My ADA

Bring On the Buffet

December 14, 2007

The holiday party season is in full swing, and so is the potential for button-popping waistlines that most of us would prefer to do without. Here are strategies to help put the kibosh on holiday pounds.

Eat three squares: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Skipping breakfast or lunch so you can munch more at the office or neighborhood party just doesn’t work. Missing meals just means you arrive at the party ravenous.
Downsize party plate size. Use salad or dessert plates to help keep portions in check.
Take baby steps. Get the lay of the land before digging into buffet offerings. Remember, it takes 15 to 20 minutes for your brain to get the message that your stomach is full. Take your time and you may take less.
Sip smart. Liquid calories add a lot to the bottom line; one-half cup of eggnog can contain more than 200 calories. Sip favorite drinks, choose low- or zero-calorie options between drinks and keep your alcohol consumption in check.
Walk it off. The overriding factor in weight gain is “calories in vs. calories out.” Since holidays tend to mean “calories in,” put some mileage on your shoes to increase your “calories out.”

Produced by ADA’s Public Relations Team and ADA National Spokesperson Susan Moores, MS, RD

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