Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

Preparing for the holidays Can Help You Stay Healthy. Here's How.

Oct 26, 2008 Mario Carini

There's no need to pack on pounds if you take 3 simple steps before, during and after every big event. You will ensure a happy, healthy and guilt-free experience.

The holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year's presents a great opportunities for overindulgence. But it doesn't have to be expensive or fattening if you know how to approach the holidays sensibly. A few simple steps can help make any holiday a memorable event and avoid the aftereffects of heartburn, acid reflux and weight gain. Here are some pointers for what you can do before, during and after the party.

Before the Big Event:

1. Exercise more. Get in shape. Holidays tend to add to your waistline despite your best intentions.

2. Know and prepare for the special needs of your guests. Diabetics, those with food allergies and religious beliefs have special requirements. Create a menu geared for them. Ask your guests if they have any health concerns before cooking up the Butterball.

3. A clean environment is essential, particularly when it comes to handling and cooking. Raw meat and poultry can carry viruses so you don't want your guests to celebrate in or near your washrooms.

4. If you're not the host, prepare your own food. Potlucks allow you to bring any food you desire and means healthier eating for you. If you plan to eat at a restaurant call ahead of time and inform them of the type of food you require.

5. Don't go hungry. A friendly party atmosphere can lead to overeating. Before going, snack on something wholesome like nuts or an apple. The fiber will help to fill you up.

During the Big Event:

1. Eat low-fat buttered popcorn, nuts and fruit for a pre-meal snack instead of the salty snacks served up.

2. Socialize more. Talking to someone takes your mind off the food table.

3. Eat slowly. There's no need to stuff yourself. Eating slowly allows for better digestion. Savor your food.

4. Since the host has to cater to everyone's tastes, beer, wine and spirits are readily available. Drink moderately. Excessive firewater leads to loss of control as to how much you actually end up eating.

5. If you are the host, make pumpkin pie and cheesecake with low fat ingredients for those who are watching calories. For potlucks bring along your home made deserts.

6. Once you've eaten your fill take some time to burn off those extra calories. Involve your spouse or friends for a comfortable walk. Toss around a football in the backyard. Turn on the stereo and play some disco.

After the Big Event:

1. Drink some water when you get home. Water can help flush and hydrate your body after a party of drinks and revelry. Wind down with some relaxing music or engage a hobby.

2. Send a thank you card to the host. They'll appreciate it and invite you back.

3. Keep exercising. Calories don't all burn away with a walk around your neighbor's house.

4. Ease back into the normal routine.

Healthy holiday eating doesn't have to lead to heartburn, upset stomach and added weight. With the proper preparation, you can have a safe and enjoyable season.

The copyright of the article Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating in Seasonal Cooking is owned by Mario Carini. Permission to republish Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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