Holiday Fit Foods
Reported December 5, 2005
ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Broadcast News) — The holiday season is here, and that means parties, family gatherings, and a plump supply of high-fat, hard-to-resist food. It’s no wonder the number one new year’s resolution is to lose weight. Here are some tips on how you can eat, drink and be fit for the holidays.
‘Tis the season — so beware of that unwelcome guest.
“We’re eating so many rich foods. Most of us end up gaining about 10 pounds by the start of the New Year,” says nutritionist Tejal Parekh, R.D., of M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Orlando.
But fear not — Parekh has tips to keep you fit this season. First, boycott the butter. Toss and bake veggies in a light vinaigrette instead. Use fat-free broth to cream mashed potatoes. You can also use broth instead of oil to sauté onions and celery.
“This gives your vegetables plenty of flavor, and you won’t miss the fat,” Parekh says. Next, nix the fatty green bean casserole, and opt for beans covered in balsamic vinegar instead.
Parekh also says watch the alcohol. “These are jam-packed full of calories, and as alcohol boosts our appetite, we usually end up eating more.” Instead, make fresh cider with a handful of spices.
For dessert? Forget those fat-filled pies. Parekh says angel food cake is a great dessert that’s fat-free and a lot lower in calories. Chocolate and raspberries top it off. But if you must have pie, skip the fatty crust and just eat the filling. Or skip whole pies and bake little ones to satisfy that sweet tooth with smaller portions.
Finally Parekh says to wear pants that are a slightly snugger fit. “This way you won’t be able to eat so much!”
With a meal this good, you won’t know you’re eating healthy. But we promise … Your scale will.
