Here are Ten Tips for surviving the holidays & staying fit:
- Plan ahead for parties and other ‘dangerous’ situations by having a light snack before you head out the door. Some examples are a cup of low fat soup or a slice of whole wheat toast with a thin layer of spread.
- Make your entrees ‘merry and light’. Only choose the leanest cuts of meat (98% lean or less) and use low fat cooking methods such as steaming, roasting, baking, or stir-frying.
- Keep your blood sugar levels stable by eating three regular meals per day plus healthy snacks.
- Limit your alcohol intake at parties by alternating alcoholic beverages with sparkling water. Alcohol not only adds extra calories but limits your inhibitions, making it more of a challenge to make healthy choices in your diet.
- When you are asked to bring a dish to a gathering, bring a dish that is low in fat and calories to help set a new precedent.
- Plan for some physical activity every day. Some ideas are to take post-holiday meal walks around the neighborhood with your family, offer to shovel an elderly neighbors’ sidewalk, or taking the family ice skating instead of to the movies.
- Change your attitude. Try to put your focus on the spirit of the season, not the food! There are many opportunities out there to help those less fortunate by volunteering at a soup kitchen or food bank.
- “Slenderize’ your side dishes—try adding garlic, green onions, or non-fat sour cream to mashed potatoes instead of butter. You can also add sautéed vegetables or roasted chestnuts to stuffing or other cooked grain side dishes instead of meat.
- Disguise fitness as fun! Try a new activity or class as this is a great time to get an early start on your New Year resolutions.
- When you have a large meal, freeze leftovers in single servings so that you will be less li