6 Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

December 13, 2011

Parties, family get-togethers, treats at work, and cookie exchanges are a few of the culprits that can add to your waistline this time of year. But don’t despair. With some planning and these tips, anyone can make it through the holidays with good eating habits intact:

• Don’t deny yourself. If you deprive yourself of that favorite dessert, you may end up overindulging the next day. Go ahead and have a slice of pecan pie, but watch portion size.
• Be selective. Choose the foods you really like or those once-a-year treats. Pass on items you can get anytime.
• Eat regular meals. Don’t skip breakfast and lunch in anticipation of the holiday feast. Try to maintain normal eating patterns to avoid becoming famished, then overindulging.
• Limit temptations. Substitute fruit and vegetable trays for cookies and candies at work or events when entertaining.
• Eat slowly. It gives you time to fill up — and you’ll enjoy the experience more if you savor your food and focus on the conversations.
• Cut back on alcohol. The empty calories in drinks can really add up.

In addition to the above tips, you can make recipe modifications to your favorite holiday dishes; they’ll still taste great, but be a bit more forgiving on your waistline.

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