Holiday festivities revolve around decadent foods, desserts, and drinks which can leave us packing on unwanted pounds! Fight back! Use this survival plan to cruise through the holidays and on into the New Year, enjoying every occasion without the unwanted baggage.
Everyone deserves a treat once a week. Is there an office party, holiday gathering, or Banana-Pecan Streusel Bread Pudding in the near future? Eat right and exercise the rest of the week and on your splurge day, indulge in your tasty treat guilt free. Start the process all over again for the next week. Limit food splurges to once a week and cut hundreds of pointless calories.
Use MyPlate as your weapon to conquer any calorie polluted celebration. Divide your plate into thirds; one large and two smaller sections. First, select a lean protein to fill in one small section. Don’t forget low fat dairy provides a unique combination of protein and eight other essential nutrients. Next, choose a grain to fill in the other small portion like breads, pasta, crackers, and tortillas. Finally, fill half the plate with fruits and vegetables.
Mindless snacking on hors d’oeuvres before the main meal can dangerously add up. Remember, just because a food is bite sized doesn’t mean it is miniature in calories. Look for a fruit and veggie tray to curb pre dinner hunger and save your calorie budget for the delicious main entrée and a sensible dessert.
Alas, after a calorie busting day get up and get moving. Use time off work as an invitation to hit the pavement and try and score 10,000 steps or more daily. Go slow, enjoy the fellowship and bring in the New Year with a commitment to healthy habits.
Rebecca A. Turner, MS, RD, LD
