Healthy Holiday Eating
The holidays bring family and friends together to celebrate. These celebrations often offer plenty of opportunities to eat and drink, which can challenge even the most disciplined eaters. If you are trying to make it through the holidays without succumbing to every cookie and bacon-wrapped delight, set a plan to help you make it through! Here are a few tips to help you survive holiday celebrations without packing on pounds.
The holidays bring family and friends together to celebrate. These celebrations often offer plenty of opportunities to eat and drink, which can challenge even the most disciplined eaters. If you are trying to make it through the holidays without succumbing to every cookie and bacon-wrapped delight, set a plan to help you make it through! Here are a few tips to help you survive holiday celebrations without packing on pounds.
Be Prepared
-Don’t’ skip meals prior to a party. Have a snack before. A snack or mini meal can help curb your appetite and keep you from overeating. Yogurt and fruit, a snack bar, or a handful of nuts can help take the edge off your hunger, and allow you to make better choices at the party. Plus nobody likes guests that arrive “hangry.”
-Drink plenty of water or other low-calorie beverages like tea or coffee before and during the party. We often confuse thirst for hunger, so being hydrated can help prevent over eating. Not to mention, between eggnog (1 cup=223 cal), beer (1 can=150 cal), and mixed drinks (often 200+ cal/drink), you can throw back well over 1,000 calories in just drinks over the course of a night. If you are going to drink, aim to drink two glasses of water to every serving of alcohol.
-If it’s a potluck, bring a healthy dish that you know will fit into your plan. This ensures you will have one healthy option available.
Everything in Moderation
-It is the holidays and all foods can fit. Enjoy the special treats but limit portion sizes. Try using a smaller plate at the buffet.
-Take your time eating, savor each bite!
-Fill up on the low-calorie snacks like vegetable trays, salads, and the fruit platter.
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Holiday Food Choices |
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Choose More Often |
Choose Less Often |
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Turkey Breast |
Deep fried meats like turkey or chicken |
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Chicken Breast |
Skip the dark meat and skin with poultry (Saves 70 calories per serving) |
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Filet Mignon |
Prime Rib, Ribs |
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Rice |
Gravy |
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Plain Potatoes, Roasted Sweet Potatoes |
Twice baked potatoes, Sweet Potato Casserole |
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Fresh green beans |
Green bean casserole |
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Yogurt Dips (Substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream) |
Full-Fat Dips made with sour cream |
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Wine Spritzer (replace 2 oz. wine with club soda) |
Beer, Mixed Drinks, Wine, |
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Cider (saves 100 calories vs Eggnog) |
Eggnog |
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Pumpkin Pie (saves 200 calories vs Pecan) |
Pecan Pie |
Socialize!
-Remember to focus on the conversation and celebrating with friends and family. Food and beverages are just part of the party, not the focus.
Happy Holidays!
Copyright ©2014 Margaux Neveu All Rights Reserved.
