Feel good, French style

The New York Times reported Sunday that gift lists for this year are being drastically reduced. “Even fruitcake is being rationalized this holiday season,” the article headlined. Well, darned if I’ll be scrooged!

Instead of stressing over doling out the fruitcake, I’d rather focus on the magical buzz in the air. This magic is boundless in its generosity. It’s discovering my mother-in-law’s hand-written menus on the holiday table, announcing a feast always more succulent than the last. It’s the blaze of lights which accompany me down Park Avenue as I walk home each evening. It’s the chocolate buttercream which melts in my mouth as I delve into a bûche de noel (France’s traditional holiday cake).

It’s also seeing people’s faces light up when I’ve found the perfect gift for them.

Here are five of the gift ideas that inspire me this season:

- Chocolate that makes you feel good: Raw Chocolate Truffles from One Lucky Duck

(www.oneluckyduck.com; boutique in Chelsea Market and E. 17^th St., New York)

There are a plethora of chocolate confections out there, but these I actually dare give to friends in France, home of the best chocolate in the world. Raw foodists only use pure, natural ingredients and unrefined sweeteners. The result is an explosion of rich, dark cocoa with a hint of coconut, without the sugar hangover you get from traditional recipes.

- Books that travel in time and space: Assouline’s signature Memoires series (www.assouline.com; boutique in the Plaza Hotel, New York)

These are compact monographs which cover a multitude of themes in art, design, fashion and architecture. They’re beautifully illustrated with lots of photos, for a light and inspiring read.

- Sending your man for the shave of his life: The Shave at the Martial Vivot Salon pour Hommes

(www.martialvivot.com; boutique behind the MOMA, New York)

Martial grooms princes, stars, CEOs, and ordinary guys too. He’s one of the last to master the art of the perfect shave, but it’s the essential oil scalp massage which transports to a different realm.

- Comforting winter hands: Diptyque’s Luxurious Hand Balm (www.diptyqueparis.com; boutiques on Bleecker Street and Madison Ave., New York)

I noticed that French beauty editors consistently and sincerely rave about Diptyque’s Art of Body Care line. This apricot kernel, argan oil and shea butter protector has become my favorite, hands-down!

- A new friend for little ones: Zooni Lion Mittens from Bundle

(www.bundlenyc.com; boutique on Thompson St., New York)

Like everything else at Bundle, these lion mittens are adorable. Owner Allison carefully selects each item in her shop, resulting in a collection of gifts and clothing through size 6 which is both practical and covetable.

One blog reader also suggests, “Charitable contributions are meaningful gifts as well. Making a donation (large or small) in someone’s honor for a cause they believe in is a nice gesture.”

Live épanoui*!

Elisa

* in full bloom

The holiday party season is in full swing. It’s exciting to see everyone, but at the same time, it can be exhausting. I’m running around town in what feels more like a marathon than a holiday. However, I put this stress into perspective when I read that the Obamas will host 28 holiday events at the White House this year, with 50,000 visitors expected!

Whether or not you have the social schedule of Michelle Obama, here are my party strategies to enjoy the moment, while conserving your energy and your figure.

Photo by Leslie Kobrin, thel-list.com

1. Keep eating regular, balanced meals. The party schedules and goodies all around can throw us off. The best offensive strategy is to focus on maintaining your healthy routines.

- If a holiday party falls outside of meal time, or you know you’ll be hungry, have a good snack before you go. This prevents you from falling prey to gingerbread cookies, peppermint brownies, cheese puffs, and assorted holiday “delights.” This time of year especially, I don’t leave home without a stash of hunger zappers in my bag – an organic Gala apple, tin-foil wrapped carrots and peppery radishes, my favorite spelt bread – all useful pre- or post-party.

- Don’t be tempted to make a meal out of holiday cookies and cake. These sweets will spike your blood sugar levels, promoting weight gain and adding to your holiday stress. Instead, have a sweet treat at the end of a proper meal.

- Mind your saboteurs. Everyone has their party weaknesses – cheese & crackers, wine, chocolates… Decide before the party what’s worth your calories. I’m planning on saving my indulgence for the party catered by one of my favorite chefs. At the rest, I’ll focus on the people, not the food.

- Keep track of portions by plating your food or snacks. You’ll have better control over what you’re eating if you see it, as opposed to picking from the buffet platters.

2. Keep moving. Exercise is one of the first things to fall out of our holiday schedules. If you can’t devote time to your routine during the holidays, don’t despair. Instead, incorporate activity into your day, in small spurts. Walk to events, or part way. Allow yourself to walk 20 minutes on the treadmill instead of running 40, if that’s the best you can do.

3. Know your limits. The holidays push and pull us in many directions. It’s tempting to make everyone happy, but not if we sacrifice our own sanity. Oprah once related that her sacred day of rest is Sunday. No appointments are allowed. She explained that as she started making exceptions, she felt herself coming apart and ended up getting sick. Practice saying no, declining an invitation or standing your ground.

Live épanoui*!

Elisa

* in full bloom

4. Order strategically.

Restaurants get their name from the rich, flavorful soup called “restaurant” (French for something which restores) which used to be the main fare available when eating out. These days, restaurants have elevated cooking to an art form, offering a multitude of choices.

Order strategically with these tips in mind:

- Add greens to your meal. Good stuff crowds out the bad. Order a tossed green salad as your appetizer. Indulge in sautéed market greens or crispy string beans.

- Practice food combining. Eating protein and carbs together is difficult on our digestive system, favoring the build-up of toxins and calorie storage. If you eat out frequently, try building your meal around an animal protein or bean dish and non-starchy vegetables OR a grain dish and non-starchy vegetables. For example, eat a steak with sautéed greens OR brown rice (or spaghetti with tomato sauce) with sautéed greens; avoid steak and rice together.

- Eat clean. Scan the menu for simple preparations – a few ingredients, olive oil or a bit of butter, and spices or herbs. I tend to avoid dishes with a lot of things in them and complicated sauces. In restaurants, be wary of cheese, cream, nuts and coconut milk sauces. Servings tend to be unreasonable.

- Be careful with salads. Many restaurant versions come laden with high-calorie goodies like cheese, nuts and dried fruit. Much of the time, you’ll also get more satisfaction from a hot dish for equivalent calories.

Photo courtesy Mama Shelter, Paris

- Down size. Restaurant dishes are notoriously super-sized. Even an appetizer or half portion can be more than what you need. When your food arrives, decide about how much you need to satisfy your appetite and leave the rest. Ordering is like packing. Take less than what you think you need.

- Plan your own dessert. Most of the time, we crave a sweet ending to our meal. But restaurant desserts tend to pack a punch. If it’s impossible for you to share a few bites, then keep squares of dark chocolate, a dried fruit, or even a small cookie in your bag. Savor this with your herbal tea or coffee.

Many restaurants will also make you a fruit plate although it may not be on the menu. I carry my own fruit to have back at my desk after a lunch date or for an afternoon pick me up.

- Taste the bread. No need to panic over the bread basket. A tear of bread when you arrive to the table can take the edge off your hunger and prevent overeating. A little bread to end the meal can also substitute for “dessert.” But don’t waste calories filling up on bread before your food arrives. If that’s your tendency, get the basket out of your reach or put some water on your bread plate.

- Order without looking at the menu. Think about what you’re in the mood for and how you want it prepared, and then ask the restaurant to make it for you.

5. Take a break!

Dining out frequently can be too much of a good thing. Balance your weekly calendar with a few nights a week at home, to rest, regroup and detox. My veggie detox night features steamed veggies, topped with olive oil, salt and pepper. I add some quinoa or chick peas if hungry.

Invite a friend or two over for what the French call a “dinette.” This is a no frills way to share whatever’s in the fridge (salad, cold-cuts, a piece of cheese), relax, and be social, without the excess inherent to formal dinners.

Live épanoui*!

Elisa

* in full bloom