With the holidays upon us, I thought I'd share some tips for Healthy Holiday Eating.
- Don’t try to diet. Your goal should be to maintain your current weight, not reduce it.
- Plan and assemble several quick, healthy meals and have them readily available for reheating to avoid relying on high-fat fast food when your days become chaotic.
- Instead of cutting out high-calorie favorite holiday dishes, take a small portion of each and load up on healthier options like vegetables, fruits and breads.
- Don’t attend a cocktail party on an empty stomach. The effects of alcohol are felt much more quickly and can lead to overeating and over-drinking. If you do drink alcohol, try to drink one glass of water before each glass of an alcoholic beverage.
- Center activity around non-food events such as ice skating, tubing, skiing, renting a holiday movie, serving in your local homeless shelter, or singing carols.
- Offer to bring a favorite low-calorie dish to holiday parties, so you know there will be at least one "safe" item available. Arrive fashionably late and stand far away from buffets so you're not tempted to nibble constantly.
- Continue your regular exercise program right through the holidays. It's the key to maintaining good health and alleviating holiday stress.
But the most important part is to enjoy the company of those with whom you are celebrating. Remember no one is perfect, so just do your best and don't beat yourself up if you have that extra cookie.