Trying to eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight and live a healthy lifestyle? You may think you are doomed with the upcoming BBQs and holiday get togethers, but no need to worry. Getting through the holidays without weight gain is do-able with a little self-motivation, realistic goals, and a PLAN! Below we have included tips to surviving the holidays without weight gain, along with a satisfying recipe, of course.
Holiday Party Tips
- Make a plan. Before you dive into every dish and dessert served up buffet style, check out your options. Decide what and how much you are going to eat. Get a plate and silverware, and then sit down while you eat.
- Be realistic. Aim to maintain your weight during the holidays—not to lose weight. Eat small, lower-calorie meals during the day so you can enjoy some of those traditional holiday foods later.
- Don’t arrive at the party famished. You’ll be more likely to overeat. Instead, eat a small, low fat snack such as yogurt, fruit and low-fat cheese or cottage cheese, or a half sandwich with lean meat before you head out to the party.
- Keep the buffet trips to one. Choose the foods you just can’t live without or the ones that make the holidays so special to you. Take small portions, eat slowly and savor each bite.
- Bring a healthy appetizer, such as a fruit tray, fresh veggies with a low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese dip, or a whole wheat tortilla roll up with lean deli meat, low-fat cheese and pickle. This ensures you have a healthy option.
- Get enough sleep! Being sleep deprived can increase your appetite and lead to poor decision making.
Easy Ways to Eat Less
- Keep a food journal. It’s an easy way to become more aware of what you eat.
- Choose the smallest plates, cups and bowls. You’ll be satisfied with less.
- Be the last one to start eating.
- Serve the food in the kitchen, rather than leaving it on the table- you’ll be less likely to get seconds.
- Take small portions and wait 20 minutes before deciding to get seconds- you’ll probably still eat less than if you took a large portion and did not get seconds. (Plus, as an added bonus, you’ll flatter the cook!)
- Keep a reminder of how much you have already eaten (such as toothpicks from your appetizers). This will help keep you from overeating.
- Limit pre-snacking to a few hors d'oeuvres. Studies show that 10% of our holiday calories come from these pre-meal foods. Focus on socializing instead.
Drinks to Your Health!
- Alcoholic and holiday beverages tend to pack a ton of calories yet provide very little nutritional value. In addition, beverages rarely satisfy hunger because they leave our stomach quickly. Choose more zero-calorie drinks like water, sparkling water and diet beverages and treat other beverages, including 100% juice, as an occasional treat.
- Instead of homemade or traditional eggnog (350 calories, 19g fat per 8oz), try this low-fat recipe: (see attached Powerpoint for recipe)
- Try your favorite coffee house drink with non-fat milk or almond milk and no whipped topping. A 12-oz peppermint mocha with whole milk and whip has 360 calories and 16g fat where a 12-oz nonfat, no-whip peppermint mocha has only 240 calories and 2.5g fat). If you have diabetes or are watching carbohydrate intake, try using Splenda, Stevia or other type of sugar substitute to save on calories and carbohydrates. Of course, with any sweetened beverage or treat, portion and moderation is key!
- Keep the alcoholic beverages to 1-2 drinks. This will save you empty calories and keep you healthy!
Blog post provided by:
Katie Foster, RDN, LD
Nutrition Services
Hannibal Regional