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During the holidays you can have your cake and eat it too, just a smaller portion.
There are many to dos during the holiday season traveling, shopping, decorating, cooking, parties, and, of course, eating. What is almost never on the to do list is dieting. Many Americans gain weight during the holiday season. That can mean as little as one pound and up to 10 pounds between Halloween and New Years Day. A majority of us will not lose that extra weight during the following year.
Just because the festivities of the season are upon us, it does not mean we have to abandon our good dietary habits. A few simple tricks can help to keep you from overindulging.
Remember to be aware of what you are eating and how much. Portion control is still the key. You do not have to deprive yourself of your favorite holiday treats, but dont stuff yourself either. If you are attending a party, eat a small meal before you go. Once you get to the party, you can try small amounts of a variety of dishes and sample everything without overdoing it. Learn to say no thanks when a host encourages you to try a second helping.
Eat slowly (this is a good rule even after the holidays) because it takes about 20 minutes for you to realize that you are full. Moreover, the more slowly you eat, the less you will consume.
If you are preparing the holiday meals or hosting a party, you can prepare healthier versions of your favorite meal by using low fat milk, adding less butter, using fat-free chicken stock or by serving more salads and vegetables.
You can still eat dessert just a smaller slice of it.
If you will be traveling, pick up some healthy snacks before you leave so that you can pass up the fast food or convenience store fare.
Although this is a very busy time of year, do not forget to exercise. This will ease some of the holiday-related stress and it will keep you moving. Try to stick to your regular exercise routine as much as you can during the holidays. If it is still early, schedule a brisk walk or bike ride after a holiday brunch or dinner.
For more tips about nutrition, exercise and other ways to stay healthy, visit the Southern Nevada Health Districts www.GetHealthyClarkCounty.org website.
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