Healthy Obsession

Updated Jun 27, 2014

Stick to your goals amidst holiday buffets

The holidays are a dangerous time of year for those with one eye on their waistline and one eye on a fresh-out-of-the-oven glazed ham. What’s more important in this situation? Indulging, or strictly refusing to eat anything but salads and fruit?

The choices do not have to be so black and white. It is possible to stay mostly within your normal diet during the holidays. I said possible, not easy. So here are my tips for enjoying your time, whether you’re out on the road or at home with family and friends, and for sticking to those health goals so that Jan. 1 doesn’t bring with it a hefty list of resolutions.

• Eat in moderation. How many times have you heard this tip? I certainly get tired of it myself, but it’s true. Going for that second, third and fourth piece of pie seems like a good idea at the time, but I can guarantee it’s not.

• Follow MyPlate guidelines. The food pyramid is no longer. Now the U.S. Department of Agriculture touts a visual representation of your plate, segmented into different portion sizes for fruits, grains, vegetables and protein. The website has much more information than I would be able to summarize here, so take a look: https://www.choosemyplate.gov/.

• Keep a stash of healthy foods on hand. If you’re worried about the availability of non-butter-soaked foods, take it upon yourself to find other options. At home, make a solo trip to the grocery store. On the road, plan ahead by packing fresh vegetables in your in-cab refrigerator. Or ask for your food at the truckstop restaurant to be cooked with no butter and no added salt.

• Indulge (a little). Yes, I mean it. After working hard all year, you deserve an extra treat here and there.

Have a happy and healthy holiday season!

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