Tips for a “Healthy” Holiday Season!

What do we do when temptation is all around us and decadent desserts are beckoning our taste buds this holiday season?

Food is an important part of our holiday tradition. During this season, our intentions are of not overindulging, however, research shows that the average American will gain between 1 and 5 pounds before the holidays are over. With all the tempting treats available and the pressure from family, friends, and co-workers to eat, weight gain can seem unavoidable.

You can still enjoy the holiday and stay healthy. You can go to holiday parties and still have fun! All it takes is some planning, some goal-setting and old-fashioned discipline. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. You need to set goals and work hard to achieve them.

I want to share some tips that you can use to enjoy the holidays without turning into a miserable Scrooge.

1. Don't run on empty.
Whatever you do, don't go to a party hungry or "save your appetite" for a big end-of-the day meal. Make sure to eat healthy snacks before the party. If you allow yourself to become too hungry, you'll "appreciate everything” with little regard for portion size.

2. Trim Up that Turkey
Cook the stuffing separate from the turkey. You will reduce its fat content by preventing the fat from the turkey soaking into the dressing. Be sure to trim the skin off your turkey and you'll spare yourself some fat.

3. Grains are Good
Go for whole grains. Choose whole wheat breading, rolls, and bread for sandwiches because white bread is high in refined sugar, meaning more calories. Choosing wheat instead of white may help you feel fuller longer, because whole grain bread actually digests slower than white breads.

4. Getting Steamy
Eat steamed vegetables instead of heavy casseroles. Use herbs and spices as seasonings instead of loading them with butter, oil or cheese.

5. Avoid Alcohol
Avoid drinking in excess as well, as alcohol has a tendency to loosen inhibitions, which may encourage you to overeat. Besides, alcohol is loaded with calories. If you must, drink a glass of water or a diet soda before and after each alcoholic beverage to help pace yourself and to dilute calories.

6. Portion Control
Portion size control is the key to healthy eating. Take a taste or two of your favorite foods, but try not to overindulge. Fill your plate with a variety of items from all food groups and keep portions reasonable, a colorful plate is best.

7. Exercise
The holidays are busy, but try not to skip your usual exercise routine. Exercise is needed most during the holiday season to burn those extra calories consumed.

8. Stay Hydrated
Enjoy the fancy holiday beverages but drink plenty of water. On average, we should consume 8 glasses of water everyday.

9. Focus on Family and Friends
Although food can be a big part of the season, it does not have to be the focus. Holidays are a time to reunite and celebrate with good friends and family, and enjoy these holiday pleasures, in addition to your meal. Remember balance and moderation!

10. Weight Maintenance
During the holidays, maintenance of your present weight is a big enough challenge. The goal should be to maintain your present weight and not weight loss. Don’t set yourself up for failure by making unrealistic goals.