Wednesday, November 21, 2012

10 Tips for Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain



- Make sure to eat small meals during the day to avoid overeating during holiday parties.

- Fill at least half of your plate with fruit and veggies. Eat the veggies first to avoid filling up with higher calorie options.

- Cut dessert portions in half and add fruit.

 -Eat high fiber foods such as whole grains which will help keep you feeling satisfied longer.

- Replace butter with olive oil and/or grape seed oil in some of your favorite recipes.

- Despite the cooler weather, hydration is key. Try to consume 8-12 glasses of water a day.  Try to drink an 8 oz. glass before meals to avoid overeating.

- Take the time to enjoy the meal with your family and savor every bite. Consuming the meal quickly may result in overeating.

- Stay active and engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. Don’t’ wait until the New Year to start or resume exercise.  Regular physical activity will help you enjoy the holidays even more!


- Avoid alcohol. If you must drink, choose lower calorie options like white wine or sparkling wine.

 - Portion control. Use the Myplate.org diagram to get a better idea for healthy portion sizes.