How to Survive the holidays
Lose pounds and eat healthy
Everyone loves a party! There’s something about getting together with your friends that really helps you forget the stress of your hectic daily life. And with so many people trying to live healthier these days, finding tasty and nutrition-friendly food really isn’t as hard as it used to be.
Deciding what to choose can be a challenge though and with greater quantity comes greater temptation – scientists have proven that we eat more if food is available buffet style!
So if you’re hosting & cooking for the party, it’s up to you to find healthy recipes for your guests that won’t add to their waistlines.
Here are some tips for healthier food choices:
1. Reduce the fat in creamy dressings or dips by using low-fat or fat-free yogurt instead of sour cream or mayonnaise. Offer hummus as a low-fat spread for crackers and vegetables.
2. Use non-stick cookware so you can cook with a minimum amount of oil or use a low- calorie vegetable spray.
3. Use flavoured vinegars or lemon juice to enhance flavour of a salad without adding fat.
Or fill a spray bottle with oil and vinegar so your guests can lightly mist their salads with just enough flavour.
4. Use low fat milk and cheese in recipes instead of full fat varieties.
5. Choose oven baked over fried everytime. Baked foods are always a better choice.
6. Instead of bowls of pretzels or potato chips, offer your guests a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. Break out of the carrot sticks and celery routine with an Asian-style vegetable platter of baby corn, snow peas and fresh bean sprouts drizzled in a low-fat seasame dressing. For another interesting variation, try a southwestern theme of fresh salsa, black beans and corn served in half a red pepper.
7. Nuts are a heart-healthy snack choice. Roasted almonds are a great source of magnesium and vitamin E, while pecans and other nuts are rich in monounsaturated fat. Look for raw, unsalted or lightly salted varieties of your favourite nuts.
8. Don’t bury good foods under fat and sugar. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and don’t need extra sugar. Bake them, slice and sprinkle cinnamon instead.
9. Serve gravies and other sauces on the side so guests can choose how much they would like. When you’re making gravy, skim off the fat with a gravy-separating cup or let the drippings cool in the refrigerator first and remove the hardened fat before making the gravy.
10. Offer alcohol free-drinks. Spritzers made with sparkling water and cranberry (or other fresh juices) and virgin Caesars don’t contain empty alcohol calories. Look for 100% juice (not juice mixes), and they’ll count towards your guests’ daily fruit and vegetable quota.
11. Need dessert ideas? Forgo the high-fat cheesecake and pastries. Instead, serve Angel food cake or yogurt and top it with fresh berries, sorbet and exotic fruits such as mango, papaya and kiwi.
If you’re attending a party, here are a few tips to help you make healthier choices:
1. Don’t arrive hungry. Hunger can make it difficult to make good food choices-everything looks delicious when you’re starving. Have some soup, a handful almonds of half a sandwich and drink water to take the edge off your hunger before coming to the party.
2. Maintain your regular eating pattern throughout the day prior to the party.Saving up your calories for the party is not the best idea. Continue to eat a meal or snack every 3-4 hrs instead of every 2-3 hrs.
DO NOT GO MORE THAN 4HRS WITHOUT EATING!!!
3. Take a walk around to see what food is available before you pick up a plate. Take note of the healthy selections.
4. Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables. Then choose a few other items to round out your meal.
5. Limit yourself to one trip to the serving table. If you’re still hungry, go for the healthy produce options.
6. Cut down on portion sizes to allow yourself a bite or two of your favourites. Use a smaller plate and serve your food with a teaspoon instead of a serving spoon.
7. Reduce your alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol lowers your inhibitions, making you more likely to make poor food choices. Enjoy a drink, but alternate with a glass of mineral water or diet soda.
8. If you want to have an appetizer, select something nutrient rich, like bruschetta with fresh tomatoes or shirmp in cocktail sauce.
9. Enjoy desserts in small portions. It’s the first three of four bites that tasts the best, so take a small portion of your favourite and savour each bite.
Parties are opportunities to be social, so have fun! Don’t let the food distract you from talking with friends and family. And even if the tables are laden with your favourites, with a little forethought and preparation, you can make healthy food choices that won’t derail your good eating habits
For more simple and easy recipes for the holiday season contact Laura
From Commonly shared Tips
