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The holidays are upon us!
Please take note of our holiday hours:
Central Square:
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Tuesday, December 24th – 9am-4pm
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CHRISTMAS – Wednesday, December 25th – CLOSED
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Thursday, December 26th – 8am-8pm
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Tuesday, December 31st – 9am-4pm
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Wednesday, January 1st – 9am-7pm
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University Park:
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Tuesday, December 24th – 10am-3pm
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CHRISTMAS – Wednesday, December 25th – CLOSED
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Thursday, December 26th – 10am-6pm
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Tuesday, December 31st – 10am-3pm
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Wednesday, January 1st – 10am-6pm
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Thanksgiving is around the corner! Please take note of our holiday hours:
Central Square:
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Wed., Nov. 21 – 6am-8pm
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THANKSGIVING – Thurs., Nov. 22 – 8am-2pm
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Fri., Nov. 23 – 8am-8pm
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University Park:
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Wed., Nov. 21 – 9am-5pm
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THANKSGIVING – Thurs., Nov. 22 – CLOSED
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Fri., Nov. 23 – 9am-7pm
Please note our holiday schedule for the 4th of July!
Wednesday, July 4th:
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University Park – CLOSED
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Central Square – OPEN 8AM-8PM
Wishing all members and staff a happy and safe holiday!
The Holiday season is closing in, which means airplanes, long drives or perhaps even vacationing where the weather is warmer.
No matter where you’re going, you can’t escape the literally sugar-coated temptations that surround you at every rest stop and gas station. When you’re traveling, it’s easy to go overboard on the processed junk simply out of desperation.
Check out these tips to ward off unhealthy snacking, and to help you practice healthier habits!
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Rather than stopping at the gas station for food, head to the grocery store. The extra time it takes will be far worth it, especially since you won’t be left feeling bloated or tired like you would from candy or chips. Pick up carrots and hummus, nuts, fruit, or even a salad from the salad bar for a more nourishing option.
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Don’t ignore your hunger in the attempt to “save” your calories. You may be driving home to a big dinner, but if you don’t regulate your blood sugar during the drive, you’re far more likely to overeat when you finally do sit down to the table. Even an apple and a cheese stick mid-afternoon will help you enjoy your dinner without regret.
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Drink lots of water. Especially if you’re flying! It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday craziness and forget to drink, but water is crucial for a healthy lifestyle. Not only will it help prevent your skin from drying out on the dry airplanes, it wards of unnecessary hunger, and may even help prevent jet lag. So don’t forget your reusable water bottle!
Options for travel-friendly perishable foods:
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Vegetables like carrots and broccoli
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Hard boiled eggs (pre peeled!)
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Pre-cooked roasted sweet potatoes
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Meats like shrimp, chicken or beef pre-cut into strips
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Single serving packs of guacamole
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Slices of cheeses
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Pre-made salad (yes, you can get this through security with dressing on!)
Options for travel-friendly “no fridge” necessary foods:
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Bars like RXBAR, Larabars, or Square Bars
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Nuts and seeds (or pre-made trail mixes)
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Dried or freeze-dried fruit (dried mango or apple chips)
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Individual packets of almond butter or peanut butter
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Tunafish (in a pouch, not a can!)
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Fresh fruits like apples, bananas, avocados or oranges
No matter where you go this holiday season, bring along a few of your favorite healthy snacks. I promise, it’ll make the trip a lot easier!
Wishing our members and staff and very Happy Thanksgiving!
Our holiday week schedule is as follows:
University Park
Wednesday, November 22 8am-4pm
Thursday, November 23 CLOSED
Friday, November 24 9am-7pm
Central Square
Wednesday, November 22 6am-8am
Thursday, November 23 8am-2pm
Friday, November 24 8am-8pm
We’re less than a week away from that turkey dinner, which means it’s time to stock up on all the food!
Luckily Star Market (located right down the street from VIM) has all the necessities on sale. Whether it’s just you or your entire family on Thursday, here’s your buying guide to ensure your day of thanks leaves your wallet saying thanks, too. Here’s to an affordable Thanksgiving!
Fruit and Vegetables:
Peeled Butternut Squash- 99¢ a pound
Sweet Potatoes- 45¢ a pound
Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce- 3 for $5
Birds Eye Bagged or Green Giant Boxed Frozen Vegetables- buy 1 get 2 free
Meat:
Fresh Grade A Turkeys- 88¢ a pound
Frozen Turkeys- 39¢ a pound
Pepperidge Farm Stuffing- 2 for $5
Dessert:
8-inch apple or pumpkin pie- $3.99
Friendly’s Ice Cream- $1.99
Reddi Wip Whipped Cream- 2 for $5
Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Bars- 2 for $5
Martinelli’s Cider- 2 for $5
If you enjoy cooking or baking, there is also canned pumpkin, pie crusts, fresh vegetables, cranberries, baking supplies and paper goods on sale as well! If you refuse to even touch the stove, pick up a couple platters of fresh cut vegetables or fruit. You can throw them in a pot to cook, or leave out a vegetable crudite tray. I’m sure your guests will be thankful for a lighter option in the array of dense and indulgent!
Despite all the food surrounding the holiday season, remember that this time of year is meant for love and appreciation. Enjoy your time with loved ones, and give yourself a break, too!
Thanksgiving is almost here!
For some this might bring a fun time of family, friends, and good food. For others, it might be a reminder of all the stressful cooking and hosting that needs to be done!
This year, let’s skip the unnecessary worries and make this a healthy, fun holiday season.
