Fitness Ask Pam: Holiday Diet Tips

Manage your diet during the holidays with these simple tips from our nutrition expert.

By Pamela Ofstein MS, RD, LDN
Director of Nutrition Services

It's hard sticking to my diet during the holidays. Any advice on advice on how to manage though this holiday season?

Holidays are full of laughs, good company and of course lots and lots of goodies. Of course, with great foods, there comes great responsibility. Most of us can agree that often some of the best-tasting foods during the holidays are not always the healthiest (don't we wish they were!) but that doesn't mean you have to avoid them all entirely.

We've all been there - that holiday gathering where there are delicious foods to choose from. So which one do you choose? Some of us take a bit more than our stomachs may need, while others will end up taking a bit (a nice little sampling). Too much we know doesn't help with calorie intake and, often, a little bit can end piling up into one big plate. There has to be a happy medium, right?

Avoid temptation? Just go with it? So many choices! But have no fear, there is a way to get through the holidays and keep an eye on consumption.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your holiday gatherings and still be kind to your waistline:

• Be generous with non-starchy veggies. Careful with vegetable dip - remember to dip your veggies and not the other way around!
• Avoid fried foods, heavily sauced or gravy covered foods.
• You don't have to try everything. If there is a food you aren't really crazy about, skip it.
• Share your treats with a friend - makes the portion smaller.
• Mingle to keep your mind off all the food; the more you talk the less you eat!
• Pay attention to your food. Eat slowly and really savor each bite -you'll be less likely to overindulge.
• Stick to your diet soda or -even better -drink water.
• If you drink alcohol, limit it to 1-2 drinks for the night.
• Most of all, have fun - it's the holidays! Enjoy yourself but don't forget how much work you've put in to your diet and exercise over the year.

Managing the holidays is all about moderation. Remember: it's a short break for a celebration and not a permanent change. There is nothing wrong with enjoying some of the delicious foods offered and if you go off track a bit, get right back on. Don't look back!

Have a happy holiday season!

Source : http://healthnews.ediets.com/diet-weight-loss/ask-pam-holiday-diet-tips.html

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