Eating Healthy This Holiday Season by Kathy Keeney

fibroNUTS:
Eating Healthy This Holiday Season
By Kathy Keeney (Originally printed in fibroLIFE Ezine November 2010)  

 Take a tip from the American Diabetes Association ~

 They suggest we divide our plate into three sections:

1. 1/2 of your plate: non-starch veggies (broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, salad, tomatoes, cauliflower, all the leafy greens)
   
   
2. 1/4 of your plate: starches (rice, pasta, potatoes, corn, couscous, peas, or any whole grains)
   
   
3. 1/4 of your plate: protein (chicken, fish, meat, or tofu)
   
   Finishing touch: a glass of milk, a piece of fruit OR a small roll (and they mean small).
   
   

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fibroNUTS©

More Eating Healthy this Holiday Season  -

It’s the holidays – there are parties and more get- togethers – should you eat salad ALL the time?  NO, but, All things in Moderation.  Be sensible.  Yes, you have your favorite desserts, and you ONLY eat them at Mom’s, Christmas, or Chanukah.  I’m not saying don’t indulge the whole holiday season, but be sensible about it.  I make hand dipped chocolates for heaven’s sake! But, I also know that I can enjoy a few pieces of candy and be just as happy as when I was a child and was stuffing my face without a care or worry of gaining weight.  The best way to keep weight off is to never put it on in the first place.  

Ways to avoid excessive calories at holiday events:

1.  Don’t arrive at a party hungry – eat something before you go to keep yourself from sneaking back to the buffet table.
   
   
2. Increase your vegetables and fruits in order to improve your diet.  Try a V8 for your afternoon snack or evening drink. Bring a tray of your favorite fresh vegetables and fruits with you to parties.  Come armed so you have an option to extra rich temptations!
   
   
3. Wear a form-fitting outfit, with a belt, if possible.  No one wants the bulges to show, and tight belts just make you realize you don’t need to eat any more.
   
   
4. Make socializing, rather than food, the focus of the event.  Learn something new about someone you don’t know at the party.
   
   
5. Keep portions small and in check – to keep calories under control. Two hand dipped Chocolate covered cherries is fine – twelve is just asking for the fat jeans in January.
   
   
6. Plan how much alcohol you’ll drink.  It weakens your resolve and contributes to excess calorie consumption.  Mixed drinks especially have more calories.  Keep a glass of sparkling water or club soda in your hand to keep you from snacking more.
   
   
7. Don’t stand near the buffet table!  In fact, turn your back to it! Talk to that new friend – but don’t exchange recipes!
   
   
8. Wear something sparkly or special as a physical reminder to  yourself to watch those special foods and to eat in moderation.
   
   
9. Use a smaller salad plate rather than a full sized plate for your meal – you’ll still be full, and limit yourself to one serving per item.
   
   
10. Eat slowly – chew thoroughly, and you’ll eat less – Slow down and savor the flavors.                                                           ~Kathy Keeney