No matter what holiday you?re celebrating this season, there is one thing everyone is sure to be doing a lot of ? eating.
It?s important to remember that holiday time needs to be a healthy time, too, to avoid gaining weight, illness and even heart problems.
“The problem with the holidays is that people tend to indulge,” said Dr. Brian Kahn, the director of the Heart Center at Overlea Personal Physicians.
People worried about heart problems should avoid eating saturated fats and eat low cholesterol diets, even at the holidays, Kahn said. He recommends eating fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and other natural foods as much as possible.
“There is no one food that will prevent heart disease and make you healthy,” Overlea nutritionist Laurie Badolato said. “It?s a culmination of your whole lifestyle, and it?s what you do 80 percent of the time.”
Barbara Bailey, a dietitian at Good Samaritan Hospital, suggests serving buffet-style because it is less tempting to have seconds if the food is not sitting in front of you. She also suggested making desserts and other food in small portions for people to try.
In order to burn off the calories and take the emphasis off of eating, Bailey said, plan an activity as part of the holiday festivities such as ice skating, making decorations or a scavenger hunt.
Following these tips can help you during the holidays, and can be used during the rest of the year to stay in shape and healthy.
Holiday health tips
1. When you are invited somewhere, don?t bring food as a gift.
2. Replace time you would sit around eating with a new activity, such as making holiday gifts.
3. While eating, look for colors to put on your plate; sweet potatoes, green beans and other vegetables offer more vitamins and nutrition than white foods such as potatoes and cheese.
4. Make a commitment to yourself to only have one serving.
5. Pick one or two events out of the season to indulge, but at the rest of the parties and events be careful and pay attention to what you eat.
6. Get out and move.
7. Be aware: Look at nutrition facts and serving size when possible.
