Holiday Foods You Wouldn’t Want to Overdo

Amy Taylor December 24, 2013

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that most people gain an extra pound during the holidays and never lose it. For those of you who have high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and all others who have health problems, there could be serious consequences of overeating this holiday season. The good thing is – there are plenty of tricks to avoid the holiday food trap. Below are some of the usual holiday foods and tips to not over-indulge.

Stuffing

A single scoop of stuffing could contain up to 550 calories! Whilst they taste so good, most stuffing recipes include large amounts of butter and assorted high-fat meats. Try making wild rice stuffing instead of the usual fatty, meaty versions. Reduce the butter or replace it with low-fat chicken broth.

Fancy Finger Foods

They are really tempting to look at and are absolutely delicious. But finger foods served in parties are often loaded with fats. What’s more, there’s a very big chance that you overdo them. Pick the green or fruity versions for a healthier snack.

Pigs-in-a-Blanket

Each bite-size serving of this holiday appetiser contains large amounts of fat and sodium, and a little nutrition. How about fruits-in-a-blanket? They are really a great, tasty alternative!

Mixed Drinks

Cocktail drinks could contain lots and lots of calories. One serving of white Russian, for instance, has whopping 350 calories. Try to avoid alcohol syrups as they are high in sugar.

Cakes and Cookies

Every household has their own specialty cakes and cookies. These sweet delights are something many of us can’t just resist. But you don’t want to overindulge as they can cause spikes in your blood sugar levels. A piece or two of cookies or a small slice of cake won’t harm you. You may also opt for wholegrain biscuits instead of the sugary ones.

Milk Chocolates

Milk chocolates are high in fats and sugar, but low in the nutrients found in dark chocolates. Go for chocolate treats made from 70 per cent cocoa. And again, watch your intake.

Salads

Opt for low-fat salad dressings like vinaigrette instead of mayonnaise. And instead of using croutons, top your vegetable salad with crushed nuts like walnuts, almonds and pecans.

Alcohol

Holidays are a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and relatives. And what could be a better way to start a conversation than to offer your guests some alcoholic drinks? But remember that alcohol is a complement, not a purpose. Whilst it is such as opportunity, the main purpose of a party is to have fun with people you know. Know your limits. And just what others say – drink in moderation.

Additional Tips

To avoid overeating, engage in conversation to slow the pace of eating and excuse yourself from the table once you’ve had enough to eat. At parties, try to sit far from the buffet table. You may also find sugar-free gum a great tool to lower your desire to nibble.

Would you like to share more tips to avoid food traps this holiday season? Feel free to post a comment below.