Holiday Hints

The holiday season is fast approaching, and special foods go hand-in-hand with the season. There are even some foods we don’t prepare unless it is the holidays. We wait all year to experience them. I think about my mom’s chocolate tart that must be more than 1,000 calories per mouthful. I am exaggerating, of course, but it is really rich! For many of us, like me with my mom’s chocolate tart, this time of year becomes a constant battleground of temptation. Consider these recommendations for a healthful and guilt-free season.

Planning

If a special dinner or cocktail party is on the agenda, planning the day’s eating pattern will allow more choices at the event. A common mistake is eating very little all day because you know you’ll overindulge that evening. Instead, eat healthful snacks during the day, filling up on whole foods with little added sugar or fat. For example, having a bowl of oatmeal made with low-fat milk and adding some fresh berries for breakfast would be a great start to your day. Grab a piece of fresh fruit for a mid-morning snack. If lunch is unattainable, order a smoothie from the cafeteria. At mid-afternoon, have some cheese and crackers or yogurt with granola. Make sure to drink plenty of water, freshening it up with a squirt of lemon, which is known for aiding digestion and calming anxieties; lime, which can help with skin and eye care; or a mint infusion, also helpful with digestion. By the time of the party, you will be able to negotiate the food and drink offerings because you won’t be overly hungry.

Planning ahead helps head off winter weight gain

Parties

Gatherings and parties tend to center around food, which can lead to overindulgence. A strategy that might help is to look over the table and think through which food is special to you. Pick from those favorites, but make sure to cover half of the plate with fresh vegetables and fruit. This will fill your stomach with foods low in calories and rich in nutrients and leave a bit of room for your holiday favorites. Then walk away and only come back for seconds if you are still hungry. Offering to bring an appetizer as a hostess gift is another way to ensure you have something healthful to munch on.