Healthier mashed potatoes, desserts, portion control and exercise
6. Mashed potatoes
Use low-fat or skim milk, reduced-sodium broth, garlic and herbs, with a little reduced-fat parmesan cheese instead of whole milk and butter. For added fibre, leave the skins on when you mash the potatoes.
7. Desserts
Don't deny yourself holiday dessert. Have smaller portions and opt for ways to cut calories and fat in your favorite holiday baked treats.
Try substituting two egg whites for each whole egg in recipes. Replace heavy cream with evaporated skim milk. Use applesauce in place of oil. Top desserts with low-fat frozen yogurt or low-fat ice cream instead of regular ice cream or whipping cream.
8. Be aware of your portion sizes
It's often not what you eat but how much you eat that can expand your waistline.
Eat until you are full -- and not uncomfortably "stuffed". Enjoy a shortbread cookie or a small portion of fruitcake. Check out Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating for a guide to serving sizes.
9. Plan time for exercise
Eating a little more during the festive season can be partially offset by increasing daily physical activity. Being active will help burn some of the excess calories you take in during the holidays so take advantage of opportunities to get out and exercise this holiday season.
10. Don't skip meals
Starving yourself before a holiday event increases the chance that you'll overeat when food arrives because you'll be too hungry to make healthier choices.
Before leaving for a party, eat a light snack such as a piece of fruit, some yogurt or a slice of cheese to help curb your appetite. You will be less tempted to overindulge.
Relax and enjoy the holidays, make time for exercise and choose healthier foods most of the time. Don't restrict yourself from enjoying your favourite holiday foods -- all foods can fit into a healthy diet, in moderation, of course. Focus on a nutritious balance of food, activity and fun and you'll have a happy, healthy holiday season.
Page 2 of 2
