Eat Healthier This Holiday Season
Research has shown that on average Americans gain a total of one to two pounds over the winter holidays, and that this weight tends to stick around and accumulate. This might not seem like much, but if you gain two pounds every year for
ten years, you could gain twenty pounds just from holiday meals!
The good news is that there are strategies that you can use to help you keep on track. Here are four simple tips from Heather Rudnik, Registered Dietitian with Lakeland Health.
1. Don’t skip meals
As tempting as it might be to skip meals in an effort to
“save your calories” for holiday dinners, you show avoid
this practice. By eating light meals consisting of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy,
it is less likely that you will overeat at the holiday meal.
The key is to avoid feeling like you are starving when
dinner comes around!
2. Eat sensible portions
Even healthy holiday recipes can lead to weight gain
when eaten in excess. One way to make sure you stick
with appropriate serving sizes is to serve dishes using
measuring cups. You can also use smaller plates to avoid taking too much food. For more information on serving sizes, visit www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups
3. Eat mindfully
Avoid random snacking while at parties. If you tend to “graze” on finger foods while at social gatherings, you may be eating more than you realize. If you would like to snack while talking with friends and family, just make one trip
to the buffet table. Try to slow down and enjoy each
bite to make it last.
4. Choose wisely
Be selective in what you sample; you don’t have to try
everything! For a more balanced meal, make sure to eat
a few vegetable dishes or a salad before moving on to
the higher-calorie foods.
4. Choose Wisely
Be selective in what you sample; you don't have to try everything! For a more balanced meal, make sure to eat a few vegetable dishes or a salad before moving on to the higher-calorie foods.
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