How not to overdo it during the holidays
Tis the season of temptation -- food temptation, that is. If your office is anything like ours, you've been inundated with sweets galore. At our holiday potluck breakfast, my dear coworkers actually had the nerve to bring super-rich brownies, sugary danishes and the most decadent chocolate cake I've ever tasted. Sigh.
Well, you don't have to succumb to the pressure. There are ways to eat healthy around the holidays. My inbox is flooded with tips from health gurus. Here's a sample of the best ones:
From the University of Maryland Medical Center:
Enjoy treats, but be choosy. For each meal, pick a few favorite items and stick to them rather than trying everything.
Eat regularly during the holidays – don’t starve yourself. When you save all those calories for that big party you're more likely to overeat.
Choose nutrient-rich rather than high-calorie foods. The more colorful the vegetable, the more heart-protective antioxidants it contains.
Battle the bulge. Beverages or foods that contain alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, peppermint, spearmint, coffee, carbonation, and acidic fruits and vegetables can trigger heartburn or acid reflux.
From cancer center dieticians at University of Michigan:
Eat smaller portions. This is especially important at a buffet, where you may want to try everything. Instead, choose the items you want to try the most, and eat a little of each.
Pace, don’t race. Many times, people eat so fast that their stomachs don't have enough time to register they’re full. Eat slower, savoring each bite and chances are you'll eat less.
Bring a low-calorie dish to holiday parties. Your host will appreciate it and you'll know that at least one healthy item will be on hand.
Be physically active. Look for ways to incorporate some daily physical activity during the holidays. Enjoy a brisk walk. Exercise can be a big stress reliever.
And here's my personal favorite: Be realistic. Don't try to diet during the holidays. Set a goal to maintain your weight.
The holidays can be especially hard for people with conditions like diabetes or celiac disease. Folks at the University of Maryland suggest diabetics carry their glucose meter with them and check their glucose half way through a holiday party.
For celiac disease, where people cannot tolerate gluten, a new website called Gling offers a host of great tips, recipes and coping techniques. It also aims to provide an online community for people adopting a gluten-free lifestyle.
Comments
Hello
I am very much conscious for my health.These are good points for healthy eating in holidays.These tips are really very helpful for our health.All points are cover regarding eating habits.I think we all should follow this tips.
Posted by: calcium | December 28, 2009 12:59 AM