December 18, 2008

Portion control can help during the holidays

Tis the season where sweets and treats are abundant, tempting and in your face just about everywhere. We are hit with a slew of temptations from now until the New Year, making it hard to stick with exercise and diet.

Family gatherings and holiday travel often make it difficult to continue a fitness regimen. The holidays revolve around good, rich and tasty foods, which most of us want and should partake in especially if we’ve been exercising and eating diligently for the rest of the year.

The key is portion control for rich and sweet foods. Take into consideration the fact that it is not just one meal you will be attending that will include these foods so portion control is even more important.

It is easier to control a meal if you are the one hosting, making choices to use healthier alternatives that everyone will enjoy. This is a great way to give your guests some tips so they can use them for their own entertaining. Whipping up tasty treats for family and friends is a nice gesture, but sharing nutritious meal tips can help your guests maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Food choices that are lower in sugar and fat can sometimes actually taste better than the original item. Using nonfat plain yogurt in place of sour cream and mayonnaise can lower the fat of items such as coleslaw and other cold salads. Even egg and tuna salad can be made this way. You can also use lemons, grainy mustard and yogurt for a simple yet tasty, creamy salad dressing.

As a guest, make sure to select the most nutritious items offered. Find a few treats you like but take smaller portions so that you can enjoy more than one. If you don ‘t go overboard, you can sample more at your next outing and still stay inline with your calorie intake. If there is one item in particular you like best forego all the other sweets, then get a nice serving and enjoy it.

Whichever course you elect to take, remember to have a great time and exercise moderation. Portion control will be your friend that helps you make it through the holiday season with out the gift of weight gain.