22 holiday weight-loss tips

Holidays are a time for family friends and, let's not forget, food. But the season doesn't have to end with you packing on the pounds. Just follow the principles of balance and moderation – take small portions, eat slowly and savour each bite. With a dash of know-how and a sprinkle of creativity, you can transform the traditional high-fat, high-calorie fare into healthy dishes for the whole family. Making the effort means you can have the occasional indulgence.

Instead of: Milk chocolate (1 oz/30 g)
Choose: Dark chocolate (1 oz/30 g)
You'll save: your health. Dark chocolate has antioxidants that protect against damaging effects of LDL cholesterol.

Instead of: Roasted, salted mixed nuts
Choose: Trail mix with dried fruit and nuts, no salt added
You'll save: at least 50 calories and nine grams of fat per 1/4-cup (50 mL) serving.

Instead of: Dark turkey meat (drumstick, thigh), with skin
Choose: White turkey meat (breast), no skin
You'll save: 75 calories and nine grams of fat for every 3-oz (90 g) serving (about the size of a deck of cards).

Instead of: Mashed potatoes made with butter and cream (10% M.F.)
Choose: Mashed potatoes made with low-fat sour cream and 1% milk
You'll save: more than 100 calories and 12 grams of fat per 1/2-cup (125 mL) serving.

Instead of: White roll slathered with 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter
Choose: Small crusty whole wheat dinner roll, no butter
You'll save: 200 calories and 13 grams of fat (plus you'll gain two grams of fibre).

Instead of: Creamy potato salad
Choose: Bean salad with low-fat vinaigrette
You'll save: 30 calories and four grams of fat for 1/4 cup (50 mL). The fibre in beans has other health benefits, too.

Instead of: 1 slice white bread
Choose: 1 small whole wheat pita or 2 slices flatbread
You'll save: one to two grams of fibre per serving.

Instead of: Potato chips
Choose: Baked tortilla chips
You'll save: 80 calories and 10 grams of fat per 15 chips. (Tip: Dip tortillas in salsa, which is low in fat and calories.)

Instead of: Cheddar cheese
Choose: Mozzarella
You'll save: roughly 30 per cent of the calories and fat per 1-1/2-oz (45 g) serving (about the size of three dominoes).

Instead of: Devilled eggs made with regular mayonnaise
Choose: Devilled eggs made with low-fat mayonnaise
You'll save: 30 calories and two grams of fat per appetizer.

Page 1 of 2 -- more great holiday weight-loss tips on page 2.

This story was originally titled "Taster's Choice," in the January 2008 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!