Tips to Shave Off those Holiday Calories

By Maggie McHugh, MS, RD, CDN

The holidays are just around the corner! Many of us will be attending special events such as parties, brunches and dinners… which also means extra calories and fat. So get a jumpstart on your New Year’s resolution now!

Keep in mind these 10 tips to help you cut back on just a few of those extra calories without feeling deprived.

1. Have a small snack, such as an apple or banana, before you go to a party. If you arrive to the party hungry, you will eat more.

2. Select low-fat dressings, and use sauces and gravies sparingly. Place these items on the side. Dip your fork in the dressing and then take a fork full of food. Pouring sauces, gravies, dressings, etc. on your food will add more calories.

3. Use small serving plates, and dish small portions of food. You can always go back for seconds if you are still hungry.

4. Divide your plate up by food groups…½ of the plate vegetables, ¼ fruit, and the remaining ¼ split between meat and bread.

5. Do not add margarine or butter to your bread or food.

6. Put your fork down between each bite, chew slowly, and enjoy the taste.

7. Do not drink your calories. Choose water, diet sodas, or low-calorie beverages.

8. If you are having a cocktail to celebrate, add ice to wine, add diet soda to mixed drinks, or choose light beer.

9. Share a dessert with a friend, family member, or child.

10. Eat a mint or chew gum after you are done eating. This will help you to stop grazing when you are not hungry.

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For more great tips from Maggie on keeping your family nutritionally on their toes, click here.

Maggie McHugh, MS, RD, CDN is a local Registered Dietitian and co-founder of Eating for You (and baby too), Inc. She can be contacted at (585) 271-6310 or www.eating-for-you.com. To ask Maggie nutrition questions, visit the Ask Maggie page of her web site.