Holiday Tablescape by A Bar Cart in Brooklyn

Holidays are a time to enjoy being with friends and family and feasting on traditional meals. The temptation to over-indulge may be high, but with a little planning, a healthy eating plan doesn’t need to be compromised.

mod⋅er⋅a⋅tion (noun)

1. avoidance of extremes or excesses.
2. the key to enjoying the holidays without feeling guilty, depriving yourself, or gaining weight

Don’t arrive hungry!

Have a bowl of cereal, vegetables, fruit, a handful of nuts or a sandwich before you arrive.  Arriving on an empty stomach may make you overeat.

Offer to bring a healthy dish.

Not only are you guaranteeing you’ll have something healthy to eat, the host will appreciate your help! Why not try making a batch of this great Couscous Salad?!

Think about people not food.

Concentrate on socializing, making new friends and having fun.  Think about what you are celebrating not just the great food.

Avoid excess alcohol.

1 glass of wine =  5 fluid ounces = 125 calories

1 can of beer = 12 fluid ounces = 154 calories

1 shot = 1 ½ fluid ounces = 96 calories

Select small portions.

Selecting smaller portion sizes allows you to control your overall caloric intake, but still try all the different foods.

Eat slowly.

It takes the brain about 20 minutes to get the message from your stomach that you are full.  Pace yourself, take small bites, and chew slowly.