Reminders to avoid overindulging during holidays

The tips for a healthier holiday season include:

• Don’t try to diet during the holidays. Instead, set a more realistic goal of not gaining weight.
• Pace yourself by monitoring how quickly you eat.Savor your food by choosing it carefully and eating it slowly.
• If you’re having alcohol,choose light beer and wine over mixed drinks. A holiday sized mixed drink can have as many as 500 calories.
• Offer to bring a low calorie food dish to holiday parties. When you’re at parties, stand away from the food tables so you’re not tempted to constantly nibble.
• Continue a regular exercise program over the holidays. Not only will exercise help burn off those extra calories, it will reduce the stress of social events and family gatherings.
• Don’t go to a party on an empty stomach. Before going to a party, snack on protein, such as chicken or cottage cheese. Protein satisfies your appetite and helps you eat less.
• Keep tabs on your portion sizes. Instead of eating a large amount of food, try eating a large variety of foods.
• Don’t allow a hectic holiday schedule to force you to eat fast food.Prepare and freeze several quick, healthy meals.
• If you’re hosting a party, be sure to include low calorie and fat free salad dressing. Put out plenty of flavorful veggies and prepare reduced-fat versions of favorite family holiday foods.