'Tis the season to beat the bulge!
It's the most wonderful time of the year — a marathon of parties and family gatherings that can pack on up to five extra pounds each year. "However," says dietitian Sina Teskey, RD, LD, "it isn't true that you can't enjoy the holidays without gaining weight." Here are Teskey's tips for healthy holiday eating that won't leave you feeling all "bah humbug."
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Stick to your game plan. The holidays are no excuse to ditch your healthy eating and exercise routines. Between celebrations, balance high-calorie holiday food with healthy low-calorie meals and some extra activity. Don't skip meals before parties. If you're really hungry, you're more likely to overeat or make poor choices. Need help? Check out HealthPartners Healthy discounts (a five-minute online tool) for health and wellness retailers who offer discounts when you show your HealthPartners Member ID card. |
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Remember less is more. It's okay to enjoy your favorite holiday foods if you have small portions. At parties, have one plate of your favorites instead of nibbling all night. |
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Be a food snob. Skip the dried-out fruitcake and the so-so stuffing. Instead, survey the buffet and choose small portions of the foods you really want most. |
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Step away from the buffet. Socialize out of sight of the party platters to avoid mindless grazing. If you're hosting, set up food and social activities in separate rooms. |
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Look out for liquid calories. Calories in alcoholic drinks can add up fast, especially with traditional holiday mixers, such as eggnog, cider or sugary punch. Limit yourself to one or two drinks, and then drink water to stay hydrated and control your appetite. |
Finally, Teskey reminds us that the holidays offer pleasures other than food. "Enjoying the people, the atmosphere and the traditions as much, if not more, than the food can make your holidays truly special."