Weighty celebrations
The average American will consume more than 4,500 calories in one meal this holiday season, according to the Atlanta-based Calorie Control Council. And while it might be tempting to bring those Thanksgiving treats to work, consider giving your waistline a break by creating healthy alternatives to some Turkey Day favorites.
Nutrition experts suggest avoiding the guilt that inevitably results from overeating during the holidays by being calorie-conscious from the get-go. Beth Hubrich, executive director of the Calorie Control Council suggests portioning individual servings of your Thanksgiving leftovers immediately after the meal. By taking each pre-portioned container to work for lunch, you are less likely to overeat after the big meal.
"Make small substitutions where you can since these really add up," she says. "Use a lower-fat/lower-calorie margarine, opt for skim milk or reduced-fat milk in place of whole, use low-fat/lower-calorie salad dressings, go for reduced-fat sour cream and cheeses and use low-calorie sweeteners or light products when possible to help trim calories."
Hubrich adds that serving foods that are heavy on vegetables and fruit is another way to cut calories. But even then, keep in mind to take everything in moderation.
"Watch your portions and don't go back for seconds - one helping is most likely more than enough," she says.
No doubt about it, staying fit is considerably more difficult during the holiday season. So why not introduce new, healthy traditions among co-workers? A friendly game of tag football or a brisk walk is a great way to work off those extra Thanksgiving pounds while promoting quality time among workers as well.
"It's natural for people to want to splurge this time of year," says Hubrich. "But make sure that if you do splurge it's just one day, not the whole season."
- Lisa Radke