The magic of the Christmas season comes only once a year. It is a time to enjoy friendly
gatherings, warm traditions, special foods and winter activities.
Make active living a part of the Christmas festivities to build memories and help prevent
seasonal weight gain. Enjoy tobogganing, ice skating, skiing, snowshoeing or going for
walks.
Pack along some hot beverages for nutrition breaks such as homemade hot chocolate. Heat
chocolate milk and put in a thermos. Not only does it contain the same amount of bone
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building nutrients as white milk, but also it will warm up your crew from the inside out.
Stick to your regular eating pattern as much as possible. Don’t skip lunch if you have big
dinner or a party to go to that night. Instead, choose a light lunch that’s low in fat. Eat a
piece of fruit, crackers with a slice of cheese or glass of milk before leaving. Going to
dinner or a party hungry leads to overeating.
Enjoy your favorite holiday goodies but in moderation. Skipping your favorites can leave
you feeling frustrated and deprived. If you really want that shortbread cookie or that
chocolate caramel, go ahead. Enjoy every bite of your favorite item and don’t feel guilty. Just
keep the portion small. Make indulgences worth your while.
Registered dietitian Karol Sekulic suggests, “standing around the food table usually leads to
eating just because the food is there. Take the foods you want and then leave the food area.
Enjoy the food in another area of the room while visiting with friends. Watch the amount of
alcohol and festive drinks you enjoy too. These can quickly add calories without filling you
u-10-P.”
Beverage options
Try these alternative beverages and drink to your health.
- Make a spritzer with fruit juice and mineral water on crushed ice.
- Make a fruit punch and serve with ice cubes made of cranberry juice.
- Add mineral water to your wine for a lighter drink.
- Use espresso coffee or dark roast for a maximum coffee taste without maximum caffeine.
- Combine regular beans with decaffeinated coffee beans to make your own “half-caf”
coffee blend.
- Try a home-style latte. Heat milk and add one packet of espresso powder or two
teaspoons instant coffee crystals.
- Serve herbal tea or hot chocolate as an option to regular tea or coffee.
- Stir brown sugar and maple flavoring into hot milk.
- Heat apple juice with cinnamon sticks, cloves and whole nutmeg for flavor and aroma.
- Serve eggnog with nutmeg on top for flavor rather than mixed with alcohol. If you find
eggnog rich, dilute with milk.
