Healthy Holiday Diet Tips

By Kiki Powers, M.S.

Though you may wish to forgo your weight loss diet during holiday time, the following tips can help you enjoy the season's offerings in moderation while you at least minimize weight gain. Though you may be familiar with these ideas, consider really putting them into practice this year. You may find you enjoy the holidays more than ever before!

• Wear a form-fitting outfit, with a belt if possible. This will help you remain conscious of how much you consume later.
• Taking care with your appearance (buy yourself a new holiday sweater, try that dashing lipstick, etc.) will help you feel more positive and ready to interact with others, taking the emphasis off food.
• When heading off to parties, volunteer to be the designated driver. Alcohol provides many "empty" calories that you can easily avoid. The bonus: you'll remain more upbeat (alcohol is a depressant) and may remember the party better than your fellow drinkers.
• If you do choose to drink alcohol, stick with light beer, wine or champagne and avoid calorie-dense cocktails and liqueurs.
• Try not to arrive at events hungry. Having a light snack before you go will keep your blood sugar stable for a positive beginning and better self control.
• When you first arrive, rather than going right for the appetizers, enjoy the upbeat mood of people getting together, help greet arrivals, etc.
• If you do want to sample some food upon arrival, take advantage of low calorie appetizers, like salads with low calorie dressing, raw vegetables and most (non cream-based) soups.
• Choose water as a beverage whenever possible. You'll feel refreshed and well hydrated, and won't mistake thirst for hunger.
• Ask for sparkling water in a wine glass with a lemon twist for a festive touch.
• Try to avoid the empty calories provided by sodas, punch, etc.
• If you see peanuts, pretzels, chips, and other everyday snacks within reach, try to avoid reaching for them automatically. Save your calories for the special treats.
• Make socializing, rather than food, the focus of the event.
• Taking an interest in others by asking questions and listening to the replies will endear you to your fellow guests and make you glad you didn't remain in the corner eating bleu cheese-stuffed olives.
• If food is served buffet style, try not to be first in line. Stalling a bit means you have more time to enjoy your meal, without as much time for second helpings.
• Take small amounts of many different things, which will be more satisfying and less calorie-dense than huge helpings of the rich items.
• Emphasize lean proteins, green vegetables, salads while avoiding rich carbohydrates like buttery mashed potatoes, high-fat stuffing, candied yams, refined white bread and rolls, etc.
• Be sure to feature salad or veggie items on every plate you take. Eating them first provides you with fiber, a wealth of nutrients—and a bit less space for high fat items.
• Chat often. If your food is eaten slowly and you talk longer, you'll be full sooner.
• When you start to eat, remember to eat slowly. It takes at least 20 minutes for your system to register that you're full.
• Practice saying "no, thank you." It's never rude to decline additional portions if you're full.
• During holiday time, eat plenty of small meals often. Don't "save up" for a big feast. Bonus: you'll have more balanced blood sugar levels and more energy, without overtaxing your digestive system.
• After dinner, go off and brush your teeth and refresh your lipstick. You'll be less tempted by post-dinner foods.
• Consider skipping dessert. Do you really need the pumpkin pie? If you have a big sweet tooth, sample a bite or two of several different desserts. Try the Dolly Parton motto: "Try everything, finish nothing."

You may find that a craft that you can do in a relaxed family holiday setting, such as knitting or crocheting, will enable you to enjoy the company while keeping hands too busy to unconsciously reach for treats laying around. Bonus: a lovely baby blanket!

Most importantly, enjoy the occasion, and your friends and family. Have fun!