweetened lowfat yogurt, poultry and fish. Limit yourself to one matzoh per meal and try to refrain from sweets and fried foods. Mind your portions and drink a lot of water, not the color-carbonated crap. Maybe you can squeeze in some zumba or yoga and before you know it you’ll be on your way to dietary redemption! May you all have a delicious Hag Sameach!
Until we schmooze again I wish you all Healthy Cravings and a Bon Appetit!
