The Space Needle, the Macy’s star and the Westlake tree are all lit — the holiday season is here! The holidays are a great time to enjoy friends, family and favorite holiday recipes, but that doesn’t mean you need to destroy those healthy habits or fear gaining countless pounds. Any food — even grandma’s beloved pie — can fit into a healthy diet plan.
For starters, consider holding off on the weight-loss plan. During the holidays, it may be a self-defeating goal; instead, strive to maintain your weight. Those holiday pounds can be avoided through mindful eating and a few simple strategies.
Party pre-game
Attending the holiday party famished will lead to extra calories consumed, which won’t help out your waistline. To prevent this from happening, plan ahead and create some smaller, lower-calorie snacks to have before the party, such as veggies, whole-grain crackers or fruit to help curb the hunger.
If you’re planning to bring a dish, why not bring something that is healthy and delicious? Try whole-grain pasta salads, fruit bowls or veggie tray, and substitute low-fat Greek yogurt for sour cream in any of your favorite dip recipes for lower-calorie dip. Or try a low-calorie dessert, like the baked apple with oatmeal-spice filling (recipe next page).
Party time
Join in on the calorie-free fun by being social and partaking in the holiday festivities and games at the party. By keeping yourself distracted and busy, you will think less about the food.
Don’t fear the buffet table: Take what you really want, and try to add in some wholesome foods, too. Consider filling your plate with lower-calorie and higher-fiber foods like the veggies and fruit to help fill you up while leaving room for smaller portions of foods you really want to try.
Eat slowly and savor every bite — sometimes just a small taste can satisfy your craving.
Remember to be mindful of the holiday drinks: Sometimes liquids can have as many calories as our plate of food. Consider sipping on calorie-free sparkling water, or use sparkling water to dilute alcoholic beverages.
Make your water more fun by adding whole cranberries and sliced cucumber in for a festive and refreshing drink.
Post-party
With each party comes the challenge of keeping the weight off, so you’ve got to balance some of those calories with more physical activity. Yes, it is cold and rainy in Seattle, but these activities can help you get moving during the holidays — even if it is only for 10 minutes:
•Skip the elevator or escalators; take the stairs.
•Plan activities into your holiday parties: kids vs. grown-ups playing basketball, dodgeball, or tag football. Play some music and start a dance-off.
•Plan a post-dinner walk with the family around Green Lake or even just around the block.
•Catch-up on housework: vacuuming, sweeping, cleaning windows.
KRISTAL LOWE is a registered dietician at Pacific Medical Centers (www.PacMed.org), which has locations in Beacon Hill, First Hill and Northgate. To comment on this column, write to QAMagNews@nwlink.com.
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