Holiday Help

The holidays can be a wonderful time to celebrate with friends and family. It can also be a dangerous time for anyone watching their weight or trying to maintain a healthy diet. I'm a big believer in the fact that food is more than just fuel for the body. It plays an important part in traditions, memories, and culture. Celebrations shouldn't mean deprivation and they don't have to! The following are some stand-by recommendations that I have for those who want to enjoy the holidays with less guilt!

First, when you know you'll be attending a gathering where eating will be a central activity, offer to bring a dish. Use this as an opportunity to share a healthy dish with friends and family. You can control what's in the dish, so it can be delicious and healthy at the same time! You'll feel confident eating plenty of that dish, so you don't have to "go without" since you can still taste everything else.

Next, don't skip meals! Many people think that by skipping meals before an eating event, they also skip the calories. This doesn't usually happen, however because it leads to overeating. Having regular small meals or snacks help control hunger and will give you more willpower to do the next thing...

Wait 10 minutes before going back for seconds! It takes some time for your stomach to signal to your brain that it is full. Have a sensible meal and don't go back for seconds right away. If there are many dishes to choose from, it's okay to have a taste of everything, but remember that a taste is just a couple of tablespoons.

Focus on the fruits and vegetables. Make your plate a colorful example of the delicious offerings available. Crudites, salads, and fruit are a great way to fill up and get plenty of vitamins and fiber in your meal. Watch out for casseroles (full of cheese, butter, and calories!), sauces, and dressings, which will tip the scale in the wrong direction.

Finally, go for a walk or play some tag football with the kids! A walk is a great way to reconnect with relatives and friends, since it gives you time to talk and catch up. Don't fall asleep on the couch after that meal, get moving instead. You will likely eat more calories than usual, so it's a good time to get in some extra physical activity too!

Estimates are that some people will gain more than 5 pounds in the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Most of those people won't lose that weight during the following year. To make the most of your holidays remember that the memories, traditions, and celebrations are more than the food -- focus on the things that matter most: faith, family, and friends.