Keeping Yourself on Track While Holiday Shopping

holiday goodiesWe've all been there. It's like something happens to you when you get inside a mall. The food court, the coffee carts, the kiosks of roasted nuts, dipping dots, Cinnabon! It's almost too much for one to bear. It's blustery and you're enveloped in Christmas... all you wanna do is be comforted. Well, you won't be thinking comfort when you can't get yourself into your dress for the office Christmas party.

Try to restrain yourself while at the mall, would ya? Of course, you want to participate in all the holiday fun, but try to eat before you go out shopping or bring some snacks in your bag with you when your friends are cramming their faces full of Hot Dog in a Stick. But, we know this isn't always feasible. Sometimes, you just find yourself hungry without being prepared. Using a few sources, I've gathered some of the best choices in "mall food" (or fast food) that you can pick so you don't totally lose momentum.

Schlotsky's Oatmeal Raisin Cookie - Raisins supply trace iron and tons of potassium. The oatmeal provides a gram of fiber. (150 calories, 5 gm of fat, 3 POINTS)

McDonald's Apple Pie - Apples contain vitamin A and lots of fiber. (260 calories, 13 gm fat, 6 POINTS)

Auntie Annie's Whole Wheat Pretzel This one is by far one of the best choices, loaded with fiber -- but ditch the dips! Get it with no butter and light or no salt for lower sodium and calories. If your location doesn't have whole wheat, get the original. Less fiber, but still a healthier choice than let's say, the Cheddar Cheese or the frosted Cinnamon Raisin. (350 calories, 1.5 gm of fat, 7 fiber, 6 POINTS)

Wendy's Frosty - I love these damn things. When I'm PMSing, I save points so I can get a junior size. It kills me chocolate cravings in no time. Plus, one Frosty has over 240 milligrams of calcium! (small, 12 oz size - 330 calories, 8 gm fat, 7 POINTS)

Cinnabon Minibon - If you just must (and sometimes you must, I know this), get the MiniBon. There's something to be said for the premenstrual health benefits of cinnamon... so that's something, right? (300 calories, 11 gm of fat, 45 gm carbohydrates, 7 POINTS)

Try to opt for the healthier choices that most fast food places have to offer these days. Chicken sandwiches, salad (watch the dressing!) instead of choosing the higher fat items. And don't forget to beware of frou frou coffee drinks.

You can do this, you can make it through the holidays without totally derailing, but still enjoy yourself. Remember this is a change in your life, this is how you live now, this isn't a diet. Sometimes Cinnabon happens, just don't beat yourself up over it and try your best to make a healthy choice. Think before you order, consider the consequences and decide if it's worth it.

We know that you are.