Tips for Dieting around the Holidays

Why is it that when families gather for the Holidays they are always accompanied by delicious food?  It makes it so hard to control your appetite much less you diet as we wade through the mounds of delicacies!

I am determined to follow my plan and to eat healthy.  Not easy to do with so many selections, but I am the cook so there are some ways that I can control the controllables, by cooking a bit differently.  Sure, I'll have the mashed potatoes and gravy, but I'll also have salad and a fruit dish as well.  And I'll be cooking with Heart Health in mind, using less butter, creams, and shortening that I used to.

Here are some other ways that you can stick to your diet and still enjoy the family feast:

1. Be sure to eat your veggies!  My Momma always told me that you should have veggies with every meal.  I'm not a huge fan but I do make sure that I have kid/adult friendly green beans when I cook a big meal.
2. How about a walk?  Taking a quick walk before a big meal takes you mind off food.  Plus, gives you a bit to exercise to help burn some calories before you indulge!
3. Take a break before you reach for seconds.  I've always said that it takes your mind awhile to know when your stomach is full, and usually by that time, you've had a plateful of seconds and dessert.  Just take a few minutes to see if you are really still hungry or not!
4. Focus on Family! Food plays a large part in family Holiday meals, but let's face it, the real reason we are there is for the family.  Getting to spend time with the ones that we love, catching on each other's lives and hugging babies.  There is no better sound than chatter and laughter around the kitchen table.  Talk more, eat less!

With Easter just a hop around the corner, these are great tips on how to navigate the brown gravy river and make it out on the other side still on the healthier side!