Do you find yourself both looking forward to, and yet dreading, the holidays? If so, you are not alone. Many people find the stress of planning holiday gatherings, shopping for gifts, and running the household while working a full time job makes them tired and cranky. Did you know that there may actually be a biological reason behind your bad mood? According to Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D. (author of Potatoes Not Prozac), two holiday villains in particular — sugar and alcohol — wreak havoc with your blood sugar system. You might get a quick "lift" from some Christmas cookies at the office, but you may soon find yourself craving a cup of coffee or a piece of pie just to help you feel a bit more alert. Whatever goes up must come down, and that's particularly true of your blood sugar. And as your blood sugar level crashes, so does your energy level and your spirits. So what’s a person to do? Try these easy tips:
 
  Increase your consumption of fiber foods like fresh vegetables, salads and fruit. Try adding canned pears to a number of hot and cold dishes. Canned pears are a great source of potassium, fiber and contain no cholesterol. And, best of all, a one-cup serving packed in juice has only 123 calories!

Changing your daily routine can also help stabilize your blood sugar and your mood, so try these holiday stress-reducers:

Consume smaller portions of protein and add more B-complex vitamins to your daily diet. Foods rich in B-complex vitamins include beans and peas, dark-green leafy vegetables, whole-grain cereals and dairy products.
  • Exercise three times a week for at least 10 minutes. Make it something fun, like dancing — it burns the calories and sparks your creative side
  • Avoid caffeine if possible; if not, try to keep intake to one cup of coffee, tea or soda a day
  • Try something new, even if it’s taking a new route to work or wearing a color you’ve never tried before
  • If you feel down, don't ignore your feelings — talk with someone you trust
Be sure to drink a lot of water, at least four full glasses a day (especially between meals) and allow at least three hours after eating before going to bed.
When hosting a gathering, make healthful food and drink alternatives available to your guests, such as pretzels and sliced veggies instead of chips. Salsa is a great substitute for cheese or sour cream dips, sorbet beats ice cream, and ginger ale and apple cider are sparkling alternatives to high-sugar alcohol beverages.
 
   

Did you know that all Pacific Northwest canned pears are Bartletts? This hardy pear, first developed by an English schoolmaster named Mr. Stair in 1765, is best suited to handle the canning process without sacrificing any of its delicious flavor or firm texture.
 
 
 

Try some of these pear-fectly delicious recipes to help you beat the sugar blues and stay healthy over the holidays.

 

Makes 12 servings
1 pound bread dough, thawed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 can (15 ounces) pear halves or slices, drained and diced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaf
1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
 

Serves 4
4 cups mixed salad greens, torn into bite-size pieces
1 can (15 oz) sliced pears, drained and juice reserved
3/4 pound cooked white turkey meat, cut into 1/4 in thick strips
Dressing:
1/4 cup cranberry sauce, jellied or whole berry
3 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoon reserved pear juice
salt and pepper to taste

Roll dough to fit a 13x19-inch baking pan; press dimples all over surface with finger tips. Brush dough with olive oil. Scatter with diced pears; sprinkle with thyme and cheese. Bake at 400 degrees F 12 to 15 minutes or until crust is browned and cheese melts.
Nutrients Per Serving (1/12 of recipe): Calories 143, Protein 5 g, Carbohydrates 24 g, Fiber 2 g, Fat 4 g, Cholesterol 3 mg, Sodium 262 mg
   

In large bowl, combine greens, pears and turkey; toss gently. In small bowl, combine dressing ingredients; mix until well blended. Drizzle dressing evenly over salad before serving.
Note: Dressing may be doubled. Store extra dressing in refrigerator in jar with tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously before serving.

Nutrients Per Serving: Calories 303, Protein 27 g, Carbohydrates 24 g, Fiber 3 g, Fat 12 g, Cholesterol 73 mg, Sodium 204 mg, Calories from fat 34%
   
   
 

Sources: www.health.org; www.selfhelpforher.com; www.pearandwine.com; www.cheftalk.com

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