T’is the season for holiday cheer and crash diets are just around the corner with the new year. In just one week we’ll gather around a table to a Thanksgiving feast where we can stuff ourselves with more fats and calories than the turkey ever saw coming. When you look for ways to avoid gaining the dreaded holiday weight, advice to forgo every sauce, gravy, dressing and morsel of fudge seems downright depressing. After all, now is a time for goodwill and cheer, so here’s how I suggest you raise your glass and not your pant size this holiday season.
Many of us tend to drink more around the holidays; partly to celebrate and partly to help tolerate the onslaught of holiday shopping madness and the occasional difficult house guest. So when you choose your holiday cocktail, try a “skinny” version or choose lower calorie champagne over beer and wine. Better yet, add a splash of pomegranate juice to your bubbly for a fresh flavor and festive color. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water. It will also help you feel fuller before a meal, so you’re less likely to overeat.
Don’t starve yourself before supper. You’ll tend to gorge if you force yourself to go hungry, so snack on some healthy munchies before you sit down for the main course. Moderate your portions by following the rule of thirds: one-third protein (skinless turkey has far less fat and calories than turkey with skin), one-third vegetables (salad, green beans, etc.) and one-third starches (mashed potatoes, stuffing, bread). Kudos to you if you can manage to skip or reduce the starch portion and add more protein and veggies.
If you’re hosting the meal, be conscious when preparing your bounty. It’s easy and equally tasty to make mashed potatoes with skim milk and no butter. Swap a whole egg for two egg whites and replace sour cream with nonfat yogurt when you can. Include fruit with your dessert. Berries drizzled with honey will satisfy a sweet tooth and make a lovely presentation as well. These simple swaps will save calories and inches from your waistline over time.
Families and friends often bond over food, so share a wonder meal and make new memories by trying out a new healthy recipe together. You may discover a new family favorite if you try a turkey sausage stuffing or a potato and green bean casserole sans fried onion topping.
Regardless of your food choices, the holiday season is meant to be joyful, so you don’t have to torture yourself by not partaking in a little treat here and there. Just remember to button up your pants and go for a walk after your meal. It’s a great way to bond with loved ones, get in touch with nature and help your body process what you’ve consumed. To help keep a happy and healthy heart, don’t forget to give thanks for at least one thing each day. I give thanks to you for taking the time to read this.
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