Healthy Holiday Eating

Now, I'm no expert on healthy eating, but I do try to make smart choices even around the holidays.  I am someone who really enjoys food and I will appreciate the special treats that show up at this time of year, but I also know that if I over indulge, I will not feel well and I will regret it.  So here are some of my tips for making smarter choices for the holidays:

Limit the heavy alcoholic beverages.  I love a good Egg Nog with Kahlua and Irish Whiskey (yes, that's right), but I can really only have one of those at a time.  Most of the time I stick to wine or a fizzy cocktail.

Be mindful about filling up your plate at a party or when grabbing a treat at home.  I sometimes eat my cookie on the way to the couch or stand at the buffet table and eat a few appetizers before sitting down, and I really don't enjoy it (and then I feel the need to eat more).  If I sit and eat them slowly, then I appreciate them and don't go back for seconds. 

Choose the cookies and treats that you really like.  Our office will become filled with baked goods in a few weeks, but instead of eating everything, I will pick just a couple that I know I really like (like Portuguese tarts or shortbreads).  I know everything is good, but I'll pick the extra special ones.

Have a coffee or tea if you want something sweet.  There are fewer calories but you still get the comfort of a treat. 

When you know you're going to be indulging at a meal or party later in the day, take it easy for the rest of the day.  I don't mean starve yourself, because that doesn't work either, but eat a lighter lunch and a couple of snacks instead of a day full of heavy meals.

Make things from scratch.  I know it's a busy time and it's not always possible, but when you can, make things from scratch, it will taste better and be full of "real" ingredients.  You can also appreciate what is in the food because you know what went into it.  When you're mixing in all that butter into the shortbreads, you may be less willing to eat several at a time.

These things don't have to be mutually exclusive.

Good luck!