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Enjoy the Holidays Without Gaining Weight
Posted in Nourishment for the Body » Lose It on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 Enjoy the Holidays Without the Weight Gain Holiday weight gain may seem inevitable with all those family gatherings, workplace events and other food- and drink-laden social engagements. With a little planning, however, you can avoid packing on unwanted holiday pounds. Registered Dietition Julie Meeker, MS, RD, LDN, of Centegra Health System, offers some ideas: Ø Don’t starve yourself before a holiday meal or party. You’ll only show up hungry and eat too much. Keep your hunger in check with a few small meals throughout the day. Ø Enjoy seasonal flavors without all the calories. Try light eggnog and sugar-free spiced cider and hot cocoa. Ø Use a smaller plate at parties and meals. It will seem like you are eating more than you are. Ø Mingle away from the party appetizers. You’ll avoid mindless eating and temptation. Ø When hosting a party, serve healthy food such as nuts, fruit kabobs, veggies with low-fat dip, whole-wheat crackers and low-fat cheese, or baked pita chips with hummus. Ø Lighten homemade recipes by substituting half the butter or oil with healthy fat replacers, such as pumpkin, applesauce or light yogurt. Ø Remain active. Sneak exercise into your day by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, doing housework at a fast pace or shoveling snow. “Do not lose sight of your health goals,” Meeker says. “Remember that the holidays are a time to enjoy your family and friends and not an excuse to gain weight.” For more on avoiding the holiday bulge.....check out my podcast in Nourishment for the Mind |
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