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Getting Satisfaction

Healthy Snacks For The New Year

By Alison Gamble

Choosing foods wisely is essential to maintain our health and our figures. Since it 'tis the season to overeat because there are so many parties, reviewing some steps to take to avoid doing so seems like a good idea. Parties tend to be huge snack fests! And keeping tabs on how much you've eaten is nearly impossible, until the moment you realize how good it feels to keep that top button undone on your pants (and usually by then it's way too late to turn back).

• If you have a party or holiday dinner to attend, eat lightly the day before and day of.
• However, never go to a party starving -- you will over eat! Have a light snack before you go.
• Be realistic about the holidays. This is not the time to begin your weight loss plan.
• Be conscious of what you are eating at all times. Sometimes it feels like my brain shuts off in the presence of a beautiful buffet, and my hand, against my will, begins placing desserts in my mouth.
• Listen to your belly; it knows when it has had enough.
• Load your plate with vegetables and fruits, much less calories, and much better for you.

• Do not beat yourself up because you "sampled" the brownies, cake, and pie -- all night long. You ate it -- now move on! Just don't make it daily a habit.
• Exercise! Even if you are just doing laps around your living room, it is better than nothing. If you work out regularly, add on another day, or increase your workout to an extra 15 to 30 minutes.
• Cut your portions in half, or share!
• If you decide to eat a high calorie, high fat food -- enjoy it! Really taste the food and eat slowly. Don't try to inhale that cream cheese brownie before your spouse sees you.
• A message to the spouse, or family member: During the holidays, or anytime, you are not responsible for becoming the "food police." If a loved one is watching what they eat, giving the "evil eye," or saying "haven't you had enough" is not helpful.
• Attempting to control someone's food intake creates guilt, shame and embarrassment for the recipient. As a result, they will probably end up eating more. Your spouse or family member is the one who is responsible and in control of what they eat.
• Support them by encouraging any kind of physical activity the next day, like shopping. You don't even realize you are exercising (walking around a big mall) while getting holiday shopping done!