Christmas is near, and so are family dinners and parties with friends and coworkers. With all this going on, is it impossible to avoid weight gain? Of course not! Keep reading these valuable tips so you don't just "survive" this season, but instead you really enjoy it while staying in shape.
- Vegetables, vegetables!Christmas is a time that’s characterized by the colors green and red ... just like many vegetables! The advantage is that they're low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Use your imagination and look for recipes with chili peppers, tomatoes, green leaves, and, why not? ... Try adding some fruit to your salads, such as grapes, sliced apples or pears, pineapple, tangerine or orange.
- Careful about snacking while cooking...you may be tempted to constantly try what you're making. Use the amounts of ingredients shown in the recipe and try it only once you've finished. Chew a sugarless mint gum while cooking to avoid the temptation of trying the food.
- Beef, pork, or turkey?Definitely, turkey! Just analyze this: while 3 ounces of beef (about the size of a deck of cards) have 245 calories and 16.6 grams of fat and 3 ounces of pork have 230 calories and 14.5 grams of fat, the same amount of turkey provides only 159 calories and 6 grams of fat.
- Don't drink your calories! During the holidays, there are so many different meals and recipes to try that a good tip is to cut down on the calories you get through drinks and beverages. Chose beverages with no sugar added, and if you're going to have an alcoholic drink, do so in moderation. Moreover, if you're adding a mixer, choose a diet soda or carbonated water instead of juices or sodas (that have added sugars).
- Try everything... in moderation.The fact that you want to lose weight or maintain your current weight doesn't mean you can't try the different Christmas delicacies. However, moderation is essential. If you already have a personalized diet plan, keep in mind the number and the size of your servings.
By following these tips, you'll be able to enjoy the holidays and start the New Year without regrets or extra pounds.
Source:
United States Department of Agriculture. Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. My Pyramid Tracker. Revised on September, 2008 at http://www.mypyramidtracker.gov/
