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Holiday Survival Tactics
Celebrating Sensibly
Hints for Guests
- Choose to eat something or say "No, thank you." It is not
necessary to take food just because it’s offered.
- Make food choices thoughtful ones. Know what foods are available and
decide which ones you really want to sample. Bypass those that are readily
available at other times.
- Spend time talking with family and friends so that food is not the only
focus.
- Continue your exercise program during the holidays.
- Include plenty of vegetables and fruits in your meals and snacks. Cheeses
and meats are often featured, especially as party snacks, but their calories
and fat add up quickly.
- Nuts are also high in calories because of their fat content. Most nuts
contain healthy fats for your heart, so take a small handful and move on.
- Remember that calories come in liquid as well as solid form, so sodas,
alcohol, and juices can add up fast.
- When preparing meals, make a special effort to reduce fat and calories.
This will help to offset those meals you cannot control.
- Allow yourself a moderate portion of favorite treats at special meals or
parties. Savor your treats slowly and without guilt.
Hints for Hosts
Consider the needs of your guests when planning your menu – be it for meals
or snacks. The calorie and cholesterol-conscious will appreciate your efforts.
- Include a variety of foods. Don’t emphasize one group of foods more than
others.
- Evaluate your favorite recipes for fat content. In many recipes butter,
margarine, or oil can be greatly reduced or even eliminated without
compromising taste. Make substitutions wherever possible.
- Offer a balance of dishes. A table filled with rich, creamy foods covered
with sauces is too much for anyone. Be sure that some foods are simply
prepared and, when possible, serve sauces separately.
- Be sure that your bar is stocked with low-calorie choices including plain
seltzer, diet sodas, and fruit juices. Be thoughtful of "designated
drivers" and those who do not drink alcohol.
- Hospitality is allowing guests the option to refuse food and drink. They
came for the company also!
- Include activities in your festivities when possible. Walk through the
neighborhood to look at holiday decorations.
Keeping the Weight Off
- Physical activity is vital to health and fitness all year long. Take
advantage of cool mornings and evenings to take walks around the
neighborhood with friends and family. A good time to walk is during football
game halftime.
- Don’t deprive yourself of your favorite foods. Balance what you eat with
other meals throughout the day.
- Don’t starve yourself before the meal. If your dinner starts at 5 p.m.,
then have a lower calorie breakfast and lunch. This way you can enjoy your
favorite foods without overdoing it.
- Watch those portion sizes! The larger the portion size, the greater the
calories. Even low-fat foods can add up, because low fat doesn’t mean low
calorie. Food on a plate can pile up fast with the large spreads so commonly
found at holiday feasts. Try taking smaller portions than you usually would
and eat slowly, enjoying the company of family and friends.
– From St. Luke’s Hospital’s Nutrition Services Dept.
©2006 Texas Medical Center
E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/12_15_01/page_12.html
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