Health & Fitness

Health & F tness Eight Nights of Chanukah

By Tehila Soskel, RDN, CDN

Beautiful menorahs with flickering lights sparkle as you pass each window. The colorful decorations hang across your walls, and the house smells scrumptious. The stores are stocked with all types of delicious doughnuts, crispy latkes, and so much more. Everywhere you go it smells and feels like Chanukah.

I don’t know about you, but Chanukah is my favorite holiday. We are surrounded by family at parties, and there is so much happiness for all eight days – eight wonderful days and long nights that go by in a flash.

People often tell me that they find Chanukah to be difficult with so much being revolved around food. Bigger and more lavish dinners served each night; higher-calorie foods that are not usually served being offered each day.

If you ask me, I find Chanukah to actually be one of the easier holidays to stay on track with our diets. For most of us, the only meal that is bigger than usual is dinner. With all the other holidays, there are at least 2-3 meals a day which include washing on bread.

Firstly, it is important to remember to enjoy and appreciate the holiday and not let that be a reason to enjoy it any less.

Let’s discuss some ideas and tips to a healthier Chanukah while feeling our best. I want to preface by saying that everything is in moderation. You will not gain weight by having one latke, one doughnut, or a few chocolate coins. The key is to be able to enjoy, move on and be consistent.

Here are some tips to help you feel your best this Chanukah

1. Eat all your meals

Eat your regular breakfast and lunch as you would on any other day. Don’t skip. Skipping meals will cause you to overeat when you finally sit down at the meal.

2. Don’t save up all your calories

for one meal

Have you ever had a really busy day that you didn’t make time to eat and after running around you finally sat down to eat? Did you enjoy a regular portion as you would any other day? Or did you end up overeating more than usual?

Making sure to eat all your regular meals will help pace yourself instead of stuffing yourself when you finally sit down to eat.

In addition, try to not have the attitude that you’re going to save up your calories for a big meal later. Instead, have something light to hold you over. Some snack ideas include an apple with nut butter, vegjust because it’s in front of you.

Do you ever eat something out of boredom or because the serving plate is in front of you? If you are hungry and want it, enjoy it. But if you’re not hungry and don’t care much for it, try to skip it.

5. Contribute to the meal

Bringing a salad or a healthy dessert can be a good way to ensure you’ll be able to choose a healthier option. 6. Get moving

Move your body. It may be cold outside, but we can still bundle up and go outside for a bike ride, walk, or jog. Bundle up and get moving.

You also may be busier and not have as much time, so the best thing is to plan ahead.

Set realistic workout goals for yourself. For example: If you usually workout four times a week for 45 minutes, try to go two times a week for thirty minutes each time. If it’s less than that, it’s okay – try to move your body and get some exercise in. 7. Stay hydrated

We often mistake hunger for thirst. Make sure to be drinking at least 8-10 cups of water a day. 8. Sleep

Sleep is so important for our health, and most of us do not get enough of it. Studies have shown that almost half of adults do not get the recommended amount of sleep of 7 hours a night. Try turning off your phone or any other electronics at least an hour before bed. 9. Be realistic with your goals

If you try to restrict yourselves from everything, you will just want it all. Don’t make yourself crazy. The most important thing is to relax, enjoy the yom tov, and spend time with your family and friends. Learn to enjoy and be present.

I hope you find these tips helpful and focus on all the good things this yom tov. Remember to shift your focus to the more important things. If your meals don’t look the same as they usually do, or you don’t get to go to the gym as normal, move on. You’re human.

Have a freilechen Chanukah!

Bringing a salad or a healthy dessert can be a good way to ensure you’ll be able to choose a healthier option.

etables and hummus, low-fat yogurt with berries, and cottage cheese with whole wheat crackers. 3. Slow down

The table is filled with all types of delicious foods and desserts, and you want to try it all. Firstly, it’s important to realize that it takes our brains around 15-20 minutes to signal to our stomachs that we are full.

I recommend that you make a plate for yourself, sit down, and don’t rush through it.

A balanced plate may look as follows: half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, ¼ protein, and the other ¼ whole grains. 4. Choose your foods

Eat the foods you actually want, not

Tehila Soskel is a registered dietitian nutritionist with a private practice in the Five Towns. She sees clients for weight loss, diabetes, and other various diseases. Appointments can be made for in-person or virtual sessions: 516-457-8558, tehilasoskelrd@gmail.com, tehilasoskelnutrition.com.