Enjoy the holidays with friends and family but, be mindful of the foods you consume. The holidays are a time of feasting and celebrating and you should enjoy this special time of the year. Eat slowly and savor every bite.
1. Stay away from Eggnog
Eggnog is loaded with fat and high in cholesterol and if it has Alcohol than the calories are about 15% more per cup. One cup (1-cup) of eggnog without alcohol, according to several sources including the * USDA, has the following:
Calories 343g
Fat 19g
Carbohydrates 34.39
Protein 9.68 g
With Alcohol (1oz)
Calories 394g
Fat 11.96g
Carbohydrates 37.62g
Protein 9.02g
* 1 oz of typical 80 proof grain alcohol (gin, rum, vodka, whiskey) has 64 calories. 86-proof 69.5 calories; 90-proof 73 calories; 100-proof 82 calories.
2. Don’t go to a party hungry you will go overboard. First pick the items that you are familiar with, they will most likely be your favorites.
3. Dip looks interesting. Instead of taking a shovel load on the celery stick or carrot just dip it in and tap against the side of the bowl to shake excess off. You get the taste without excess.
4. Most dips have a ton of fat if they are white or cream color there is a good chance they are made from a dairy product, like cream, cream cheese or some form of cheese. If the dip is green chances are it is an Avocado dip and go ahead and enjoy as that is a good fat. Just don’t go overboard. Crackers typically have between 20-30 calories each.
5. Limit yourself to just one round around the table. If you have to go around the table again force yourself to wait 20-minutes. Food will have a chance to settle in your stomach and you just might feel too full for another round.
6. Fried foods are great tasting and the temptation to eat more is easy. Try this; check out the table and choose only 1-fried appetizer(if you must)- (avoid them at all cost) and don’t accept another.
7. Often a party will be catered and servers will be walking around with samples. ASK, the server what you are being offered. Most appetizers will look very tempting, if you ask it will give you knowledge about what you are eating and knowledge is KING & QUEEN!
8. Vegetables are your best choice, but if they are fried think twice; but, if they are raw don’t think twice, instead go ahead and take 2-servings, smile and know that you are making smart choices.
9. Keep alcohol at a minimum as you can see from item #1 they carry lots of calories. A 4 oz glass of wine has about 64 +/- calories. Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol. For some individuals only 1 drink could put you over the limit in some states.
10. Cookies are so tempting and especially homemade but, they are loaded with great tasting BUTTER something to avoid. Choose wisely and limit to only 1 or 2. And that great looking brownie, well take a bite enjoy and find a trash can for the rest, be discreet. Pie is big this time of the year, just don’t take a big slice, keep it small, the word sliver is great with pie.
I know I said 10 tips but this is all about you and a better way to healthy living.
11. You can never out-train a poor or bad diet.
Enjoy the Holidays!
