25 easy-to-follow tips for healthy holiday eating

13. Lighten-up your favourite recipes. Use buttermilk or skim milk instead of whole milk in mashed potatoes; use herbs, lemon and light vinaigrette to flavour foods, instead of gravy, butter, margarine or cream sauces; take skin off turkey and de-fat gravy before you serve it. Cut the carbs from stuffing by using less bread and more vegetables and/or fruit. Add extra vegetables to your holiday dinner.

14. If you bake cookies and squares in advance, freeze them so they are beyond the reach of temptation, and bring them out only when you need them. Make smaller cookies and cut squares into bite-size pieces.

15. Chew a piece of sugar-free gum while cooking or baking, to stop mindless nibbling; when you chew gum, you’re less likely to put something else in your mouth.

16. If you are serving cheeses, include some lower-fat varieties with 15% or less M.F., such as some goat cheeses, Cantenaar or low-fat Cheddar or Havarti. Serve them with whole wheat, low-fat, unsalted crackers. When eating cheese, slice or spread it thinly.

17. If you buy ready-made appetizers, read the nutritional information for the lowest-calorie, lowest-fat choices.

18. After the party, send leftovers home with friends, or package them into meals and freeze for later.

19. Help your guests eat mindfully. At a party, put out smaller plates (we tend to fill larger plates with more food). Serve nibbles from smaller dishes. At a dinner party, pre-portion food rather than having guests serve themselves.

20. If you are organizing an office lunch or dinner out, pick a restaurant that has lots of healthy choices on the menu, such as salads (dressing on the side) or grilled fish or meat.

21. If you’re contributing to an office potluck, think healthy and delicious – a vegetarian lasagna made with lower-fat cheeses, a lentil salad or any of your low-fat favourites.

22. If there are treats around the office, put them in a place where you can’t easily see them. If someone brings you a box of truffles, don’t keep the box sitting out on your desk; share them with your coworkers. If there are too many gift baskets of goodies around the office, donate some to a food bank.

23. If you have special diet concerns such as diabetes or food allergies, let your dinner hostess know ahead of time so it won’t be uncomfortable for either of you.

24. If you have a specific intolerance such as celiac disease, bring some of your own cookies or treats to parties or dinners. Share them with your friends.

25. Give guilt a vacation – it’s just another holiday stress. If you overeat, don’t worry; you’ll have lots of time in the new year to get back on track. And remember to take care of yourself. Eat smart, stay active, get enough sleep and enjoy a healthy holiday.

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