Tips for a Happy (& Healthy!) Holiday Season

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the typical Thanksgiving meal can weigh in at around 3,000 calories. If you snack throughout the day, or, like me, attend more than one Thanksgiving you can double the number with ease. (YIKES!!) That's approximately 3 times more calories than the average person needs in one day!!

Now, we all know the feeling..."Oh well, it's Thanksgiving, it only comes once a year..." We've all dismissed our guilt with this saying as we gobble down another one of Aunt Eve's delicious sugar cookies. BUT, the average American gains more than 5 lbs during the holiday season (between Thanksgiving and New Years). Which doesn't sound like the end of the world, but most don't take the weight back off. Adding 5 lbs on every year throughout a person's life time makes it pretty plain as to why obesity is an American epidemic.

Gaining weight isn't the only problem either.. researchers continue to discover a surplus of disease, metabolic and digestive ailments as a result of over-consuming processed sugars, high-glycemic carbs, bad fats and low fiber intake. These poor eating habits have been shown to be harmful to the body and it's ability to metabolize foods resulting in excessive fat storage which can lead to obesity, insulin resistance and even type 2 diabetes.


So, the last thing we want on top of busy schedules, holiday shopping, and family stresses galore is added stress from diet hurdles thrown your way from all the festive food. For me, I do better when I can follow simple rules, not some complex hardcore diet (that may be your thing, not knocking it just saying that I’m not a huge fan personally!)

From Self Magazine comes a couple simple strategies to follow to enjoy your holiday season and not have to buy bigger jeans in January.

1. Don’t think you’re DOOMED to gain weight. 

Panic will backfire on that backside!! “If you convince yourself you’re going to pack on pounds, you’ll give up and binge or stress-eat.” says Heather K. Jones, R.D., and coauthor of What’s Your Diet Type? Hmmm… here’s something interesting!! Self then says “Besides, the average American gains only 1 pound between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, a study in THE NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE found. *hmm.. a contradiction to the claim above, I will go to the source and let you know what I find!!*
So what’s the strategy to fight the doom? Establish an easy rule to follow to keep yourself from going overboard while still allowing yourself to indulge a little.
Try: “I’ll have a 150-calorie treat a day” or “I’ll add ten minutes to every workout” (stick with it!)

2. Overeating at Parties.

We’ve all done this. Everyone brings a dish… it all looks delicious… you pile up your plate…. And wham bam you’re stuffed and bleh!
But don’t obsess over every little bite! Ask yourself, “How do I want to feel tomorrow? Bloated and disappointed or proud and healthy?” (Proud & Healthy please!) Self suggests putting your watch on the wrong wrist as a visual reminder, you’ll automatically eat less.

3. I can’t resist the seasonal Goodies

Darn you Starbucks with your delicious Pumpkin Spice Lattes!!! (super delish, LOVE em)
Allow yourself to enjoy the treats that only come around this time of year.. Mom’s pumpkin pie, Aunt Jane’s sweet potatoes, and of course, Starbuck's seasonal sensation. BUT substitute this in for your usual indulgence. (pizza, chips, ice cream, candy) And give yourself a break. Don’t beat yourself up over a 300 calorie slip up, but don’t let it turn into a 3,000 calorie blow out. After that pumpkin spice latte, get back to eating healthy.
** Also, be smart about what you're ordering...
For instance, below is the nutritional facts for a tall (12 oz.) Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte made with Nonfat milk & no whip...

Serving Size		12 fl. oz.
		Amt Per Serving
Calories		200
Fat Calories		5
Total Fat (g)		0
Saturated Fat (g)		0
Trans Fat (g)		0
Cholesterol (mg)		5
Sodium (mg)		170
Total Carbohydrates (g)		38
Fiber (g)		0
Sugars (g)		37
Protein (g)		11
Vitamin A		10%
Vitamin C		0%
Calcium		40%
Iron		0%
Caffeine (mg)		75
As compared to the nutritional facts for a Venti (20 oz.) Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte made with 2% milk and topped with whipped cream.

Serving Size		20 fl. oz.
		Amt Per Serving
Calories		470
Fat Calories		140
Total Fat (g)		15
Saturated Fat (g)		10
Trans Fat (g)		0
Cholesterol (mg)		60
Sodium (mg)		280
Total Carbohydrates (g)		65
Fiber (g)		0
Sugars (g)		62
Protein (g)		18
Vitamin A		20%
Vitamin C		0%
Calcium		60%
Iron		2%
Caffeine (mg)		150

By making smarter choices, you can still enjoy a holiday favorite, but save yourself a ton of calories, fat, and added sugar!

4. The leftovers.

Day after Thanksgiving Hot Turkey Sandwiches at Grandmas. Every year. So much more delectable reheated the next day. Plus it’s always a race to finish food before it spoils.
Send all the guests home with doggy bags. My brother and sister-in-law have 4 children! They get extra! Save enough for day after sandwiches (I’m talking to you Grandma!!) and freeze whatever is leftover so you aren’t tempted to have a feast every time you open the fridge.

5. I can’t say NO.

Tis the season for food pushers!! Often the host has spent a lot of time on their menu and cooking and want everyone to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Being polite is key. Try “This looks so good, but I’m stuffed! Can I just try a bite?” It’s a win-win. You get a little taste, they don’t feel snubbed.

6. New Year’s is coming! That means Resolutions! Time to indulge NOW!

Every year, the most popular New Year’s resolution is to get in shape or lose weight. “You’ll go crazy with fatty foods because you anticipate giving them up.” says Jones. Instead of going hog-wild, aim for balance now and look toward 2010 as a fresh start and the beginning of a peaceful time when you can map out healthful meals. You’ll be less tempted today, and --if you’re mindful-- you won’t have to dig yourself out of a two month glut come January!

Keep these strategies in mind and holiday eating can be one less worry!

Also try healthier alternatives to traditional dishes..Check out http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/thanksgiving-recipes/NU00643 for healthy versions of traditional favorites!

Or those with a sweet tooth, (present!) try these cookie recipes from Good Housekeeping!

Don't they look delicious?!

You don't have to give up foods you love to eat healthier... Check Eat This, Not That for the healthier option, there are several versions available including supermarket, eating out, and kids!