Monday, December 1, 2008

Om Gal on Your Side This Holiday Season

On one hand, the holidays are a magical time of year filled with the company of those we love, a spirit of generosity, and an annual opportunity for reflection and gratitude. On the other, it's a collective calendar hijacking wherein we lose weeks from our lives, spent battling the hoards at the mall, socializing with people with whom we otherwise wouldn't, over-indulging in less than wholesome food and drink, and forfeiting the routines and daily rituals that generally keep us sane. Overstatement? Perhaps.

Nevertheless, it's safe to say that at some point during the month ahead we'll all wish we had an elf or two to help us bear the load of our myriad holiday rites and responsibilities. A shopping elf to decipher who receives which sweater, toy, or trinket; an entertaining elf to stock the fridge, place flowers just-so in a vase, and bake the perfect dessert; or, perhaps, a simple handwriting elf, to mail the countless cards with nary the dot of a "i" from us.

While I possess some pretty sleek penmanship, I think it's best if I stick with what I know; therefore, allow me to introduce myself: The name is Om Gal, but for the purposes of your peace of mind this holiday season, I am your "Elf of Health," committed to bringing you one healthy, wholesome, om-savvy, yoga fabulous, fitness-inspired, life-simplifying tip, each day, throughout the holiday season. As always, feel free to add your own tips along the way.

Today's Tip: Volunteer to bring the veggies. Holiday parties don't have to be nutritional land mines, particularly if you have a hand in what's served. Bear in mind that what you eat the other 22 hours of the day has a greater impact on your body than a couple hours at the neighbors' house spent sipping egg nog; however, it's best to temper your indulgences with wholesome choices. If it's a house party, forego toting along a bottle of wine, and bring a large salad instead (include dried cranberries or figs for seasonal flair). Middle-eastern hummus platters are also cost effective and delicious options for feeding a group. Finally, bake crowd favorite No Pudge Brownies, and watch your list of friends multiply. Yes. They are that good. I don't lie about topics as serious as dessert.

Stay tuned for a new tip every day. I'll keep them short and sweet, just like, you know, elves.

2 comments:

Butterflymama said...

Omgal! You are one funny girl!

Hey! Have you heard of MC Yogi yet?

You need to check him out if you haven't already. He combines rapping with yoga philosophy and Hindu history with funky beats in the background. Some of the songs I can even play during my yoga class.

It's right up your alley - you know liking gangster rap and all - he's on itunes....now go get it and get down with yo' bad self ohmie!

Om Gal said...

Word. I'll check it out, mama. Thank you!