With the holidays just around the corner, there are parties to attend, family dinners to enjoy, and toasts to make. As we celebrate this joyous season, it can be easy to forget about workout plans and feel our pants begin to tighten by the end of the break. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With simple planning and thinking ahead, you can enjoy delicious holiday foods without worrying about returning your new jeans for a larger size by the first of January. Moderation and planning is absolutely key! It is important to remember that it is a holiDAY, not a holiMONTH, so pick a few times to enjoy your favorite holiday treats, and the rest of the time make a decision to eat healthy.
If you know you’re going to want your grandma’s “World Best Apple Pie,” avoid eating those not-so-good stale cookies the night before. Make sense? And at holiday parties, focus on the wonderful people around you. If you engage in a truly interesting conversation, that dessert table isn’t going to be so tempting. Plus, you never know what you may learn about your quirky uncle, or the cool new job your cousin landed.
Also, hit the dance floor on New Year’s Eve! Dancing is not only fun, but also a great heart pumper and calorie burner. Before heading out to parties, it is smart to fill up on something nutritious so you’re not ravenous to eat everything in sight. Have a small bowl of oatmeal, half of a turkey sandwich, a piece of fruit, or a big green salad. While you’re at the holiday parties, make smart swaps.
Avoid alcohol in general, but if you must share a toast with friends, stick to drinks that don’t have sugar or cream. (Ahem Eggnog, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Cocktails, Margaritas, Spiced Cider).
Here is a list of holiday foods to dish up, and others to avoid.
Yes, please:
Shrimp Cocktail
Candy Cane
Champagne
White Turkey
Pumpkin Pie
Sugar Cookies
Black Coffee
Sweet Potato
Salted Almonds
Sautéed Spinach
Red Wine
Veggie Tray
Gingerbread Man
Salmon
Pumpkin Pie
Spiced Tea
Salsa
Hummus
No thanks!
Eggnog
Brownies
Casseroles
Pecan Pie
Fruit Cake
Peanut Brittle
Crab Cakes
Gin & Tonic
Hot Spinach Dip
Prime Rib
Ham
Spiced Mulled Wine/Cider
Candied Almonds
Dressing in the Veggie Tray
Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
Chips
Dips
Anything made with a lot of: cream, cheese, butter, alcohol or syrups