Tips for Holidays, Parties & Special Occasions From Health-Alliance.com
Parties, Holidays and Special Occasions
Celebrating without going off your diet can be difficult - but not impossible. Here are a few tips to help you through these special times.
Don't Go Hungry: Eat a light snack before going to the party to curb your appetite.
Holiday Cheer: Don't drink alcoholic beverages before you eat. Alcohol lowers your inhibitions, including willpower, and it increases your appetite. Avoid eggnog unless it's made with egg substitute and skim milk.
Tempting Tidbits: Steer clear of fat-laden munchies, such as nuts, chips, cream cheese or sour cream-based dips or spreads. Look for pretzels, fruit or vegetables. Avoid deep-fried or cheesy appetizers.
The Buffet Line: Position yourself near the end of the line at party buffets. You will be less likely to go back to the table for seconds.
The Choicest Choices: Fill up on lower fat dishes. Take only very small portions of the higher fat items-a taste of something can satisfy you and not ruin all of your good changes.
When You Are The Host/Hostess: Don't be afraid to cut back on the fat every chance you get. Low fat dishes can be jut as attractive and delicious as the higher fat alternatives.
When Preparing Those Special Holiday Foods: Try fixing some of your holiday favorites with a little less fat this year. You can remove 25% of the fat from most recipes and they will still look and taste the way they always did.
Keep Your Perspective: Be especially careful on your diet when you can - at home and at most restaurants. Don't use special occasions as an excuse to cheat. Add an extra 10 minutes of exercise when you have "indulged".
Remember: This is the healthy way you eat now, not a diet you will go on and off. An occasional "treat" won't undo all the good you've done.
The departments around the perimeter of the store tend to contain the "fresh" food; the center aisles have more of the processed foods.
Never go to the grocery store when you are hungry. Always shop from a list. Impulse buying usually results in less healthy purchases.
Keep a list of low fat foods you've tried and liked. Write the brand name on your grocery list.
In the beginning, label reading in the grocery store will slow you down. Give yourself plenty of time and be patient. It will get easier over time.
There are many store brands and off-brand low fat foods available that are less expensive than the national brands. Read the labels carefully.
All fresh produce is low fat except coconut and avocado. Fresh fruits and vegetables are less expensive and tastier than vitamin pills.
Few meats have nutrition labels on them. You can always trim edge fat, but it's the marbled fat you can't cut out. If nutrition labels aren't on the package, find the cuts that look the leanest and have the least marbling.
Combination foods and mixes will often have two sets of numbers on the nutrition information label - one "as packaged" and one "as prepared." If the "as packaged" numbers are good and you can make it with low fat or fat-free ingredients, these will be acceptable choices.
If time is a factor, many low fat foods are available "semi-prepared." Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, broccoli and cauliflower florets, peeled baby carrots, salad or coleslaw in a bag, shredded low fat cheese, and marinated meats are some examples.
Restaurant dining has become a way of life for most Americans. It's easy, fun, and a great way to socialize with family and friends. This need not change because you are following a lower fat diet. The key is to order wisely. Don't be afraid to ask how something is prepared or to make a special request. Most restaurants are eager to please their patrons.
The following tips should make dining out a little easier.
Choose entrees that are grilled, baked or broiled; avoid anything fried.
If you crave a steak, order a petite filet.
Steamed vegetables are best. Avoid items that are described as scalloped, au gratin, in cream or butter sauce.
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