Holiday Merriment

Tips for Sensible Eating & Drinking During the Holiday Season

What To Do:
• Prepare for the onslaught of holiday busyness. Keep healthy meals on-hand, be it pre-prepared meals or low-fat frozen dinners. This will decrease the temptation to order takeout during this hectic time.
• Stay focused on the meaning of the “season.” Oftentimes, the focus of our gatherings is food-related. Try to center the entertainment in other ways: watch a holiday movie, view old photo albums or just take time to reflect on the blessings of the past year.
• If you’re attending a holiday party, take the time to eat a light, healthy snack so you aren’t starving when you arrive, which usually leads to poor food choices and overindulging.
• Keep moving! If you’re hanging with family, try a walk and talk! There’s nothing better than a good conversation AND burning some calories! If it’s cold … bundle up!
• Drink water! If you’re enjoying alcoholic beverages, try to drink water in between glasses. This will not only help you stay hydrated, you may even eat and drink less because you feel fuller.
• Bring a sensible dish to the party. That way there will be at least one food item for which you are aware of the nutritional information.
• Try some healthier food substitutions in traditional recipes. Everyone likes to eat the same goodies year after year, but cutting down on the calories can help keep off the holiday weight.

What NOT To Do:
• “Save” your calories for a party. This usually leads to overindulging and the result is you take in far more calories than you should.
• Try to be on a diet during the holidays. Maintaining your weight through the season is a far more realistic goal.
• Don’t drink on an empty stomach! The effects of the alcohol will be greater and this can lead to overeating and overdrinking.
• Eat quickly. Slow down when you’re having a snack or a meal. It does take approximately 20 minutes from the time you eat until your body registers that it is full. If you eat too quickly, you’re likely to overeat.
• Don’t stand next to the buffet table and visit with friends. Grab a small plate, choose your snacks and mingle toward the other side of the room. If you become engaged in a conversation next to the treats, this may lead to continued grazing.