December 19, 2008

Weatherford Regional Senior Circle:  Healthy Holiday Snacking

WEATHERFORD, TX — Does your holiday spirit depend on the large portion of pumpkin pie, apple stuffing or plum pudding you get?  If so, you probably gain a few pounds during those festive months.  To make this year’s party a little lighter but no less fun, try eating smaller portions and using these snacking techniques:

• Extend healthy habits to holiday snacks.  Make vegetables, legumes and whole grains the center of your holiday nibbling.  Also, opt for low-fat yogurt, carrots or red peppers, nuts and fruits.
• Add color.  Your friends and family won’t even miss the salty chips when you present a plate of fruit with melon, grapes and strawberries.
• Adjust your cooking technique.  Try baking snacks instead of frying.
• Don’t let festivities distract you from your hunger and feeling of fullness.  It’s easy to lose track of how much you’re eating when gathered around a spread of snacks for hours.  Eat slowly and focus on what your body is telling you.
• Reinforce your inner resolve to stop eating with an outer gesture.  Throw away your napkin or put your plate or glass on a table.

Additional information on other health topics is available through Weatherford Regional Medical Center’s Senior Circle Program.  Senior Circle encourages a healthy and active lifestyle for adults age 50 or better by providing programs that encourage continued learning, wellness, health and volunteering, coupled with a host of social activities. For more information, please call (817) 599-1672.