Enjoy a Trimmer, Healthier Holiday Season

Gathering around a beautiful meal with our loved ones is a yearly tradition that few would be willing to skip. Holiday weight gain, however? No thanks!

But consider all of the food-centered celebrations you might enjoy this time of year — office parties, school functions, neighborhood events, and the holiday meal itself. Those thousands of extra calories add up. The question is, how do you trim down your holiday meals without sacrificing flavor and fun?

Eating smart doesn't mean skipping all of your favorite foods — but rather, choosing food wisely. With just four simple steps, you can stay healthy this holiday season.

1. Be kind to yourself and your guests

• Don't skip meals — the temptation to binge later rises significantly. On the day of the big holiday meal, eat a nutritious breakfast to stave off cravings later.
• If you spread the meal over several courses, guests will feel satisfied before the meat, potatoes, candied yams, and desserts arrive. Consider low-calorie but nutrient-rich appetizers such as veggie trays or salads to start the meal off right!

2. Substitute healthier options

• Drink low-calorie beverages or water instead of soda or alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is an especially sneaky source of hidden calories.
• Dessert can be better for you. Fruit salads, and pies with graham cracker crusts are great alternatives to high-fat favorites like cheesecake and ice cream.
• Serve natural foods whenever possible: think whole baked potatoes instead of yams in syrup, or plain peas and carrots instead of vegetable casserole. Natural foods are lower in calories — and are often more flavorful than their traditional holiday counterparts.
• But remember: Healthy eating doesn't mean eliminating all fat. Add flavor with heart-healthy fats such as olive oil, instead of butter or shortening.

3. Watch what you eat

• Slow down. When you eat slowly, your body has time to recognize satiety, which reduces the chances that you'll binge.
• Use a smaller plate for your main course, to limit the amount of food you can serve yourself.
• Stick to the special, seasonal dishes. For example, if your holiday sides consist of mashed potatoes, buttered carrots, and a special noodle dish — and you only make that noodle dish once a year, but eat the other dishes once a week — help yourself to the noodles, and go easy on the common foods.

4. Exercise

• Start a new tradition after your holiday dinner — exercise. If it's too cold outside for a post-meal stroll, try working out with indoor exercise equipment or an active video game.
• Keep in mind that your chosen activity doesn't need to be vigorous. Just getting the family out of their seats will go a long way toward keeping everyone healthy this holiday season.