By Sue Danielson

Healthy Eating During the Holidays is Possible

The average American gains five or more pounds over the winter holidays each year. Here are some helpful ways to keeping those pounds off the scale:

• Drink lots of water. Not only is it important to stay hydrated during these cold and dry months, but drinking water will also fill up your stomach and make you feel less hungry. This means your stomach will tell you that extra serving of pumpkin pie may not be necessary.
• Leave room for your favorites. If you know that Grandma’s sugar cookies are a must, leave room for them. Maybe skip out on a different dessert to leave room for your favorites.
• Remember drinks have calories too. Many tend to forget that most holiday drinks, especially those involving alcohol, are packed with calories from sugar and other yummy sweeteners. Switch to a lower calorie drink on a 1:1 basis—one high calorie and one low calorie.
• Bring a healthy dish to the party. Look up a new healthy twist to one of your favorite recipes, and bring that to the party instead. Not only will you broaden people’s horizons on holiday foods, but you will be providing a healthy choice.

The holidays are a time to celebrate with family and friends. By following some of these easy tips, you may not have to fight off the pounds after the parties have ended. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!