Eating Healthy During the Holidays
It seems when the holidays roll around, a lot of dieters can be found throwing caution to the wind in favor of those scrumptious feasts and treats that are embedded into the holiday season. But, when January rolls around, the reality of that fruitcake still hanging on your thighs kicks in, and you vow that next year will be different.
So, how do you stay conscious of your weight loss plan throughout the holiday season without missing out on all of those holiday feasts and parties? Read below to find some tips to help you keep the season merry without adding pounds to your frame.
Substitute Ingredients
Try lowering the fat count and calories in your recipes, without sacrificing taste by using some of the tips below:
- Use skim milk instead of whole in recipes.
- Omit butter or margarine from stuffing recipes. Instead, try using fat-free chicken or vegetable broth. Be sure to cook the stuffing separate from your turkey so that it does not absorb fat from the bird as it cooks.
- Mashed potatoes can be moistened with broth as well in lieu of butter or margarine. You can also add roasted, mashed garlic cloves for a twist.
- Use ¼ cup of egg white in place of one whole egg or use egg substitute.
- Don't make pies from scratch. Pre-made graham cracker and ready-made piecrusts are lower in calories than standard crusts. Crushed gingersnap cookies are even lower in calories.
- Make your green bean casserole with small chunks of potatoes and fat free half-and-half. Top with almonds instead of cream soup.
- Choose a turkey that is not self-basted and you will lower the sodium content. This will also save you on the price of the bird.
- Substitute or alternate low-calorie drinks like diet soda and mineral water instead of higher calorie refreshments.
Getting Together Without Gaining Pounds
While you can control what you eat in your own home during the holidays, most people have a harder time keeping to their diet plan when they are out at holiday parties or with friends. Try some of the tips below to stay on track:
- Bring a fresh fruit plate or vegetable tray to potluck dinners or office parties instead of a high-calorie dessert.
- During the holidays, portions you consume can double. At parties and while out with friends, eat a variety of foods, but in smaller quantities.
- Be sure to eat during the day. Often times people skip eating during the day and "save up" for parties they are attending in the evening. In the end, you'll end up consuming more calories this way.
If you are going to host a holiday party, be sure to have low-calorie and fat-free salad dressings, light or reduced-calorie mayonnaise and sugar and egg substitutes on hand for guests who may be trying to watch their weight.
Stay Focused
Above all, be sure to remain focused on your weight loss plan during the holidays. By using the tips above, you can enjoy with overindulging. In addition to eating healthy, be sure to find time amidst all of the holiday hustle and bustle to exercise. Come January, your body will thank you for it.
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