Holiday season is upon us, and what better time to eat, drink and be merry!
December is the one time of the year where everyone relaxes their healthy intentions and enjoys high-calorie treats. But while Canadians take their festivities seriously, the extra portions of sugar and fat dont come without a serving of guilt for the average health-conscious person kind of a shame when you think about it.
I mean tis the season, after all!
Ive been following the Norwegian butter crisis with interest you may have read that the country has run out of their Christmas staple.
This summer was wetter than usual, which resulted in reduced dairy production. Sales all of a sudden just soared, says Lars Galtung, head of communications at TINE (the countrys biggest farmer-owned co-operative) to Reuters. Twenty per cent in October then 30 per cent in November.
In addition, the Atkins diet craze of high-fat, low-carbohydrate intake swept the nation a few months ago with weight-conscious Norwegians the trend that most Canadians retired over a decade ago.
So why the big deal? According to Vancouverite Elisabeth Forsaa, who emigrated from Norway in 2008, it might be something to do with the fact that Canadians celebrate with food much more frequently.
Here in Canada there seem to be a lot more opportunities to feast on turkey dinners and load up on sugary treats. Christmas in Norway is the one main festivity. We go all-out once a year, and choose lighter alternatives the other times, she explains.
But despite Norways butter crisis becoming the butt of all jokes on talk shows in every language, theres something we can learn:
Embrace the season.
Choose the full-fat ingredients once a year and indulge in the ingredients that our nation grew up on, suggests Forsaa.
When you treat treats as a treat, youre satisfied with less. Which brings me to the next point. . .
Eat less, enjoy more!
Remember as kids being able to taste the different colours of Smarties? You may have even traded colours between siblings as it mattered that much.
So, instead of throwing a handful of Smarties in your mouth, try eating one at a time.
Savour the sweet.
Choose the full-fat version.
Yes, you can eat the turkey without the skin, make the vegetables without butter and skip dessert. But why not eat the full-fat version once a year? Just only have a small serving
Norwegians are not afraid of natural fats, they love their butter and cream, Galtung told Reuters.
Jump on a bike.
The Municipality of Oslo recently purchased 3,000 bikes for the city to stay fit.
While Vancouver is cold during winter months, its mild enough to bike for transportation. Skip the bus, leave the car at home and embrace active transportation.
Perhaps Canada would slim down if we savoured the full fat version again, and enjoyed the richness in its full taste sensation.
Food for thought!
Cat Smiley is an author, celebrity trainer and fitness spokesperson, specializing in weight loss. She consults in West Vancouver every Saturday. Book online at catsmiley.com.
