Tips For Healthy Holiday Eating

When the holidays arrive, many people forget all


about their diets and healthy eating. Weight


gains of 7 - 10 pounds are common between


Halloween and Christmas. To make the holidays


easier, these tips will help you with healthy


eating through the season and not gaining weight.




Most traditional foods can be made low fat.


Turkey is very lean without the skin, and gravy


can be made without any fat. Potatoes that are


served without butter can be very healthy. The


beloved pumpkin pie is nutritious, although it


can be made into a fatty dessert with the adding


of whipped cream.




Even though the holidays are in, don't forget


about the exercise. Keeping weight off during


the holiday season is burning off the extra


calories. You should plan a walk after meals,


park farther from stores when you shop, and


take a few walks around the mall before you


begin shopping.




During holiday parties and at family dinners,


feel free to sample foods although you shouldn't


splurge. Decide on what you plan to eat in


advance, then stick to your plan. Eat plenty


of vegetables, fruit, low fat dressings, and


slices of lean meats. Before you go to a party,


eat a small snack to help curb your appetite.




If at all possible, avoid alcohol. Having too


many drinks can cripple your will power, and


also add excess calories to your diet. In the


place of alcohol, drink water with lemon. Water


can help to limit your appetite and keep you


from binging. Also make sure to avoid eggnog,


as each glass can have up to 300 calories.




Be flexible with your healthy eating, as one bad


meal won't ruin your diet. Try to balance your


calories over a few days and don't just look at