We all want to enjoy the holidays with family and friends. Often food is part of our celebrations, and it is easy to get caught up in over-eating and consuming foods that are just not that good for us. The average American gains one to two pounds during the holiday season. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy during the holidays. Be realistic and don’t try to lose weight during this time, but instead, focus on maintaining your current weight. Plan time to exercise, maybe a few minutes more than usual to reduce stress and offset over-eating. Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast, or you may make up for those missed calories by eating too much later in the day. Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet and have a snack of them before heading to a party. They’re high in volume and satisfy your hunger. At a buffet, survey the selections and eat your favorite foods first, then skip the others. Have some vegetables and fruits on your plate so your meal is balanced. Eat small portions in general and savor your favorites. Bring your own healthy dish to share at a party, and try making lower calorie versions of your favorite foods. Eat only until you’re satisfied, not stuffed. Curb your alcohol consumption since alcohol can induce over-eating and is full of calories, and choose water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages. And if you do go overboard at one meal, eat lightly at the next. It’s impossible to gain weight from one piece of pie! Warmest holiday wishes from RVNA!
Visit RVNA at www.ridgefieldvna.org