If you are like me, the holiday season means lots of extra calories from sugar cookies and eggnog to one or more holiday buffet extravaganza. Seriously, what’s a girl to do?
Colleen Doyle, American Cancer Society Director of Nutrition and Physical Activity, MS, RD, says the bottom line for eating right this holiday season is that you certainly don’t have to give up all your favorite comfort foods that taste so good -- and make you feel good too. Just watch your portion size.
“Consider eating small meals throughout the day rather than three large meals,” she said.
Going to holiday parties? Consider bringing something to the party that you know is good for you -- fresh vegetables and dip, tortilla chips and fresh salsa, even fruit and cheese kabobs. And don’t plant yourself next to the buffet table all night or go to the party hungry. This will help you maximize your self-control.
Doyle also says it is also important to remember that alcohol contributes a lot of calories and few nutrients to our diet. It is important to limit your alcohol intake throughout the holidays and year.
If you are hosting a holiday party, be sure to provide your guests with some healthy food choices. One thing you might consider, Doyle said, is sending leftover food home with your guests. That way you won’t be tempted to overeat on those delicious treats and snacks that are left behind.
“Get out side and be active,” she said. “Make a commitment to be active for at least 30 minutes everyday, and that can be just about anything, such as taking regular walks around the block after dinner, raking leaves, shoveling snow, pulling your kids on a sleigh or playing soccer with them. Exercise will not only help maintain your holiday stress levels, but help burn off those calories to get 2010 off to a great start.”
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Lynette Summerill, is an award-winning journalist who lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. In addition to writing about cancer-related issues, she writes a blog, Nonsmoking Nation, which follows global tobacco news and events.