The holidays are a time for fun with family and friends especially at group get togethers and parties. While the season’s delectable dishes may make your taste buds happy, what some of them do to your body is another story. Many of these family favorites are loaded in empty calories, but with the right substitutions and choices, the bloat can be beat! Check out these tips for both a happy AND healthy holiday season!
Eat This: Grilled chicken or shrimp cocktail
Not That: Anything fried! Fried chicken, fried turkey, fried shrimp, fried fish…
Grilled chicken is not only high in good nutrients such as protein, but it also does not contain the high amounts of trans fatty acids that fried foods do. Although shrimp is high in cholesterol, it is very low in fat and a great substitute.
Drink This: Light beer, vodka waters, or diet sodas
Not That: Spiked (or regular) eggnog or seasonal punch
Light beer is always a safe bet no matter what the season! Most light beers are 100 calories or less, so they won’t defeat your diet. Here’s another tip that could be useful for all times of the year: you can liven up a simple vodka water with powdered flavoring such as Crystal Light or Simply Lemon packets for a low calorie and tasty drink. Normal eggnog already tops the caloric charts with around 350 per cup, but with hard alcohol added it can easily be much more! While festive punch may not seem as bad of a choice because it isn’t as rich as other beverages, it can be packed with high amounts of sugar.
Eat This: Fresh fruit and vegetable trays
Not That: Rich dips that accompany the trays
You may think that you are making a healthy decision by choosing veggies – who doesn’t? But dips such as ranch for veggies and cream-cheese based fruit dips can quickly add up even just from small amounts. Keep those fruits and veggies plain or with a small amount of dip to play it safe!
Eat This: Salsa and guacamole
Not That: Queso, 7 layer dip, or spinach dip
Dips are usually go-to appetizers at any party. By casually gazing on these delicious dips and chips, it’s easy to lose track of just how much you have eaten. With the latter dips containing high amounts of various cheeses, mayonnaise, and sour cream, which are all high in fat, salsa and guacamole made with fresh fruits and veggies are a much healthier and just as delicious dish! Don’t forget to watch your chip or bread amount with these dips! A normal serving size of tortilla chips is around 15-20 chips, which can easily be surpassed.
Eat This: Unsalted peanuts
Not That: Chocolate candies
While making your rounds at the party, how many times do you grab and handful of sweets from a candy dish or bowl? Probably more than you realize. Even though nuts are relatively high in fat, they are high in protein and a much better option than sugar loaded M&Ms. As long as they aren’t over-salted, they are a good alternative if you like to graze on finger snacks throughout the party.
Now for some final tips:If you don’t like something you put on your plate – don’t eat it! Many of us were raised to finish everything given to us, but if you don’t enjoy something, it’s not worth the calories. Also. you’ll feel less satisfied which will lead to eating even more to make up for the items you didn’t like. One last obvious, but usually over-looked point is to not over-eat! Holidays are known for indulging, but you’ll feel much better afterwards if you stop eating when you’re full and not when you’re cramming in that last big piece of pumpkin pie or sliced ham. By following these simple tips, your body will not only be happy with you, but you’ll already be ahead on your New Year’s Resolution of eating healthier and your spring break diet! Happy holidays HCers!
References:
1. http://www.healthinharmony.com/what-to-eat-at-holiday-parties-to-avoid-empty-calories
2. http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/12/09/3583838/eat-this-not-that-at-holiday-parties.html#tvg
3. http://www.livestrong.com/article/298506-calories-in-eggnog/
4. http://www.bestparty-ideas.com/tag/christmas-dinner-party-tips
5. http://edrinkrecipes.com/christmas-drinks/
6. http://somethingyummy.ca/html/seasonal1_23.html
7. http://www.karaspartyideas.com/search/label/berries%20and%20branches%20christmas%20party