Healthy Holiday Eating Tips

So you're smack dab in the middle of the holiday season and surrounded by treats galore. How on earth are you going to avoid pounding back dessert squares, appetizers, chips and dip, cake, pie and all the other scrumptious delights that will line the tables at all the festive get-togethers? Well, maybe you don't have to avoid them completely. Read on for some easy-to-follow eating tips for you to abide by this year.

Healthy Eating - Healthy Eating 101

You don't have to skirt around the snack table at all the holiday parties you attend to escape from gaining any extra pounds. Instead of loading your plate to the brim with sweets, just take a couple of items to nibble on. If there's a fruit platter around, pile your plate full of grapes, berries and melon balls instead of handfuls of gingerbread.

Healthy Eating - Tasty Alternatives

Drink fruit juice or water instead of pop or eggnog during the holidays. You can still have one glass of soda or eggnog at supper, but you should avoid chugging numerous cans of Coke throughout the holidays. Suggest to your parents that you make a fruit juice punch for Christmas or New Year's and just add soda water instead of Sprite or 7-Up. It'll be a tasty alternative that everyone will want to try!

Healthy Eating - Laying Off the Sweets

Skip all the chocolates and candy canes that are bein' handed out left, right and center and grab a piece of fruit instead. Yes, that may sound lame, but your body will thank you in the end. If the thought of noshin' on an apple sends shivers down your spine, why not grab a few mandarin oranges or slice up a mango as a special holiday treat? Remember that you can always grab a handful of dried cranberries, apricots or pineapple slices too!

Healthy Eating - Avoiding Fatty Foods

For breakfasts, have your mom toast up some whole grain breads instead of your normal, white Wonderbread, or make some whole wheat and blueberry pancakes. Add a poached or scrambled egg with your toast to avoid having too many fried foods. That way, if you're totally craving a couple pieces of fried bacon, you won't have to feel so bad about indulging.

Healthy Eating - Everything in Moderation

Remember that you don't have to cut out all the tasty treats from your diet that are circulating at this time of the year - it's just a matter of "everything in moderation." Instead of piling your plate with turkey and all the fixings, take smaller portions. If you're still hungry after dinner, go back for a second round of veggies. And if you want a couple of chocolates, go for it. Just don't end up sitting in front of the TV watching holiday specials and finishing off a whole box on your own!

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