Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating
l Get Moving...Regular sustained aerobic activity is one of the most effective ways to maintain or lose weight.
l Plan and assemble several quick, healthy meals and have them readily available for reheating to avoid relying on high-fat fast food when your days become chaotic.
l Instead of cutting out high-calorie favorite holiday dishes, take a small portion of each and load up on healthier options like vegetable and fruits.
l Don’t attend a cocktail party on an empty stomach. The effects of alcohol are felt much more quickly and can lead to overeating and overdrinking. If you do drink alcohol, try to drink one glass of water before each glass of an alcoholic beverage.
l Center activity around non-food events such as ice skating, tubing, skiing, renting a holiday movie, serving in your local homeless shelter, or singing carols.
l Offer to bring a favorite low-calorie dish to holiday parties, so you know there will be at least one "safe" item available. Arrive fashionably late and stand far away from buffets so you're not tempted to nibble constantly and don't forget to say no politely. You're not obligated to eat high-calorie foods.
l Continue your regular exercise program right through the holidays. It's the key to maintaining good health and alleviating holiday stress.