If you’re wondering if you can control your weight and blood sugar while enjoying your holiday treats, the answer is yes.
You don’t have to give up your favorite foods. Instead, follow these six nutrition and behavior tips to make smart, simple decisions in the coming weeks.
Identify your treatment dates in advance
Try to keep your holiday dining frenzy to just certain days. Yes, there are a lot of goodies at work, family gatherings, etc. in the weeks before the actual holiday… absurdly high calories.
Bring healthy meals and snacks to holiday gatherings
Either way, you contribute, so why not bring something delicious and good for everyone? You are in control. Your cooking will become your go-to for keeping excess calories, sugar and fat in check.Choose your recipes wisely. Side dishes based on fruits and vegetables work well. EatingWell.com is your trusted source for tempting, healthy recipes.
Make a plan for high-calorie days
If you know you’ll enjoy a high-calorie meal later in the day, eat lighter meals earlier in the day. Please. The basic concept here is to balance calories in and calories out.
Please be careful when eating and drinking
Take your time when eating. Take a sip of water or place your utensil between sips. Use smaller plates to control portions. It takes 20 to 30 minutes after starting a meal for the appetite center in the hypothalamus to feel full.
share your wealth
If you’re a host and tend to consume a lot of leftovers after festivities, consider purchasing containers or storage bags to send the extras to when your guests leave.
carry healthy snacks
Bring healthy snacks if you’re out shopping or running errands for long periods of time. This helps prevent impulse purchases and high-calorie eating out. Snacks to pack include granola bars, cut vegetables, and fruits. Nuts are also good, but they are high in calories, so limit them to a handful.
The goal is to enjoy yourself and others while staying healthy along the way! And check out EatRight.org For better nutrition tips and information.
Commemorative community health, photo provided
Sarah Hartman is a Registered Dietitian with Memorial Regional Health.
