Healthy Holiday Eating

The holiday season is a time for fun with the family and friends, but everyone always associates this season with…. Weight Gain!!  Typically you will not gain more than 1-2 pounds, not 10.  Your goal during this season should be to maintain your weight and focus on having fun with family.  Here are some tips for healthy eating during the holidays:

1. Give yourself some time to exercise! The holidays can get stressful, so this time away will help offset the holiday eating as well as give you a break and reduce stress.
2. Don’t skip meals. Before leaving for your party, eat a light snack like raw vegetables or a piece of fruit to curb your appetite. You will be less tempted to over-indulge.  Also, instead of serving chips and dip you can substitute the chips for vegetables.
3. Survey party buffets before filling your plate. Choose your favorite foods and skip your least favorite. Include vegetables and fruits to keep your plate balanced.  You can also choose a smaller plate to decrease your serving sizes.
4. Don’t forget to drink water! A cup of water before meals will help curb your appetite and keep you hydrated.
5.  Eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed. Savor your favorite holiday treats while eating small portions. Sit down, get comfortable, and enjoy.
6. Be careful with beverages. Alcohol can lessen inhibitions and induce overeating; non-alcoholic beverages can be full of calories and sugar.  So if you are going to drink, try to stay away from the high caloric alcohol, and avoid adding sugary juices or sodas to it.
7. If you overeat at one meal, don’t panic; go light on the next. It takes 500 calories per day (or 3,500 calories per week) above your normal/maintenance consumption to gain one pound. It is impossible to gain weight from one piece of pie!
8. Bring your own healthy dish to a holiday gathering.
9. Practice Healthy Holiday Cooking. Preparing favorite dishes lower in fat and calories will help promote healthy holiday eating. Incorporate some of these simple-cooking tips in traditional holiday recipes to make them healthier.
10.  Lastly, Enjoy Yourself!!

Don’t forget to have fun, and don’t feel guilty about having some of your favorite holiday foods (in moderation).