What NOT to eat this Season

The twinkling of lights lining the houses and roads, the sounds of Christmas carols flowing through the air, the friendly smiles and glow on people's faces, ah the Holiday Season is upon us once again. However, around every corner is also many tempting treats and beverages. From Christmas Parties to Family Gatherings, is there anyway you can enjoy your favourite foods and not bust out of your belts? The answer is simple ... YES, yes you can and the key here is portion control. Remember to fill your plate with anything you'd like but don't go for seconds. Also be sure to fill up on plenty of delicious green salads, veggies and fish/chicken, as for dessert, enjoy a few mini desserts or fresh fruit if that is an option.
 
So with that said, here are the three worst choices you can make at any party and the foods you can have in place of them:

Prime Rib: Avoid this at all costs, this is one of the fattiest cuts of red meat, with a whopping 720 calories, 63 grams of fat and 27 grams saturated fat in just 6-ounces. Opt for the healthier leaner proteins like Turkey, Cornish Hens or Lean Ham. Now if you must have your beef, be sure to look for Beef Tenderloin (Filet Mignon), not only is it a better option, it's about half the calories and quarter less fat than the Prime Rib.

Pecan Pie: Although a yummy decadent treat this pie is one of the richest and most sugary of pies. With a filling of mainly corn syrup, sugar, butter, whole eggs and pecans it clocks in at a mind-blowing 575 calories - without whipped topping! Choose the just as mouth-watering Pumpkin Pie, you'll get fibre filled goodness and only around 375 calories per slice.

Egg-nog: No holiday is complete without a glass or two of this creamy dreamy festive beverage, but it's also one that is loaded with sugar and artery clogging fats. Just one cup (8-ounces) has a belly-busting 340 calories, 11 grams of saturated fat and 21 grams of sugar. Unless you are making your own healthier version with egg beaters, lowfat milk and agave nectar syrup then pass this one up and enjoy a mug of Low-Sugar Hot Cocoa with nonfat milk, a glass of warm Apple Cider or if you must, a glass of Red Wine. You'll save close to 220 calories.

Everything in moderation ... if you over-indulge, don't beat yourself up for it, accept it and get back on track the next day. Keep your exercise up, aiming for a minimum of thirty minutes each day (even a nice walk will do, as long as you get out and move), and make sure to eat as clean as you possibly can on "non-party" days.

Have a blessed Holiday Season

Helki S. Weber ~ Health/Nutrition Consultant

Written by :

Helki S.Weber

 

Health - Diet and Nutrition