Here's how experts recommend you keep your family's health and nutrition on track this season.
Plan ahead
Parties, high-calorie meals and little time for exercise are part of the holiday landscape. So it pays to have a healthful strategy before the season begins. Try these ideas:
- If you know the family will be at a big holiday party in the evening, balance things out by serving a light, lean meal during the day.
- Ask if you can bring the party hors d'oeuvres, and include a vegetable or fruit platter and low-fat yogurt for dipping.
- Avoid "grazing" at the mall by holiday shopping on a full stomach.
- Let people know your family's holiday nutrition plans. You'll be surprised by how helpful and supportive friends and relatives can be.
Make substitutions
A few simple substitutions can save your family calories. Instead of whole milk, use 2% or skim. Trade heavy cream for half-and-half, and rather than loading up with butter, try mixing in chopped vegetables like celery, onions and carrots to add flavor. Skip the apple pie in favor of baked apples.
Indulge your sweet tooth
One of the best parts of the season is the delicious cookies, candies and cakes. For most, it's okay to allow a little sweet indulgence. Just enjoy these treats in moderation. Also, savor your goodies by eating slowly and the taste will go a long way.
Share the leftovers
Sure, "it's a shame to waste", but a house full of high-calorie leftovers is often an invitation to over-snacking. Keep just enough of your favorites for the next day, and send the rest home with guests or to a food bank.
Have healthy side dishes
Balance out high-calorie holiday meals with filling sides like steamed vegetables
Stay active
Squeezing in physical activity during the holidays can be a challenge, but there are a few tricks. When shopping, park as far away from the entrance as possible. The extra steps you'll walk will make a difference. At least three times each week, make time for a family hike around the neighborhood. You may even want to plan an all-day outing. Also, getting kids moving with a
morning dance is a great way to jump start the day.
Sensibly delicious desserts
Try these Sensibly Delicious™ recipes from
VeryBestBaking.com. With lower fat, and less sugar and calories, they can help keep well-being part of your holiday baking.
Finally, experts advise knowing what triggers overeating for your family. Whether it's time spent in front of the TV, stress or the availability of food, knowing the causes is the first step toward a more healthful holiday season.