October – Soups, Sweaters and the Beginning of the Holiday Food Battle

October is my favorite month out of the year. It’s full of birthdays (including mine) and Halloween gives us an excuse to decorate and get dressed up. The weather begins to turn cooler here in Southern California — Not cool and crisp like back home, but still just what I’ve been waiting for. Now I can turn to sweaters and soups, pull out the crock pot, and start planning for the holidays. The downside of October? It’s also the beginning of the holiday food battle, when full candy dishes calling my name turn up on desks, holiday parties seem to be scheduled every weekend and that comfort food I start craving can disguise loads of calories and fat. What’s a girl to do? I try to avoid the candy dishes and focus on a healthier diet, so if I do indulge here and there, it doesn’t bust me out of my favorite dress. I also make substitutions in my favorite comfort foods to cut fat and calories while still keeping the flavor (it helps to work with dietitians that love to cook). When I don’t feel like cooking, which is quite often, I can also take advantage of our website to find some comforting and healthy dining options at restaurants.

How do you manage your diet during the holiday? What’s your go-to restaurant for healthy comfort food?