For me, Christmas isn’t all about gifts and giving, Christmas is much more about seeing my family. Traditionally we drink good wine and eat decadent food.  I love it! I fly into Toronto from LA to see everyone and spend some quality time together. Family is my number one, they are my foundation and very much apart of me, and although they are definitely not as healthy as the LA freak I have become, I try my best to show them and inspire them to clean up recipes and get a bit more active.

As you all probably already know, I’m a health and fitness nut.  I’m in the gym 1-3 hours a day 5-7 days a week throughout the year, not because I feel like I have to, or want to lose weight (I love my body and where I’m at) but because I love it! I don’t just go “get my workout over with”, I enjoy sweating it out on the mat, pumping iron with the boys in the club, spinning my heart out, doing ballet, dancing in Zumba class, whatever the physicality, I love every part of it!!  Some days Keith has to drag me out of the gym because I’ve been in there all day, which I know sounds a tad extreme, but it’s more than just my passion, it’s my way of life and always has been – when I was a kid I was in the dance studio 5 hours a day 6 days a week, on top of track and all the teams I would play on.

I’m generally a very healthy person, because I like to be, I like the way I feel when I’ve been good to my body.  I give myself breaks and do restorative stuff, not everything I do is at 150%, there are a lot of times I just do breath work, passively stretch and meditate or go for a calming hike.

Wherever possible I do my best to stay on track.  On the plane ride to Toronto, I packed all my own food; apples, think thin protein bars and a few snack packs of nuts, celery and carrots.

I’ve learned over the years to “say no” and avoid stuff that I may be temped to eat, I don’t fill the house with chocolates and cheese because it’s just not my strong suit.  I’m pretty lucky I don’t work 9-5 where I have to maneuver through all the holiday treats (for those of you who do have to, I know it’s hard)!

I don’t go to many holiday parties where I would be drinking a lot.  This year I stayed away from all my favorite Toronto nighttime Hot spots.  Maybe I’m getting older, but I thoroughly enjoyed a few casual lunches and dinners with just a glass of wine or two and then home to bed.

I don’t eat a ton of heavy carbohydrates because I don’t like the full lethargic feeling I get when I eat that way.   I do go down for some heavenly heaviness, from time to time; I love me a good sandwich or a (Toronto made) pizza, which since landing here I’ve sure had my fair share, but I’ve also learned a little trick called portion control.  I thoroughly enjoy such items, but I could never eat them every day.

I have taken a break from my usual amount of hours I log per day in the gym, although I’ve managed to get a few full body workouts in throughout the week.  At home, I’ve had Dad doing yoga in the living room (he’s not a fan) and I’ve been at it doing our traditional kitchen dancing (when I was a kid we would kitchen dance every Friday night); everything from the tango, salsa to teaching Mum how to “Dougie” and this year for Christmas I got my Mum the Zumba game for PS2 and

I have a bit of a sweet tooth but I can’t even stomach the thought of sugary candy.  I love baking my own homemade treats; this year I made 4 different kinds of cookies and an apple crisp.  I’ll eat some of course, maybe a bite or two after dinner, tis the season after all! For me I love to give a lot of these special treats away.  Throughout the year, I prefer apples, dried fruits (my favorite are medjool dates) and dark chocolates as my kind of sugary treat.

My dad has been trying to feed me Canadian bacon the entire time I’ve been here, but I’m no pork eater, it just doesn’t appeal, too high in the wrong kind of fat and sodium. I’m looking forward to our turkey dinner, which I’ve been preparing with Mum all day.  This year I did a veggie casserole, baked zucchini, sweet potatoes and beets, I’ll probably only have just a tablespoon of the stuffing because I made it and I know it’s not healthy and I’ll avoid the mashed potatoes all together. I’m content with just eating turkey and all the veggies.

I hope you have all had a beautiful holiday, and a very merry Christmas Day. I LOVE a fresh clean slate and a new start, so whether you are starting now or have been at it for a while – I wish you nothing but the best!  Every achievement and accomplishment is a step in the right direction no matter how big or small. I’m looking forward to attaining my goals and fulfilling my dreams and of course crushing it in 2012.  Peace and LOVE!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

ALG

Ps Do YOGA