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
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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
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You can have the meal you want at the price
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6
Gift Baskets
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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."