| 10 Tips for a Healthier Holiday Meal (Part Two) | |
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Take it easy on the adult beverages. You don't have to swear off alcohol entirely, but moderation is definitely key. Not only are alcoholic drinks calorie-heavy, they also increase your appetite. Plus, as anyone whose had a few too many can attest to, they lower your self-control. Even if you were completely focused on not overeating when you arrived, after you've downed a few cocktails, there may be no stopping you! So, if you're going to imbibe, make it a one-off. To save calories, choose a wine spritzer or a light beer.
When making sundaes as desserts or treats for the kids, choose sugar free ice cream or reduced- or non-fat frozen yogurt. Non-fat, reduced-calorie whipped topping is almost identical in flavor and texture to its higher-calorie counterpart. Try topping sundaes with all fruit spread rather than chocolate or caramel syrup. If portions tend to get out of control, serve less ice cream in smaller dishes.
Go "veggie" for a little while. If you're still hungry after the main course, go for seconds, but choose side dishes, rather than meat- or bread-based dishes. Select those dishes comprised of mainly vegetables. Try to choose healthier options like steamed or boiled veggies instead of casseroles or those topped off with butter or cheese. By stocking up on healthier dishes when you go for your second round instead of the entrée, you'll take in fewer extra calories and fat and you'll be adding more fiber. Another alternative is to get up and get your mind off eating. By doing so, you may find you're not still hungry after all, and forgo seconds entirely.
Put to use some fat-fighting baking substitutions: use 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to replace 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate in desserts; crushed graham crackers are a healthier alternative to pie crusts; replace 1 egg with 2 egg whites or ¼ cup of egg substitute; replace half of the oil in dessert recipes with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce; use reduced- or non-fat frozen yogurt instead of ice cream on pies.
Holidays are really about getting together with family and enjoying your time with them, right? Don't rush your meal. Savor the flavor and texture of each dish and take small bites. Don't worry about measuring portion sizes down to the ounce today. Allow yourself to relax and enjoy the day. Plus, it takes 20 minutes for your brain to realize that you're full, so taking it slow will help prevent you from overeating. Eat slowly and enjoy the company.
