Heather Phillips, dietitian and health programs coordinator at the Southwest Missouri Area Health Education Center, provides tips for attending and hosting holiday gatherings.
People tend to gain 5-7 pounds during the holiday season. Phillips has some tips for keeping the weight off.
Tips for attending parties include:
- Plan ahead (Don’t go hungry)
- Eat small portions
- Dress in fitted clothing
- Decide on an easy way to say “no”
When hosting, try these tips:
- Use less sugar or sugar substitutes in recipes
- Add fruits and vegetables to stuffing
- Take skin off the turkey after baking
- Use skim milk instead of whole milk in recipes
- Use applesauce or pumpkin instead of butter
- Use egg whites instead of whole eggs