How To Avoid The Holiday Gain

The average person gains 4-8lbs over the holiday season.  Between work parities, family gatherings and spending time with friends; there is temptation to eat in every direction.  It only takes 500 calories above your normal consumption to gain one pound.  You could easily do that with one piece of pie!  If you want to avoid the holiday weight gain, here are some tips to get you started!

·      Eat until you are full, not stuffed!

·      Eat a small meal before a party out.  If you are already satisfied, you are less likely to over eat on unhealthy snacks

·      Be careful with alcohol.  Not only are drinks full of empty calories, but they decrease inhibition and induce overeating

Here are a few ways to lighten up your holiday favorites

·      No Skin – Opt for removing the skin from the turkey.  This will save you 11 grams of fat per serving

·      Almonds vs. Onions – Everyone loves green bean casserole, but with creamy soup and fried onions, your calorie count will be through the roof.  Cook the casserole with potato chunks instead of cream soup and top off with almonds.

·      Stuffing Substitute – everyone loves dressing.  Fill yours with onions, garlic, celery and vegetables.  The less bread and the more veggies you use, the healthier this becomes.

·      Quick Holiday Nog — Four bananas, 1-1/2 cups skim milk or soymilk, 1-1/2 cups plain nonfat yogurt, 1/4-teaspoon rum extract, and ground nutmeg. Blend all ingredients except nutmeg. Puree until smooth. Top with nutmeg.

·      Cut the Crust – Make a crust less pumpkin pie.  Cutting the crust helps cut calories!

Be smart around the holidays.  Don’t cut out meals knowing you will over eat later.  Instead eat a small healthy meal filled with vegetables.  You don’t have to aim for weight loss during this time, but instead weight maintenance is a reasonable goal.  Remember that the holidays are a time for family and friends, and don’t need to revolve around food!