Let's Do It Healthy

December 16, 2004

It’s time to mingle. Holiday parties may pose a threat to staying on track! Here are a few tips from the American Dietetic Association to get you through and allow you to have fun! Don't go to a party hungry -- hunger leads to overeating. Drink some juice; eat a piece of fruit, or some crackers before leaving.

Yes, you can find 25-calorie treats! The trick for dieters who get tripped up by feelings of deprivation is learning to indulge in favorites wisely rather than swearing them off entirely. If you love chocolate, a kiss has only 25 calories, compared to 270 in a chocolate bar. For many, such substitutions make them more likely to stick to a healthier eating plan. But everyone is different: If you find that "just a little" leads to a lot, stay away from temptation, at least for awhile.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away -- too bad Americans only eat about one per week. Apples are packed with fiber: One medium apple (including skin) provides one-fifth (5g) of the average daily needs. Most of an apple's dietary fiber is pectin, a soluble fiber that helps reduce cholesterol. Apples also promote a healthy heart. Apple skin is rich in antioxidant phytochemicals called flavonoids, which may slice the risk of coronary disease.

Many so-called healthy breakfast muffins, like bran or carrot, are really just cakes disguised by a cute shape -- commercial varieties are loaded with fat and calories. Beware of these charlatans! For a genuine healthy choice, look for muffins made with real wheat flour and reduced sugar and fat. Be sure to read the label carefully, and if a muffin looks huge to you, it probably is -- eat half and save the rest for later.