Healthy Holiday Eating

With the holiday parties starting this week, I thought I would post a few tips about healthier holiday eating.  I'm also interested in hearing about OH members tried and true tips for healthier holiday eating!                                       Holiday Eating Without the Weight  

The holidays are here again as are the joys and challenges of holiday eating.  The dilemma faced by those who are watching their weight pre or post-operatively to have fun with friends and family without jeopardizing all the hard work that has gone into reaching a healthier weight.  Losing excess weight and maintaining this weight requires trading in your current habits for a whole new lifestyle and this includes the holidays.   It is important to recognize that holiday eating means indulging a bit more on the actual holiday.  For most people, the season of splurging on higher calorie foods and not making time for exercise begins at Thanksgiving and goes nonstop through New Year’s Day.  After all, it can be quite tempting to taste all those goodies brought into the office by colleagues and vendors, not to mention the company party where food and alcohol flow freely.  Below are a few tips to help you survive the holiday season a bit more healthfully.   

Holiday Party Strategies 

·         BEFORE leaving the house, eat a lowfat, low calorie snack to curb your appetite.o   Examples include lowfat crackers, string cheese, nonfat, sugar-free yogurt, fruit or cereal with nonfat milk. 

         Avoid second helpings.o   If you must indulge in seconds, focus on vegetable or grain dishes.

·         Choose fruit as your dessert instead of pies, cakes, cookies or fudge to avoid dumping.o   If fruit is not available, take very small portions of desserts or better yet, share with someone!

·         Socialize AWAY from the bar or buffet table to minimize temptation.

·         Choose low or noncaloric beverages to elimininate excess calories from alcohol.o   If you must have an alcoholic drink, try to avoid drinks made with sugared mixers or cream. 

·         Make EVERY effort to maintain your regular exercise regimen during the holidays.

·         Remember that it is okay to say ‘No Thank You’ to food without offering a lengthy explanation. 

Baking Tips 

·         Bake only enough cookies for one festivity OR give away as gifts or treats for friends and coworkers.

·         After mixing up cookies or cake batters, immediately fill the mixing bowl with water.

·         Consider substituting half the sugar in a recipe with Splenda^®.  

Dining Out Strategies 

• ALWAYS order water or non-caloric fluids to drink 30 minutes before OR after your meal.
• Consider ordering a small salad and appetizer for your meal (nothing fried).
• Ask for nonfat salad dressings or ask your waiter for salad dressing ‘on the side’.
• Avoid fried or sautéed foods.  Choose items that are baked, broiled, grilled or steamed.
• Skip the bread or rolls unless they are whole grain.  Avoid biscuits or croissants as they are high in fat.
• Avoid all cream soups and creamed vegetables.
• If you feel comfortable doing so, ask your waiter for a “doggie bag” BEFORE you begin eating your meal…divide your meal into thirds or half (depending on the portion) and take home the leftovers.
• Drink black coffee or tea with lowfat or nonfat milk 30 minutes before or after your meal.

  And most importantly, enjoy your family and friends during this busy holiday season! 

                                        Happy Holidays!!

 

Good tips.  I just eat small portions of the turkey and whatever side we have.  Im definately not an overeater I have the opposite problem.  Jess