Avoiding the One Pound Stick
By Lauren, age 18, California
Healthy Tips and Recipes for the Holiday Season
It's that season again, the time of year when many families sit down to share a nice homemade meal and eat desserts galore. The only problem ... all that food adds up in calories pretty fast. Studies show that the average person gains one pound a year at this time of year. Although one pound doesn't seem like a lot, it is if this one pound is the pound that doesn't ever leave, and it happens year upon year. Another problem that occurs during the holidays is many unhealthy substances are consumed. So even if one pound isn't a lot, it is still a healthy idea to watch what you eat during the holiday season.So here are some alternative ways to keep your girly figures, and if you happen to be on a diet still continue on it and enjoy your holidays just the same.
Tips to not overeat the night of your festivities:
1. Don't fast all day so you can pig out all night. If you eat normally throughout the day you are less likely to overeat that night.2. If you tend to munch on snacks before the main dish that's fine, but instead of sitting next to the snack platter at the table, get a small plate and put some there and move away from the snack platter. If you do this you are less likely to continuously eat without knowing.
3. Eat slowly. I am not saying don't enjoy your meal or take a bite a minute. I'm just saying don't scarf the meal down either. If you eat slowly you are more likely to know when you're full instead of stuffing yourself. Also, wait a little bit before getting seconds. Make sure you're really hungry for that second plate.
Alternative ingredients:
If you're making a pumpkin pie that calls for 1 cup medium cream (60 g fat) or evaporated whole milk (20 g fat) and 2 eggs, instead use evaporated skim milk (0.6 g fat) and 3 egg whites. This will cut up to 500 calories and most of the fat.Also, use light cream cheese instead of regular for all your holiday dips. You will halve the 80 grams of fat per 8 oz. of cream cheese that the recipe calls for. Calories will be cut by one-third.
If the recipe calls for sour cream try fat-free sour cream. You will cut by one-third the 900 calories and halve the 75 grams of fat in a pint of regular sour cream.
Some foods to try to eat less of:
Cheeses, like the ones on cheese and cracker plates. Instead, eat veggies or boiled shrimp.Here are some recipes to try. If you are looking for others just search the internet. Try diabetic sites and search 'healthy holiday treats' (or healthy desserts, appetizers, or whatever recipe you're looking for - there are tons!)
Holiday Sugar Cookies
Gingerbread Men
Low Fat Sugar Cookies
Light 7-Layer Dip
Rum Whipped Sweet Potatoes
