Happy Holidays

As we come to the end of the year, this is the time to reflect on your achievements and create new goals. Take notice of how far you’ve come and be proud. But before the year officially comes to an end take this Holiday season to spend time others during social events.  

Here are some tips for attending holiday season social events and parties:

• Don’t arrive overly hungry! Get a little protein snack before a social event – it helps to take the edge off, and can prevent you from overeating higher calorie foods provided at the occasion
• Bring your own healthy dish to a party. Try foods like veggies and hummus as an appetizer, or a nice big green leafy salad as a side dish – you will know for sure there will be a healthy option, and I bet others will be grateful for your contribution as well.
• Don’t keep favorite holiday treats around the house! You will be much more likely to eat them if they are there. If you like to make special foods, make them and give them away, or adjust the amount that you make
• Consider healthier substitutions in favorite dishes. You can often reduce the amount of sugar in recipes, or substitute applesauce for butter, or whose whole wheat flour for regular. All of these modifications can add up!
• Only get one plate of food/don’t go up for 2nds – this can greatly decrease your overall intake for the night.
• Be choosy at buffets – look at what all the options are before you select what you’ll eat. If we take a little bit of everything that is offered, we can really rack up a lot of calories.
• Count dessert as part of your meal. This helps to prevent going over what you planned for.

 Happy Holidays from the Kitchen Team!