Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-12-17, Page 7THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17,1997. PAGE 7. Season’s festivities a time to indulge smartly The season of family gatherings, parties, feasts and irresistible treats is upon us and with a little pre-plan­ ning and moderation, it can be a time of enjoyment rather than glut­ tonous guilt. As the days of huge, succulent meals approach, health and nutrition experts say there are means of indulging in the pleasures without being consumed by feelings of destroying a year-long diet and exercise regime. The first step is to realize the average adult gains five to 10 pounds during the season, but usual­ ly drops it once the routine of everyday life returns. However, there are activities and behaviours which can help those worried about the extra pounds cope with that bulging feeling. In preparation, experts suggest trying to eat healthier and consume fewer calories in the week prior to the holiday meal. Another control factor is to create scrumptious dish­ es using lower fat and calorie ingredients. In most cases, the loss of a few calories will not be noticed FOOD QUIZ Compare calories and fat in holiday favourites Originally published in Mayo Health Clinic Health Letter, November 1994 1. Which dessert has the most calories and fat? a. pumpkin pie and whipped cream b. pecan pie c. sweet potato pie 2. A cup of homemade bread stuffing has as much fat as... a. 1 teaspoon of margarine b. 2 tablespoons of margarine c. 1/4 cup of margarine 3. Ham can be a lean substitute for turkey: a. true b. false 4. Which dessert topping is lowest in fat and calories? a. real whipped topping b. extra creamy non-dairy whipped topping c. light non-dairy whipped topping d. they are the same 5. Dry-roasted peanuts have fewer calories than oil- roasted: a. true b. false surei8iiinu m snsiOA ^ZZ himipos aqt aoiMi aABq paisBOi-KiQ sauojBo SBq stnuBod pajsBOJ-po jo Xjp jatpia jo aouno uy sjnu pajsBOJ-Xjp Suisooqa Kq sauojBO sabs t.uop no^ - q g 3BJ jo SUIB13 £-j puB saiJOjBO 03 oj QI inoqB SBq sSuiddoi asaqj jo Kub jo uoodsajqBi y ipnui jajjip j.uop stonpojj - p •SUIBjg £ UBtp SSOJ SBq Xa^irn jo uopjod aures aqj, soauno g-£ ui ibj jo suibj8 g jsnf SBq ureq treaq saaioqo jbj-moi bib sibblu qjog - b £ auuBgiBiu jo suoodsa|qB] 3 01 aiqBJBduioa ‘ibj jo suibj® 93 jsouqB SBq Suijjms ppaiq jo dno quq - q 3 suibjS £j susjoa ^3 ‘siatpo aqj jo ibj atp boimi SBq os[b aid ubobj OVZ saq otBiod laa/AS puB moqB SBq Suiddoi paddiq/A jo uoodsajqB] b qtiM aid upfduind apqM sbuojbo OEt7 SPLI (8/1) treoad jo aaaid y - q I sjaMsuy by the taste buds. A pre-emptive strike may be to eat a healthy breakfast and lunch on the day of the gathering as well as a nutritious snack before attending. This will lessen the urge to nibble on unhealthy snacks. Once the guests have arrived for your party or you settle in at friends, the method of nibbling and imbib­ ing can be handled to minimize the added calories. The first suggestion from experts is to stand away from the buffet table. Close proximity can lead to easy nibbling, possibly of those high fat treats. Instead, if snacking is part of the festivities, hosts should ensure a nice selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, particu­ larly for those simply trying to maintain their pre-holiday weight. Aside from avoiding the sweet tray, to some degree, it may be wise to also consider lean meats in sand­ wiches, such as roast beef or turkey. The topper for any festivity is a glass of eggnog or sip of wine, though these also are calorie carri­ ers. Party-goers are advised to watch their intake. If nibbling on those chocolate truffles has you transfixed at the buffet table, experts suggest finding a distraction. The average craving for food lasts 30 seconds to five minutes. If the tempted can become engaged in a conversation or wan­ der to a group singing carols, the desire will eventually dissipate. For those who cannot restrain themselves, experts say the holiday meal is actually fairly healthy. Turkey is a lean meat, there are lots of vegetables and potatoes (high in carbohydrates) and baked yams are low in fat and high in potassium. It is the extras such as gravy, buttered rolls and mashed potatoes made with whole milk which add to the calorie count. Though many diet concerns are focused on the adults, parents must also be aware of their children's eat­ ing habits during the season. They tend to observe the adult's eating patterns and follow suit. It is wise to offer a healthy balance such as a fresh fruit salad to compliment the turkey and gravy. Another tip for parents is to limit the television and computer time during the school holiday. Those are prime hours for consuming high fat snacks as well as reducing time spent on calorie-burning activities. And what to do after stuffing one­ self with turkey dressing and all the trimmings? Though the natural inclination may be to sprawl out on the couch for a late afternoon nap, a casual walk outdoors with family and friends may be a more appropriate Vincent's Country Market We can make your trip to Wingham worth the while Frozen Foods You can have the meal you want at the price you will like at the convenience of your own freezer This week > __A Shrimp Rings $7.50 \__________Triple Berry Dessert Blueberry, Raspberry & Marion < / 2.2 lbs. $7.50 J__ R®9- $8-25 .----1 Phone 357-4499 Josephine St., Wingham Drop in and see our country craft line 6 Gift Baskets Food or Body Care Pre-packaged in our store or custom-made for you 0‘ n Christmas Baking Supplies Bulk and Pre-Packaged 222 Josephine St., Wingham 357-3466 ♦ and healthy response to that bloated feeling. The most important aspect of the holiday season is for people to not feel so deprived that they are unable to enjoy the parties, says nutrition specialist Donna Montgomery. "If you eat high fat foods one day, eat better the next. If you break your diet for a couple of weeks then go back, it won't be the end of the world. People should enjoy the sea­ son."