The holidays are notorious for unhealthy (albeit tasty) food and overeating…especially at the annual get-togethers. If you are hosting a holiday soiree, consider these healthy yet yummy holiday food tips I’ve gathered from various Utah catering companies.

• Skip the appetizers high in fat, sugar and calories (i.e. chips and dips). Serve shrimp and cocktail sauce, crudités, and fresh seasonal fruit.
• Use the light varieties of sour cream and butter in your cooking – you won’t be able to taste the difference!
• Sauté food in citrus juice, chicken juice, or balsamic vinegar instead of butter or oil.
• If you will be serving alcoholic beverages, opt for light beer or wine – all the taste without the calories and fat.
• Coffee and punch with low calories make great drinks for those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks.
• Use smaller plates and serving dishes. While there will be those guests who simply don’t get the hint, it could actually help reduce overeating among your guests.
• Reduce sodium by using herbs and spices instead of salt and using low-sodium options of cooking ingredients such as broth and butter.
• Applesauce or sugar substitutes (i.e. Splenda) can replace sugar in some baked goods without compromising taste.
• When serving meat, choose lean cuts and bake or grill them. Healthy but delicious meats include turkey, chicken, and fish.

It’s no secret that dancing is good for you – it burns calories, strengthens muscle, and gets your heart pumping. But did you know that certain types of dancing benefit different areas of the body?

photo courtesy ABC

Salsa Dancing

• Increases endurance and stamina
• Tones calf muscles
• Strengthens core

Belly Dancing

• Improves posture
• Can help and prevent lower back problems
• Tones muscle

Ballroom Dancing

• Cardio keeps your heart in shape
• Shapes arms and legs
• Builds stamina

Hip-Hop Dancing

• Since hip-hop is so widely varied, it can provide a myriad of benefits including the strengthen and lengthening of muscles, making you leaner and keeping your heart in shape given the amount of cardio it requires.

Ready to bust a move?  Here are the best tips to make sure you get, stay, and feel energized on the floor.

• Drink up!  H2O, that is.  Dehydration will trigger fatigue and sluggishness, so make sure you drink lots of water to replenish the fluids you’re losing through sweat.
• To combat tiredness and exhaustion, especially if you will be dancing for a prolonged period of time, try a supplement (such as Akavar) that is designed to boost energy levels.
• Make sure you get enough shut-eye every night.
• Avoid dancing if you’ve experienced even a slight injury - not doing so can make the injury worse and cause further damage.
• Make sure to stretch before an intense dancing workout.
• Wear the proper attire and footwear to avoid injury and keep you comfortable.

Ok. So maybe I won’t be THAT relaxed. But close enough!

• If you found that you have lost weight and your clothes don’t fit they way they should anymore, go buy some new clothes. Even if you haven’t hit your target weight yet, reward yourself. You should be able to feel great about yourself at every stage of your weight loss. I know that it can get a little expensive to buy a whole new wardrobe. So, consider wholesale clothing. This way, you can get them a lot cheaper, but you still look great.
• Find little ways to reward yourself for doing such a great job and for staying consistent with your fitness goals. You could treat yourself to a spa, a night out with friends, or even some personal time catching up on reading, sleep, or just relaxation.
• Remember that it is ok to have confidence in yourself, how you look, and your abilities. And when people compliment your weight loss, say “thank you” and don’t tell them how much more you have to lose. Be proud of what you have accomplished so far.

• One in four women has herpes and one out of every five men has herpes.
• Roughly 2/3 of all Americans who acquire herpes are under the age of 25.
• It is easier to transmit herpes male to female than it is female to male.
• Up to 1 million Americans are infected with genital herpes every year.
• There are more than 50 legitimate herpes dating sites available to those with the disease.
• The herpes virus has grown fastest among young white teenagers.
• In 1994, the combined costs associated with herpes was more than $237 million.

• Oatmeal. Oatmeal. Oatmeal. Oatmeal is one food that will leave you feeling full (in fact, more than four times as full as a croissant). So, heat up a bowl of oatmeal to take on the road or bring a bag of rolled oats to work to cook and eat at your desk. One of my favorites, Quaker Simple Harvest Maple Brown Sugar with Pecans.
• Eggs. Eggs are a low calorie, great source of protein. If you don’t have time to scramble them at home, try hardboiling a few ahead of time so they’re easy to grab on your way out the door. Serve with salt and pepper on a toasted whole-wheat English muffin.
• Grab-and-Go Cereal. Take a few minutes once a week to put together bags of cereal, nuts, and dried fruit to snack on if you’re pressed for time. You can even bring the bag to work and eat it with yogurt or milk.
• Think Outside the Box. Eat what sounds good. If a turkey sandwich sounds delicious at 8:00, go for it. There’s no rule that states “must eat cereal for breakfast.” Another healthy alternative is a PB&J on whole wheat bread. Come on, live a little.
• Sweet Tooth? Avoid the bakery temptation and plan ahead of time. Pack a slice of whole-grain toast spread with peanut or almond butter and a little honey in a sandwich bag (fold it in half to make it less messy). Not only is this snack protein packed (so you’ll be left filling fuller, longer) but it’s a healthy alternative to muffins, coffee cake, or bagels.

Green Tea - Used for centuries because it was believed to have powerful healing properties, green tea has actually been shown to aid in the prevention of a myriad of health ailments, such as strokes, gum disease, and even bad breath.  Some studies suggest green tea can even help protect against certain forms of cancer including stomach and esophageal cancers.  Green tea can be found at any grocery store or supermarket.

Lavender - The lavender herb originates from the Mediterranean basin but today can be found throughout the world.  The oil derived from the lavender flower is the most effective and important medical component and offers a wide range of healing properties.  It used used to treat both mental and physical ailments.  Lavender is used to treat depression, anxiety, and nervousness.  Since lavender is one of the few essential oils that can be applied to skin undiluted, it is also said to help alleviate skin irritations, such as eczema, rashes, and burns.  My absolute favorite place to get lavender is the D. Gary Young Young Living Lavender Farm, located in Mona, UT.  Young Living also owns lavender farms in Idaho, Ecuador, and France.  But you don’t have to travel far that far to get lavender…just visit your local nursery or garden center.

Olive Oil - Olive oil has a high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids and has been proven to help prevent heart disease and control levels of LDL cholesterol (the “bad” kind).  Extra virgin olive oil also contains high levels of antioxidants and Vitamin E.

Honey - Another favorite healing commodity over the centuries, honey was used to treat wounds up until the second world war because of its antibacterial properties.  A thin layer of honey on the skin is said to disinfect and heal minor skin lesions.

Essential Oils - While they should not be used as a substitute for conventional medicine, essential oils can cure a wide range of minor ailments at home.  Some are used as anti-inflammatories or topical antiseptics while others can be used to as anti-depressants or analgesics.

Another way to protect yourself from the sun is by wearing a gardening hat.  To stay happy, healthy, and young-looking protect and love your skin.