Sane Holiday Feasting Strategies

Thanksgiving represents a major kick off to the holiday festival of foods that flows non-stop right up to the New Year. 

Just how do we resist the parade of goodies barraging us at pastry-packed parties and at those holiday dinners with all of our favorite family recipes heaped a top a china dish. The answer is simple — don't.

RESISTANCE IS FUTILE

Paulette Thompson, RD, nutrition educator and former long-time dietician for Giant Foods headquartered in Prince George's County, said the holidays are probably not the best time to think about losing weight and being restrictive.

Calling herself a "foodie" dietician who likes food and likes cooking, Thompson claims a better goal is to end the holidays at the same weight you started out with.

Meena Somanchi, Ph.D., a division chair with the Maryland Dietetic Association said people shouldn’t skip parties. She advised eating those pastries and having that glass of wine, but doing it the right way.

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY

Somanchi’s Suggestions

• Go to parties, just don’t go hungry. Eat your regular diet first.

The English aristocracy used to do this because going to parties hungry, grabbing food and eating mouthfuls was considered bad etiquette.

• Cut corners without cutting out your favorite dish. Have cake, just skip the frosting or eat a smaller portion.

• Change your attitude. You’re not going to a party or getting together with family to eat. That’s secondary.

• Have just one plateful, don’t refill. Have a glass of wine, keep the goblet in your hand and drink slowly. Again, don't refill.

• However little you eat, you’ll gain weight if you don’t exercise. Exercise everyday if you can. But if you can’t, exercise a minimum of 45 minutes, three times a week.

• Pick on the food — eat like a bird.

Thompson’s Tips

• It isn’t mind over matter. It’s having strategies and plans.

• Cookies, pies and pastries are part of the holidays. You don’t want to eliminate them. But make wise choices. Go for pumpkin or apple pie at around 300 calories over pecan pie at around 500 calories.

• Don’t think about what to take away, think about what to add. Add more veggies to your stuffing — add chestnuts — it’s a nut without any fat.

• At a buffet, choose the salad plate not the larger plate. It really makes a difference. Studies show we eat what’s on our plate.

• Know what foods will fill you up without a lot of calories. Most know to eat fruits and vegetables. But you can also have that shrimp cocktail appetizer. Start out right. Studies show having a soup or salad before the main course causes people to eat fewer total calories.

• Pick out the thing you really want to try and don’t feel like you have to try everything.

• Ramp it up over the holidays when it comes to exercise — take stairs, park a little further out when you go shopping. Every little bit counts.