Tips 4 Holiday Eating

For us grads, we have to be careful during the holidays. As early post ops we really can't eat enough or want to eat much during the holidays. But as far out as most of us are, we can harm our success by no****ching ourselves closely during the holiday season. Holidays can lead to out of control eating if not careful. I have accumulated a list of tips over the years for holiday eating. So, I thought I would share it. 1. Cut the fat in your traditional holiday foods by using light butter, and cut the fat and calories in your favorite dips and dressings by using light sour cream and light mayonaise. Opt for less cream based dips and do bean dips or salsa based dips. 2. Don't congregate around the buffet table. Fix your plate and go visit elsewhere. This helps to avoid mindless nibbling. 3. Eat skinless white meat rather than dark meat. 4. Before attending a holiday party have a dense high protein snack or shake to curb hunger. 5. Cut the sugar in your holiday desserts by using splenda in place of sugar and diabeti sweet brown sugar substitute when recipe calls for brown sugar. I have found that going half splenda and half equal spoonful sweetens better than using either alone. And for brown sugar I use half diabeti sweet and half splenda blend brown sugar. I did that in my sweet potato pies and casseroles and no one said a word or knew the difference. For the diabetics in the family I used only the diabeti sweet brown sugar as it has no sugar grams and does well. I just add a little sugar free maple syrup for moisture in the recipe. 6. On chip and dip trays, serve pretzels and low-fat snack mix instead of regular chips. Serve healthy veggie trays with light dips and fruit trays with light dips. 7. Focus on family and friends and less on the food. As food addicts, we tend to see the best part of the party being the food and think about it constantly. Control your thoughts on the food and show more interest in the people there and really talk to them and visit with them and enjoy the company. Food doesn't feel voids, but good relationships can. 8. Maintain your exercise program during the holidays as it will help curb appetite and help avoid weight gain as we take in a few more calories this time of year. If you don't have one, start walking. That is as easy no hassle as it gets and takes no special equipment. 9. Make sure to drink your water between your meals. Water is a good filler. Limit alcohol as alcohol has a tendency to loosen inhibitions which may lead to mindless overeating. 10. Most of all, don't put pressure on yourself to lose. Concentrate on maintainance. And don't give yourself unrealistic goals this time of year. Be sweet to yourself and tolerant of a slip up here or there. And just jump back on the wagon. What are some tips you have to share? I am sure we need all the tips and help we can get. Especially in my family where we have to celebrate so many places with so many people. There is something every weekend it seems like after Thanksgiving is over. Thanksgiving is over and immediately the Christmas gatherings and parties start. So, share your tips for a healthy holiday season. Melissa Lap Rny 1/15/04 277/136

Melissa, Thanks! (*Cutting and pasting to hardrive) I have to think of some more, Just running out the door this morning! Thanks again! Best Wishes- DX

Great tips..... I have a protein shake about 45 minutes before dinner so I can 'curb' the desire to eat till I puke..... I also drink decaf coffee all morning while we cook. That seems to help me. And if I must nibble....I bring baby carrots to munch on. I make sugar free desserts so I can participate and enjoy a taste of something sweet and pumkiny......I've found that I won't even touch the real stuff if I have something. And I like choices too....so I will probably make an apple pie too...with Splenda of course. Just a word of caution....if you make any of those desserts with any sweetener made with MALTITOL...please warn everyone. People who have not had WLS are also susceptible to sugar alcohols. I nearly killed my sister with it.....and she is a 'regular' person. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving.....I just hope I come out on the other side still able to zip my pants...... Love and hugs from the beach Charlie

Melissa, These are great tips. May I have your permission to print them & pass them out at our next support group meeting? Vickie J.

Sure you may share them. I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving. Melissa