It’s that time of year again: holiday foods are on their way. And with them come lots of extra calories. Consider all of the upcoming holidays that include food in their celebrations:
- Halloween
- Thanksgiving
- Chanukah
- Christmas
- New Year’s Eve
Is it any wonder we avoid the scale this time of year? Think about all of the things you eat during the holidays because “it’s just once a year”. Well, those “once a year” nibbles all add up. This month, we’re taking a look at how to enjoy what you eat during the holidays without the guilt that comes on January 1.
It’s All in the Planning
When a client of mine is going to a buffet meal, I recommend that she consider all of her options before she puts one piece of food on her plate. That way, she can identify exactly what she wants to eat, including the very healthy choices and small portions of the treats that are worth the extra calories. Think of the time period from Halloween through New Year’s Eve as one long buffet table. Because that’s really what it is.
Let’s start with Halloween. Experts predict that candy sales for this Halloween will hit $2 billion. That’s a lot of candy corn. What to do with it all?
If you’re a parent, you’re probably concerned about your kids eating it all. And you pilfering a few (or more) pieces too. Consider allowing them to eat their favorite kinds, and participating in a local buy back program .
And what about the candy you buy to hand out to the Trick or Treaters? Here’s what we do in my house: I only buy candy I don’t like. That means something gummy or sour. I make sure it’s still considered cool by kid-standards, but it’s not something I would ever eat, so I’m not tempted. Any candy left over goes to friends or in the garbage.
What are some of your candy strategies? Drop me a line and let me know.
All this month, I encourage you to send me holiday recipes that could use a healthy make-over. I’ll post the ones that I can update so everyone can enjoy them.
The Coming Weeks
Holiday Recipes That Won’t Pack on the Pounds
Strategies for the Mother of All Food Holidays: Thanksgiving
