Healthy Holiday Eating
If calendars had a place for calorie counting, what would December look like for you?
Friday – Work holiday party
Saturday – Cookie baking session with relatives
Sunday – Packer game party
Monday – Holiday treats at the office
Food is an important part of the holiday season. It’s easy for normal eating patterns to take a backseat at this time of year. By following a few tips on holiday eating, you and your family can enjoy special foods while keeping a balanced and healthy diet.
Before a holiday event, eat a snack or light meal. Foods high in protein, like chicken or cottage cheese, help you eat less later.
If you are hosting a holiday event, do your guests a favor by including nonalcoholic beverages and healthier items such as vegetables, salad, and fruit on the menu. Offer low-calorie salad dressings. In baked goods, you can substitute applesauce for oil. Switching ingredients can create tasty results without the high calories that often come with rich foods.
What you drink during the holidays can add calories. Look at all of your options. Alcoholic beverages and may fruit punches can be long on calories but short of nutrition. Instead, look for hot cider, diet sodas, and flavored waters.
Eat slowly. Many times, people eat so fast that their stomachs don’t have enough time to register that they are full.
Savor each bite and enjoy the taste of the food. Chances are you will eat less.
Don’t park yourself in front of the buffet at a party. Mingle. If you stand by the buffet, you’ll eat more than you would if it was across the room.
Be realistic. Don’t try to diet during the holidays. Instead aim to maintain your present weight.
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