DECEMBER ARTICLE: Healthier Eating During the Holiday Season
The holiday season is upon us. Spending time with family and friends, celebrating traditions, and sharing memories make the holidays truly special.
Something else that makes holidays special are delicious meals and sweet treats! It can be challenging to avoid overindulging during the holidays, especially if there are festive gatherings or events that involve a lot of food.
Wondering how to enjoy treats in a healthier way so you can begin the New Year looking and feeling your best? Here are a few helpful tips:
-Calories count, so try to use them wisely. If the wonderful holiday meal includes a side dish that you eat regularly during the year, pass on it. Choose a different side dish or save those extra calories for dessert.
-Sweet beverages and holiday cocktails can be high in calories too. If you’re going to drink soda, eggnog, wine or a cocktail, try to limit your consumption to one. Consider low calorie beverages such as seltzer water or unsweetened iced tea.
-Don’t fill up on appetizers. Consider limiting yourself to one or two hors d'oeuvres. Feel free to indulge in crudités (raw vegetables), but go light on the dipping sauce.
-Be sure to leave room for dessert. By avoiding second helpings and not filling up on rolls, crackers, cheese or too many hors d'oeuvres, you likely won’t feel too full to really enjoy your dessert.
-It’s ok to indulge in the foods you enjoy during the holidays, but there’s a balanced way to do so. Moderation is key. Keep in mind that one helping is enough. Practice portion control, eat slowly, and savor your food.
Nutrition & Your Health
Eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet is one of the keys to good health. As we get older, nutrition plays an even larger role in overall health and well-being. By developing a nutrition strategy and planning meals in advance, older adults are more likely to eat meals with the vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein and other nutrients that are so important.
Did you know that there are programs available to assist older adults who are uncertain about how to plan nutritious meals? Nutrition education and individual Medical Nutrition Therapy through the Nutrition Department at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) can help.
To learn more about OCES’ Nutrition Services, visit ocesma.org/programs-services/nutrition or call 508-584-1561.
Happy Holidays from OCES!
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