Top 10 Tips To Save Yourself Hundreds of Calories This Holiday Season!

Is it true that the average person gains 5 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day?

One 2000 study of 195 adults showed an average holiday weight gain of between 3/4 to 1 pound.

• However, 14% of those studied gained five pounds or more.
• In this study those who were overweight or obese gained more holiday pounds than those who were normal weight.
• Even though most people gain less than 1 pound during the holidays, this weight gain may be one cause of why adults tend to gain weight from year to year.

Top 10 Tips to Cut Calories and Pack Nutrition Into Traditional Holiday Fair:

1. Protein Packed! Put cottage cheese in a blender to make it smooth.

• Use it in place of evaporated milk in pumpkin pie
• Use this in place of up to half of the amount of regular cheese called for in recipes such as casseroles and other dishes where the cheese is cooked (like enchiladas).  
• Mix it into dips that use non fat yogurt or sour cream for a boost of protein. 
• Use it in place of cream cheese in cheese cakes.

2. Fiber Fortified! Put Fiber One (original) cereal in a blender to make it into crumbs.

• Use it in place of graham cracker crumbs for pie crusts
• Make your own breaded appetizers using the fiber crumbs (and onions or chicken pieces) and baking them in the oven.

3. Cheers! Stick to lower calorie or calorie-free drinks to mix with your alcohol (diet sodas, diet tonic water, light beer, wine spritzer, and crystal light) instead of punches, eggnogs, and mixed drinks that can have up to 500 calories per cup.

• Sip a large glass of water between every alcoholic drink or non-alcoholic punch or eggnog. This will help keep you hydrated and you’ll drink fewer calories by the end of the night.
• When picking hard alcohol, non flavored vodka and rum are lower in calories.

4. Dip not drowned! dip your food in sauces and dressings

• Serve salads with dressing on the side so you and your guests can add as much (or as little) as you please.

5. Be picky! Pick at your favorite part of the pie crust and leave the rest.

• Each serving of pie crust is around 100 calories, I like to eat the crispy rim and leave the rest.

6. Split the Sweetener. Use Splenda-sugar blend (and brown sugar blend)

• Don't try to use all Splenda because it is still a special occasion. 
• Dishes that could use this sub include cranberry sauce, sweet potato dishes, baked goods, and pies.  

7. Cut cholesterol. Use egg whites or egg beaters instead of whole eggs

• 2 egg whites or 1/4 cup egg beaters is equal to 1 whole egg

8. Spread smart. Use Smart Balance at the table for a more heart healthy holiday.

9. Freedom from fat! There are tons of tasty fat free and reduced fat substitutes out there. 

• Use fat free or reduced fat cream soups in casseroles. 
• Use fat free broths. 
• Use fat free or reduced fat gravies.

10. Yes to Yams! Using sugar free or light pancake syrup to make candied yams and sweet potatoes saves you at least 100 calories per serving.