Hooray for 2011

All I want for Christmas and New Year is… to have a problem-free body. Here are some eating strategies to leave you feeling your best.

1. EAT GOOD CARBS.
The blah feeling we get is related to a lack of serotonin. If you eat carbs in a calorie-controlled way, your brain can restore its serotonin to what it was in the summer.

Eating a carb-based, 150-to200-calorie, low-fat snack in the late afternoon (when moods tend to be their lowest). Make it something with substance- try a satisfying instant oatmeal. A small sweet potato, whole-grain toast with a bit of jam, or a snack-size bag of pretzels are other healthy carb sources. Large amount of protein can interfere with serotonin production, so avoid eating protein-heavy foods for a few hours before your carb-rich snack.

2. RESIST BUFFETS.
People seem more willing to splurge on food during the holidays. We’re happy to tell you that you’re better off spending your hard-earned money elsewhere. Buffets can be breeding ground for germs, when you’ve got people snacking directly from serving dishes or double-dipping. Gross much. Just think of this way: You’ll definitely cut back on a lot of calories.

3. DRINK WATER.
You’ll win major fitness points for working out during the holidays, but beware: Exercising in air-conditioned gyms or working out at dawn can trick your whole system. You still sweat, but the dried air zaps perspiration away before you even notice. That can lead to dehydration.

Replace the fluids you’re losing. Weigh yourself before and after workout. For every pound you lose, drink 2 cups of fluid. Water and sports drinks are best bets, but caffeinated beverages hydrate just as well as noncaffeinated ones.

4. SLURP SOUP.
Your brain knows that eating raises your body temperature and warms you up, so it sends out signals encouraging you to eat. Keep your pantry stocked with low-calorie, high-density foods that fill you up faster.

Water is the biggest influence of calorie density, so when you eat fruits and vegetables and broth-based soups-things packed with water-you’ll feel more satisfied. Water rich foods like melon and mushrooms stay there longer. There’s a mental component too: Your brain takes note that a large bowl of soup looks like more food than a small doughnut, even if they contain equal calories.

5. BE FRIENDS WITH FAT.
Weather changes and blast-freeze airconditioning indoors lead to dry, flaky skin. While lotion is a great remedy, changing your diet can prevent parching in the first place. “Fat is a nutrient that protects all cells, including your skin cells”. If you consume too little fat, your skin becomes brittle. Add omega-3 fatty acids to your diet by eating fish like salmon a few times a week to keep skin soft.

Score your dose of vitamin E, by sancking on almonds, or pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

6. HAVE A TEA PARTY.
Green tea is essential in warding off various ailments, including diabetes, heart disease, lung and endometrial cancer. The drink’s power lies in its antioxidants known as catechins. This beverage lowers psychological distress by 20 percent if you drink 5 or more cups a day.