Healthy Holiday Eating – Not An Oxymoron

0

Do you want to enjoy the holidays and the special treats that come but once a year?  So how can you balance the, “I want to be healthy” with the, “You only live once and I like food?”  I’m sharing four of my favorite tips, and I would love to hear your top tips too!

Make it fancy with fruit kebabs or keep it simple. Fruit always looks beautiful!
Make it fancy with fruit kebabs or keep it simple. Fruit always looks beautiful!
  • shutterstock_2819054Make appetizers your friend not your foe.  Cheese and crackers, baked brie and fried cheese puffs can easily double your meal’s calories and fat.  Whether serving or attending, don’t make fruit and veggies an afterthought.  Serve sliced apples and pears, as well as grapes with your apps along with veggies and lowfat dip, guacamole, or hummus. Make produce the most of your app plate.
  • Use the plate method.  You’ve probably heard this before, but have you put into practice? Make ½ your plate vegetables (and fruit), 1/4 protein, and 1/4 starch or grain.  This way you can enjoy your food, but a simple shift in ratio will easily keep your calories in check.
  • Cocktails are liquid cake.  Yup, I hate to be the bearer of this news. I often hear people say “I would never drink soda,” but Mojitos, Margaritas, and your Appletini’s are packed with sugar.  Think of it as dessert and decide how important it is. Stick to one and then choose seltzer or lower calorie beverages most of the night (Pour your seltzer into a champagne flute with a twist of lime, orange, or some berries so it still feels like a cocktail!)  If you choose to drink, choose whatever option YOU are most likely to drink slowly and savor.  For me, if I drink a Prosecco or Champagne (with a splash or cranberry or apple cider), I’ll drink it slowly. There’s something about champagne and not downing it.shutterstock_85789051
  • Choose wisely. It helps to keep in mind (“You have chosen wisely” from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade)What’s important to you at holiday time?  Your mom’s apple pie? Aunt Sally’s ham?  Decide in advance what the non-negotiables are and skip the every day options like rolls.  Start with a small portion of your favorites and don’t rush! Savor every bite.

 What helps you enjoy holiday foods while staying on track with your health efforts?

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here