Every year my wonderful mother-in-law sends us a package of homemade goodies for the holidays. The box includes a huge bag of her delicious Chex mix, frosted sugar cookies, hand-dipped chocolate mint patties (my personal favorite), and divinity fudge. We all look forward to the arrival of that box, but then we are faced with trying to enjoy it without overdoing. And that is just one source of dietary temptation this time of the year. Add to that the boxes of candy sitting around at work, the eggnog, cocktails, and rich foods served at parties, and the huge meals consumed at holiday dinners, and you may start the New Year several pounds heavier. It's no wonder that the most common New Year's resolution is to lose weight. Fortunately, gaining weight over the holidays need not be your fate. Read on for suggestions that can help you avoid those extra pounds.
Begin by setting a realistic goal for yourself when it comes to holiday eating. For example, if your long-range goal is weight loss, a healthful and realistic goal is to maintain your current weight and resume weight loss after the holidays. Experts suggest that "dieting" is never the answer to long-term weight control because it is too hard to maintain. Rather work toward developing new attitudes and habits that you can continue indefinitely, such as eating more fruits and vegetables and fewer foods high in fat.
Denying yourself all of your favorite foods generally doesn't result in success either. Feeling deprived can lead to stronger cravings for the off-limit foods. For a better strategy, choose a few of your favorite indulgences, and then eat them in small portions. That way you can enjoy your favorite foods and still feel good about not overdoing.
Portion control sits at the center of all healthy eating plans and will be especially helpful over the holidays. Eating larger portions of lower calorie foods and small portions of starches and meats is one way to do this. Fill about half your plate with fruits and vegetables, about a quarter with rice, potatoes or other starches, and the final quarter with a protein source.
Paulette Avery is a registered nurse and freelance writer who specializes in health issues. You may contact her at averyfam\@comcast.net.
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