Making a List, Checking It Twice

There’s nothing more hectic than grocery shopping during the week of Christmas. My sister was shopping at a busy store once on Christmas Eve. The checkout lines were jammed with people who were ignoring one another. Suddenly someone from the back of one of the lines yelled, “Merry Christmas, everyone!” A chuckle rippled over the crowd, and everyone loosened up. It was Christmas! A time to celebrate, even in the middle of a hectic shopping trip. Strangers started talking and laughing, and the whole mood of the store changed.

Grocery shopping is one kind of shopping that can’t be done early. While some of my family might have their Christmas presents purchased and wrapped by July, the groceries can’t be rushed. At some point we have to face the crowds and long lines if we are going to eat.

I need a list before I go shopping or I usually buy things I did not intend, and forget the things I need. This year, I am adding a few healthy items to the Christmas grocery list. Don’t get me wrong—I like to load the table with sweets and meats at Christmastime as much as the next person. Still, sometimes we eat what is before us simply because it’s there. If we are given some healthy choices, it can only help, can’t it?

Sliced cucumbers are a nice refreshment on a Christmas Eve buffet. When you’ve had one piece of fudge too many, cucumbers cleanse the pallet and help dilute the simple sugar spike in the blood. Olives are good for satisfying a fat-craving as naturally as possible. They are also a crowd-favorite. Baby pickles are good nibblers for some tangy salt without the fat. There are many other nutritious foods that are very tasty. Can you think of some?

This year when you make out your grocery shopping list, add a few nutritious favorites. You might be surprised how good those healthy snacks will taste after consuming the rich holiday food.