TaborRose Posted: 12-17-2008 6:39 PM

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 How can I fit the slimfast in with holiday meals or parties with families? This is where I struggle the most is trying to keep up with eating healthy around holidays or just spending time with family like during the summertime for BBQ's.

Ali_RD replied on 12-18-2008 2:43 PM

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TaborRose,

I'm so glad you posted this question.  Here are my ten tips for eating during the holidays:

1. Watch your portions. Divide your plate in half. Fill one half with vegetables. Divide the remaining half of your plate in half again. Fill one part with protein (such as chicken, fish, or beef) and the remaining part with the starch at the meal.
2. Prioritize. Holiday meals usually have lots of foods that you will find appealing. But are there foods that specifically define the holiday for you? Pass on the usual calorically expensive fare like chips and dip, and opt for the holiday specific food as your treat at the meal.
3. Avoid skipping meals. Though we are sometimes tempted to “save calories”, this tactic can lead to overeating. In fact, it may even be helpful to eat something healthy before you head out to a meal, such as yogurt or a Slim-Fast Shake, in order to curb your appetite when high-calorie foods are abundant.
4. Dessert is not a meal. It is a supplement to the end of a balanced meal. Try to choose the fruit or sorbet option. If that dense chocolate cake is calling your name, take a small piece, but then stop. It is ok to treat yourself, and there is no point in feeling guilty when you are eating something you love. Just be sure to remember that there will be even more holiday eating.
5. Increase exercise. Since you will be eating more during the holidays, increase your physical activity. Go out for a stroll after a big meal, or go to an exercise class the morning before a holiday dinner.
6. Watch what you’re drinking. Don’t waste your calories on beverages. Avoid sodas and juices, and beware of alcohol. Alcohol not only contains empty calories, but it can also further stimulate the appetite. A good festive alternative is some sparkling water with a lemon twist – sparkling water has zero calories.  And if you're attending a cocktail party, keep one hand free at all times.  You will either have a drink in your hand or a small plate of food.  This helps to cut down on "extras".
7. Make healthy choices. Try to choose the steamed or roasted vegetables over the green bean casserole. Choose a baked potato or rice over stuffing.
8. Conversation is calorie free! Talk to the people around you and slow down while you’re eating. If the holiday party is buffet style, don’t rush straight for the food table. Greet your friends and family, and settle in before even looking at the food. Remember, these meals tend to be long. Rather than inhaling your food and then going back for more, try to make your plate last the whole meal.
9. Be a host(ess) with the most(ess). If you’re making the meal, provide some healthy alternatives like baked sweet potatoes, instead of candied yams. At the start of the meal pass the food around once and then place the serving dishes on a side table. This way, you will be less likely to mindlessly take more food during the meal. And don’t forget, you can send home leftovers with your guests. (If you are not the host, but the dinner is pot-luck, bring a healthy dish that you know you can eat, like a big salad or a raw veggie platter with a yogurt or cottage cheese based dip).
10. Maintain. Thanksgiving through New Years is a very difficult time when it comes to eating. Don’t expect to lose weight during this time period or you may be in for disappointment. Rather, focus your efforts on maintaining your weight during the holidays, and on enjoying your time with your friends and family.

Happy Holidays!

Ali Auerbach, MS, RD

Registered Dietitian