Avoiding Extra Pounds at the Party

For many, fighting the battle of the bulge is an ongoing cycle. Self-image can play a big role in your ability to approach food with a healthy attitude. However, it’s important to remember that whether you are a size 2 or a size 12, moderation is key, especially with the holidays approaching.

Experts say many gain five to 10 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. That doesn’t mean you should pass up your grandmother’s homemade sugar cookies. In fact, Tia Hagins, RD, a community nutritionist at Somerset Medical Center, suggests that you don’t diet during the holidays. Instead, strive to maintain your weight by balancing “party eating” with other meals.

Here’s How:

• Choose small, low-calorie meals earlier in the day. This will balance out the calories you’ll eat at the party.
• Don’t arrive hungry! Eat a piece of fruit or a small bagel with light cream cheese before the party.
• Mingle! Get a beverage, such as sparkling water with a twist of lime, and make the rounds before hitting the buffet line.
• Make just one trip to the buffet—and be selective. Choose only the foods you really want to eat and keep portions small. If it’s a sit-down dinner, have a small first helping so when seconds go around you won’t offend the host.
• Choose boiled shrimp or veggies and a little dip instead of cheese or fried foods. And watch the sweets, such as eggnog and pumpkin pie. Half a cup of eggnog has 9.5 grams of fat and 171 calories, while one slice of pumpkin pie packs a whopping 14 fat grams and 316 calories. If possible, satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh fruit or angel food cake.
• Foods on your dinner plate also may have hidden calories. For example, half a cup of stuffing has nearly 9 grams of fat and 178 calories. Substitute rice pilaf if possible.
• If you drink alcohol, have only one alcoholic drink, then switch to diet soda or water. Alcohol is high in calories.
• After your meal, take a walk, challenge your family to a friendly football game or take the kids ice skating. Work physical activity into your holiday routine. Who knows—maybe a new family tradition will be born!

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