Christmas is just days away and our diets are already shaking in their boots wondering if they will survive. We have to remember that calories do not take a holiday. The calories we eat do count even on Christmas. It is a shame that Santa cannot give us non fat yummy treats in our stocking. Speaking of Santa, if we are not careful we will end up being mistaken for him or his wife if we do not keep things in perspective. Yes, but it is still Christmas and you want desperately to take a bit of Aunt Mabel’s award winning chocolate pie or Grandma Gumdrops super rich and creamy mashed potatoes. And you know what? Why not have a bite or two? But you have to keep it at a bite or two not three or four or ten. No seconds on dessert or high fat mashed potatoes.
To help fight holiday weight gain, best-selling author and health expert Dr. Dean Ornish created this list of 16 Steps to Healthy Holiday Eating. I thought the tips were fun little ideas for keeping us in check this holiday season. So, I was given permission to list some of my favorites with you.
“How to Indulge During the Holidays” – Dr. Dean Ornish
Eat something beforehand. If you don’t eat all day, you may arrive at holiday meals and parties ravenous and lose control.
Put 20 percent fewer high-calorie foods and 20 percent more fruits and vegetables on your plate. Studies show that you probably won’t notice the difference.
Eat the healthier foods first – they will fill you up somewhat, so you’ll be less likely to overeat the more indulgent foods.
Try not to put more than two or three items on your plate at one time. We eat more when food is in front of us.
Substitute cranberry sauce for gravy, which is usually high in fat and calories. Cranberry sauce is nutritious and loaded with antioxidants.