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25 · Wednesday, December 9, 2009 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Be kind to your Agabi Mediterranean Restaurant puts a waistline this new twist on their traditional menu says. get a much Agabi Mediterranean Restaurant, holiday season known to many as the go-to place for skip any corners," hebetter "Itaste and my better result with a (NC)--With countless holiday gatherings, family get-togethers and New Year's bashes dotting the calendar, many Canadians find themselves giving into temptation and overindulging during the winter months. According to researchers at the National Institute of Health the average person gains weight during the holiday season. Battling winter weight gain doesn't have to be a struggle. The trick: consume healthy snacks throughout the day to keep you satiated until mealtime. To help you snack smart this winter, consider the tips below: Plan Ahead. Plan your snacks for the day just as you would plan your meals. To ensure you have healthy snacks on hand when hunger hits, clean and cut up fruits and vegetables as soon as you bring them home from the store. Watch your portion sizes. A handful here, an extra scoop there ­ when it comes to snacks, eating double or triple portions can be easy if you aren't mindful. Timing is everything. To keep hunger at bay, aim to eat every two to three hours. Eating small, healthy snacks throughout the day will not only keep your energy levels up, it will help prevent you from overindulging once mealtime comes. Eat your vitamins. When choosing a snack, look for foods that will satisfy your hunger and provide your body with the essential vitamins and nutrients it requires. For a snack that is both delicious and nutritious, reach for a basket of California strawberries, conveniently available yearround. Packed with vitamin C and powerful antioxidants such as anthocyanins and ellagic acid, strawberries have been credited with many disease fighting properties and may improve heart health, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of some cancers. Everything in moderation. Looking for an indulgent treat? Instead of reaching for a candy bar, satisfy your sweet tooth with snacks that are nutrient-rich and low in fat and calories. For a decadent treat, try dipping strawberries into a square of melted dark chocolate or yogurt sprinkled with cinnamon. authentic Egyptian, Lebanese and Greek cuisine has recently updated its menu to feature some unique items. "We are slowly adding Mediterranean seafood to our menu," owner and chef Essam Farag explains. "It's time to try to add something new; we have added octopus, calamari and a seafood mixed grill option to the menu!" The decision to add to the menu did not come lightly to Essam. "All of our menu items are tested before becoming a regular item. I don't want to disappoint my customers by offering something one day and not the next. Consistency is key to success in the restaurant business." Essam's extensive training in the elements of French cuisine and dedication to fresh, homemade products has made Agabi stand out from the rest. "Everything I serve is 100 per cent home made, I don't customers truly appreciate the difference." Essam prepares an eclectic menu selection full of Mediterranean cuisine right in front of your eyes in his open concept kitchen. Whether its lunch, dinner or take-out Agabi offers a fresh and healthy alternative to enjoying a meal out. The secret behind one of Agabi's most popular items and Essam's healthy chicken is the slow roasting, vertical broiler that melts away the fat from the chicken ­ leaving it at the bottom of the broiler and not in your food. Mix the healthier chicken with fresh herbs and vegetables, and you have a delicious and healthy meal. For more information about Agabi, call 905-338-1888, visit them online at www.agabi.ca or drop by the restaurant located at 134 Lakeshore Road West to taste Mediterranean at it's best! Season's Greetings & ppy New Year Ha Party Tray Happy Hour Lunch Mon.-Fri. 11:30am-3pm Dinner Mon.-Fri. 5-10pm Saturday ­ 12-10pm Sunday ­ Closed 187 Cross Ave., Oakville (across from GO Station) 905.849.3877 FREE GIFT (Limited) TAKE OUT · RESERVATIONS · DELIVERY www.amisushi.com The Ultimate Dining Experience Taste over 150 Items of Japanese & Thai Cuisine Daily lunch $15.99 per person Daily dinner $24.99 per person · · · · Falafel Souvlaki Shawarma Taboule Seafood Mixed Grill For a Reservation Please Call 905.257.8188 or Visit Our Website at www.spoonandfork.ca OPEN: Mon.-Thurs. 11-11 Fri.-Sat. 11-11:30 905.338.1888 Lakeshore Rd. Kerr 2345 TRAFALGAR RD., OAKVILLE Dorval 134 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville