Dreading the holidays because of the food? Or maybe you’ve been following a healthy diet and worried the holidays will disrupt your new lifestyle. Below are helpful tips about how to eat, but not feel stuffed, around the holidays.
1. Maintain Your Weight – Holidays are a time to enjoy. It is hard enough to lose weight without the addition of holiday foods. Don’t add more stress to your holidays by restricting foods.
2. Eat before Going to the Party – Going to a party hungry will increase the likelihood of overeating. Take time to eat a snack before you go. For example, eat some vegetables, like a side salad, to increase your vegetable consumption that day and to deter overeating later.
3. Get Outside and Be Active! – If you’re already exercising, continue. Exercising during the holidays will help relieve stress and keep off some holiday weight. If you do not exercise regularly, go for short walks before and after meals. Invite the family on these walks, and bundle up and dress in layers.
4. Balance Your Plate at Gatherings – Look at what is being served and use your best judgment. It is okay to choose your favorite dishes, but put some of each food group on your plate.
5. Portion Distortion – Portion sizes are important. Every time you sit down at a meal, eat until you’re satisfied but have only one helping. Feeling too full can be due to oversized portions and too many second helpings.
6. Alcohol vs. Water – Alcoholic drinks can contribute to excess calories and can also influence your food choices. Lessen up on the alcoholic drinks by drinking more water or drinks with fewer calories. Save your glass of wine or beer for dinner. You’ll save more calories and feel less full.
7. Forget about the Food – Focus on your friends and family and the time you spend together. Enjoy their company and create memories. Play games, take walks, and find other ways to have fun. Be thankful for the company you have during the holidays and forget about the food.
Party Bean Dip
Place 2 cups drained, cooked beans, such as kidney beans, 3⁄4 teaspoon chili powder, 1/8 teaspoon cumin, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and some of the bean liquid in a bowl or blender. Blend or mash with a fork until smooth. Add 2 teaspoons finely chopped onion and 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese. Serve with raw vegetables or crackers. Refrigerate extras for 4-5 days. Makes 6 servings Per 1⁄2 cup serving: 150 calories, 7g fat (40% calories from fat), 5g dietary fiber
Source: Pennsylvania Nutrition Education Program
All Blogs are written by Professionals in the fields of Nutrition, Human Development and Diabetes.