This time of year is often filled with endless parties and dinners but delicious food doesn’t have to sabotage a healthy eating plan. The holidays are in full swing, which means lots of family, fun... and food! But it doesn’t have to mean extra kilos. Even holiday treats can fit into a healthy eating plan. The key is balance and moderation. To avoid holiday weight gain, balance the calories you consume with the calories you burn. Physical activity and moderate food choices will help. These tips are gifts you can give yourself and your family to maintain a healthy lifestyle:
• Stick to your regular exercise routine as much as possible. Especially during the holidays, plan your physical activity routine in advance (don’t leave it up to chance). Mark it on the calendar and consider it as important as any other appointment. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity daily, and more if possible.
• Cut back on your family’s television viewing time. Limit the number of hours your children spend playing video games. Instead make a new holiday tradition. Take a brisk walk around the neighbourhood to see the holiday decorations, or grab your bike and head out to a nearby park.
• Play some backyard football or Frisbee with children and adults before the big holiday dinner.
• Dance or exercise to your favourite holiday music.
• Make a New Year’s resolution with friends to start a daily walking group.
• Be physically active to avoid or relieve the holiday stress.
• Overcome the urge to overeat. Standing by the buffet table is temptation to overeat. Remember holiday parties are about celebrating with family and friends, not just food.
• It’s easy to overindulge during the holidays. Make sure to watch portion sizes and only select one or two items from the host of tempting foods.
• Leave those extra calories behind – limit your intake of foods high in fat or added sugar.
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
• Put out bowls of fresh fruit as a festive and sweet substitute for candy or chocolates.
• Instead of a leftover turkey sandwich, try a leftover turkey salad! Add a few pieces of turkey to a generous portion of mixed greens, cucumbers, mushrooms, peppers, or any other vegetables you like. Sprinkle with dried cranberries for an authentic holiday taste.
Mr Camilleri is MEHFA secretary.