Client Login

Food Thought

 

Give Flowers, Not Chocolates!

It’s amazing….the candy canes and marshmallow Santas have moved to the supermarket’s discount bins as the shelves are restocked with Easter eggs.  Chocolate bunnies compete for shelf space against love heart ‘Valentine Day’ chocolates.  As a thank you gift, a ‘cheer up’ token or a birthday wish, food is constantly exchanging hands.  Here are some easy tips for Creating Healthy Gift giving:   

  1. Lead by example…
  1. Get creative!
  1. Spread the word about a healthy lifestyle…
     

1. Lead by example...

I am constantly telling my 4 year old son to “treat others as you would like to be treated”.  Many clients tell me about spouses who bring home boxes of chocolates to celebrate their partner’s weight loss achievement.  Think of other ways to spoil loved ones.  Resist the temptation to grab a box of chocolates (especially a cheap box) and get more creative with your gift giving. 

2. Get creative!

Give flowers, not chocolates. Think of gifts that will help, not hinder a healthy lifestyle.  Give delicious healthy foods instead of sometimes foods.  A bowl of fresh summer fruits or a pot of basil or rosemary.  A punnet of fresh raspberries or blueberries are a real treat in my family.

3. Spread the word about a healthy lifestyle... 

Tell your friends and family about creating a healthy lifestyle.  Spread the word about how energized and great you feel from healthy eating and regular physical activity. I recently received an email from a client who was bemused after receiving a huge box of chocolates from a family member for Christmas.  For my birthday two weeks ago I received flowers and a range of exotic fruit plants (but perhaps I’m type cast??).

When people ask if they can bring anything to your next dinner party suggest fruit, flowers or a donation to charity rather than leave it to chocolate chance.   

So what to do with your leftover Christmas or birthday chocolates?   

  1. If they are one of your absolute favorites – share them and savor them.

Eat them slowly and really enjoy them.  Make sure to share with family and friends. And make them last!   

  1. If they are not your favourites – don’t waste your calories on them! 

Donate them to charity, save them for guests or, although I hate to suggest it, re-give the gift. 

Quote of the Month:

The best time to get healthier is right now!

Kate Wengier