Last year, Joy Bauer, M.S., R.D., C.D.N. (http://health.yahoo.com) shared these ten tips, which bear repeating for this year!
1. Exercise religiously
Regular physical activity throughout the holiday season will burn calories, tone your body and empower you to make smart food choices. Aim for 5 days each week and at least 30 minutes per session.
2. Recycle edible gifts
If you're watching your weight and can't resist the temptation of decadent sweet treats in the house, send them off! Recycle fruit cakes, date breads, chocolates and homemade cookies. You'll save your body thousands of unnecessary calories (and the generous gift giver will never know).
3. Never go to a party hungry
Eat something that will take the edge off your hunger and keep blood sugar levels steady -- you'll have better resolve at the party. The perfect pre-party snack should combine high quality, complex carbs with protein.Three examples (each approximately 200 calories): • Apple + 8 ounces nonfat plain or flavored yogurt• One cup of lentil or bean soup• 2 ounces turkey or ham piled on one slice whole wheat bread with lettuce, tomato and mustard
4. Wear something fabulous and fitted
You're less apt to eat when you feel good about how you look (and of course, your clothing is snug).
5. Hang out with the talkers vs. the eaters
Eating is contagious. You don't want to surround yourself with people pigging out. Remember that a festive party is about great conversation and holiday spirit - not just food.
6. Go easy on the hors d'oeuvres
Don't use up your calories at the beginning of a party. Select THREE of anything you want... and after that, stick with less caloric pickings (cold or grilled shrimp, chicken on a skewer, and crudités)
7. Load your plate with the right stuff
Fill half your plate with vegetables and divide the rest between protein and starch.
8. Eat slowly
Nutrition scientists at the University of Rhode Island recently found that slow eaters take in fewer calories at a meal than people who eat quickly.
9. Be selective with splurges
Decide which special foods you really want and enjoy them. Go out of your way to skip the rest.
10. Alternate alcoholic drinks with club soda or ice water
Alcohol contains many calories, and also stimulates your appetite and reduces your willpower. If a drink is a must, cut the calories in half and have more control over your food and actions by alternating each drink with a seltzer or mineral water (add a twist of lime or lemon).
If we can all follow Joy's tips into this holiday season, we'll enter 2008 with a few less pounds than we might have. And our healthy intentions for 2008 will be off to a great start!
Happy Holidays and Healthy Eating!
Billie Sinclair
Body Transformation Coach
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