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If you want to enjoy the holiday season, without added pounds, nutrition experts at Saint Elizabeth Medical Center have a recipe for success.
Local 12 Medical Reporter Liz Bonis has three steps for a guilt-free holiday menu in tonight's Medical Edge.
Tis the season for holiday shopping, holiday cheer and, for many of us, holiday weight gain.
"The holidays make it rough."
Sheri Kanarek, a registered dietitian, says between the added sweets, and added foods at holiday parties, and family gatherings, many people report weight gain this time of year of up to five pounds! In reality, however, it's not all that bad. The latest research shows the average person gains a pound or two between Thanksgiving and the new year. The problem, however, is may never lose it.
So, start your strategic plan to avoid even this little bit, Kanarek says, with three things:
First, piling your plate high with fruits and vegetables. These lower calorie, high fiber foods promote weight loss and shouldn't just be a summer-time favorite. Second, party plan. If you make your own recipes, reduce the fat: For example, in this red-pepper hummus dip:
Sheri Kanarek, St. Elizabeth Medical Center Dietitian: "Instead of using sour cream, we are using low fat plain yogurt."
It's also suggested you have a snack before a party.
"Maybe a small salad, small bowl of cereal, something like that, so you stay away from the snacky foods when you get to the parties."
Finally, Kanarek says, contrary to popular belief, this is not the season to skip dessert. Deprivation leads to desire.
"You should never restrict yourself from completely having something that you are wanting during the holidays, because you may gorge on it later."
That simply leads to holiday guilt, Kanarak says, which is not on this year's holiday menu!
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