Holiday eating tips from the health unit

Take care of yourself during the holidays.

The holiday season can be a great excuse to overeat and overindulge. But you can enjoy the good things the holidays bring without packing on unwanted pounds - if you follow basic healthy eating principles.

Start by being realistic. Losing weight during the holidays may be an unlikely and unfair goal. Simply maintaining the same weight would be a great accomplishment, especially given that parties and buffets are filled with eggnog, Christmas cake, and those other goodies you only really get once a year. If you keep your portion sizes small, you can try a variety of foods without being too restrictive.

Stay in touch with your appetite and stop eating when you feel satisfied.

Don't skip meals through the day before a social gathering - you may be setting yourself up for a big binge.

Instead, eat normally during the day and have a healthy snack like yogurt and fruit or some veggies and a glass of milk before you go out. This will help you moderate your intake at parties. Variety, balance and moderation are the key.

Keep a copy of Canada's Food Guide around the kitchen. Between big meals and parties, it will be there as a reminder of the recommended foods that could help prevent chronic diseases down the road.

Don't forget to include daily physical activity in your holiday routines. Make the effort to continue a regular exercise program. Or just get outside and embrace Simcoe Muskoka's winter playground. From tobogganing and trails to skiing and skating, there's a lot to keep the whole family busy.

Finally, focus on the true spirit of the season, and enjoy being among family and friends. Food is a part of your holiday fun - just don't make it the biggest part!

For more information on making your holiday season a healthy one, call Your Health Connection at 721- 7520 or 1-877-721-7520 Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and talk with a public health nurse, or check www.simcoemuskokahealth. org.