(Le Mars) — What’s that statistic? The average American gains 7-10 pounds
between Thanksgiving and Christmas? Don’t be a part of the statistic, there are
ways to enjoy your favorite holiday foods, without packing on so many pounds.
Here’s some tips from Tonya Huenink, registered dietician with Le Mars Hy-Vee, regarding how to
make holiday eating a little healthier. Before you go grocery shopping for the big meal this week,
Huenink says to consider some ingredient substitutions that no one will notice.
Listen here
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Another way to get more out of your foods and save on sodium is to use fresh
ingredients.
Listen here
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Huenink says one of her favorite substitutions is Greek Yogurt in exchange for
sour cream or mayonnaise.
Listen here
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Greek Yogurt is not only fat free, but it adds protein to the recipe, which
helps make you feel more full. In regards to baking, you can substitute half your oil or butter with
unsweetend applesauce. Huenink says you can also reduce sugar by a quarter without anyone
noticing.
PART 2
(Le Mars) — Whose not guilty of standing by the food table and grazing all night long? Tonya
Huenink, registered dietician with Le Mars Hy-Vee, suggests in preparing for
such a party to eat BEFORE you go! She says not to save up the calories by
skipping meals.
Listen here
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Another way to not tip the scale at a holiday party is to survey all the options
before you start filling your plate. Huenink explains…
Listen here
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Two final thoughts on holiday party eating…share! Potluck portions should be
smaller. If you only want a taste of a dessert, cut it in half. Some one is
bound to grab the other portion. Finally, get your treats and walk away from
the food table. Strike up conversation on the other side of the room instead of
hovering over the goodies.
PART 3
(Le Mars) — We continue our tips for healthy holiday eating with another
tip for watching the calories at holiday gatherings. Fun with family and
friends this time of year often involves beverages that we don’t normally
consume. Before you sip on that ice cream drink or egg nog, Tonya Huenink,
registered dietician with Le Mars Hy-Vee, says to keep in mind that just because
it’s a beverage, doesn’t mean it’s calorie free.
Listen here
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PART 4
(Le Mars) — Here’s a re-cap of a few of the tips.
Substitute a few ingredients here and there to make a recipe a little better for
you: use low sodium cream of mushroom soup in the green bean casserole, or Greek
yogurt instead of sour cream in your veggie dip. When baking, substitute half
the butter or oil with applesauce and cut down your sugar, nobody will ever
know. When heading to your a holiday party, don’t show up starving. Eat a high
fiber breakfast that morning, and a snack before you go. Also, be mindful of
high calorie holiday drinks like egg nog, or anything ice cream based. Opt for
a glass of wine and save yourself about 200 calories!
Huenink says that regardless of whether or not you eat yourself silly this
Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season, the best thing to do is move on
the next day and get some exercise.
Listen here
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And hey, don’t worry about waiting for the close parking spot…park far away
and walk yourself to the after-Thanksgiving sale!