Editor’s Note: Nice and Easy
This year is a challenging one for keeping on track, health-wise. Christmas and winter holidays have rolled right into Mardi Gras, which is early this year. That means it’ll be extra difficult to keep up with our fitness routines and goodness knows, the food is about as decadent as it gets. By now, I’m sure you’ve already had some king cake!
However, it doesn’t have to be a total wash. There’s no need to throw eating right and not exercising to the wind from November to March. There are lots of small hacks to staying healthy during this time.
In this issue, Liz Williams writes about eating “lite.” She suggests that you don’t have to overhaul every meal. Instead, she says to switch out high-flavor, light dishes more often. Making a swap here and there can really make a difference. Liz includes a great recipe for overnight oats. I don’t know if you’ve tried them yet — I’m a fan. Some people don’t love their oats cold, but it’s so nice to make them the day before and have your breakfast ready when you wake up. Also, they can easily be heated up if you prefer yours warm.
Molly Kimball writes about making changes in our daily habits for a healthier lifestyle. But she advocates gentle adjusting or recalibrating instead of major changes. So it isn’t as overwhelming and is more easily manageable in our busy lives. I especially like her suggestion to digitally detox. Stepping away from screens is beneficial in more ways than one.
The takeaway, then, is baby steps. Small adjustments in diet and lifestyle is what will keep us feeling good while having fun. Nice and easy is our mantra for this season. Be well!
What I’m Loving
What to do
St. Anne’s Walking Parade in New Orleans. The costumes and energy of this Mardi Gras morning walking parade are unmatched. It starts in the Bywater and wends its way to the Mississippi River.
What to watch
“Lupin.” This French mystery series has a clever, charming master thief, Assane Diop, who dresses in disguise to carry out daring heists. It’s fun and shows great scenes in France.
What to read
“The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett. This historical fiction novel has a Southern setting and complex family relationships depicted by twins who have separated, and their lives have taken very different paths. Vivid characters and beautiful writing.
