Expert Tips for Healthier Holidays
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“I stay strong with my commitment to daily exercise–sometimes with my hectic schedule and long hours it’s just the 30 minutes on my stationary bike late at night. I don’t hit the pillow until I do it. This helps with the increased stress from holiday plans and also burns a few of those excess calories that creep in.”
“If I know I’m going to a party, I am especially careful to balance what I eat that day–more fruits, vegetables and plenty of water so I’m not starving when I get there. I make a point to drink a bottle of water before I leave home.”
“I haven’t met too many desserts I don’t like, but I try to be selective and check out what’s there before trying a little of everything. I especially go for pumpkin treats because they are seasonal instead of year round. I also try to savor every bite!”
“I too love sweets but I try to remember that if the first bite isn’t good, the second bite won’t be any better!”
“At parties or dinners, when I fill my plate I take small portions of higher calorie items and always make sure I can see the bottom of my plate. If vegetables are available I fill up on those.”
“I volunteer to bring something to parties and dinners, especially roasted vegetables. For example, I cut up broccoli, asparagus, onions, colorful peppers, sliced mushrooms and anything else I can think of. I toss them with a little olive oil and minced garlic and roast in a 425 degree oven until tender.”
“I try to appreciate the feeling of being satisfied instead of stuffed.”
“At a party, I always have one bottle of water between a limit of two alcohol beverages. To make this easier, I always bring a bottle of wine, La Croix sparkling water and Knudsen’s Tart Cherry Juice. That way, I can make myself a spritzer using the La Croix and a splash of tart cherry juice. Other party guests enjoy this as well! I do this at home too….it feels festive and special, instead of simply drinking plain water!”
“Before arriving at a party, I usually have a small snack with protein (such as a Greek yogurt, fruit with cottage cheese or an ounce of nuts). This way, I am not tempted to stuff myself with chips and dips/cheese and crackers, due to excessive hunger.”
“When baking for the holidays, I aim to give away what I bake as gifts and keep only a small amount for me and my family to enjoy. If two dozen cookies are at my house, they will ALL get eaten!”
“Personally, I never alter recipes to be lower calorie or reduced-fat because I like to prepare holiday dishes in their traditional fashion. However, after the holiday is over, I go right back to my typical healthy eating patterns.”
On a final note, a good rule of thumb is to remember to celebrate a holi-day…not a holi-week or a holi-month!” For more information about Cooper Clinic Nutrition, visit cooperclinicnutrition.com or call 972.560.2655 .
Article provided by Cooper Clinic Nutrition.