12.12.2008

Holiday Eating Tips

If you're following a low fat diet, the holiday season is a mixed blessing, especially coming so soon after Thanksgiving. As wonderful as it is to be among family and friends for the holidays, it's hard to say no to all those tempting holiday treats that are passed around. Seemingly, you have two choices: abandon your good intentions and regret it later, or abstain and be miserable.

Fortunately, there is another option: choose wisely and still enjoy yourself. Better still, if you are hosting a holiday celebration, you can control what's offered and adjust many of the recipes to make them lower in fat.

As always, moderation and portion control rule. Too much of anything can add unwanted pounds and be unhealthy. Reducing fat is not an excuse to feast on lots of sugary holiday treats. But if you want to eat a sugar cookie and drink a little low fat eggnog, or have a slice of fruitcake and some mulled cider, you can.

Make sure you compensate elsewhere; not by skipping meals, but by saying no to second helpings, by filling up with fruit and vegetables, and drinking plenty of water to aid digestion and keep you feeling full for longer.

And don't forget to exercise: a brisk walk, running up the stairs, skating with the kids, or a proper workout, will all help burn excess holiday calories.

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