{"id":7214,"date":"2019-12-02T08:00:35","date_gmt":"2019-12-02T14:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.uww.edu\/ucinfo\/?p=7214"},"modified":"2025-04-25T13:31:20","modified_gmt":"2025-04-25T18:31:20","slug":"healthy-holiday-eating","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.uww.edu\/ucinfo\/2019\/12\/02\/healthy-holiday-eating\/","title":{"rendered":"Healthy Holiday Eating"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Although the holidays are a fun-filled, happy season, they\nare also associated with inevitable stress, parties, and copious amounts of\ncookies and candies. Many people fear added weight gain, but studies show that\naverage American weight gain is only about 1 \u2013 2 pounds during the holiday\nseason. However, these added pounds are often difficult to lose, so an unwanted\nten-pound weight gain can easily creep up over a decade. Beyond weight gain,\nholiday food is also typically high in fat, sodium, and sugar which further\nchallenges those trying to manage chronic conditions with diet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The simplest solution is to move more and eat less. However,\nthe seasonal scenario makes this simple concept very hard to follow. Therefore,\nreview some of the myths and facts below to help yourself approach the holidays\nwith a smarter plan of action this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MYTHS & FACTS <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

MYTH: <\/strong>It is smart and effective to \u201csave up calories\u201d by eating very little before parties and events. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

FACT: Typically, this strategy will have one entering the\nparty with extreme hunger and lead to overeating. Instead, try to eat at least\ntwo small, healthy meals before evening events to evenly distribute calories\nthroughout the day or eat a light, high fiber snack before you arrive like an\napple or banana. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

MYTH: <\/strong>The party or event will offer a healthy option. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

FACT: Depending on the type of event, bring your own healthy\nappetizer or dish to ensure there is at least one healthy option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

MYTH: <\/strong>Sample every holiday dish or cookie because this is the only time of year they are available. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

FACT: You can still have some of your favorite foods but be\nattentive to which traditional foods you enjoy. Be selective and do not eat\nsomething just because it is tradition. Also, acknowledge your frequency of\nindulgence and understand that goodies come around all year long and not just\nduring the holiday season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

MYTH: <\/strong>Drinking one cocktail will not make a difference.<\/strong> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

FACT: This is partially false depending on the type of\nbeverage chosen. Having one fruity cocktail at each of the three parties you\nattended in a week could add on additional 600 calories per week just from\nbeverages. Try choosing cocktails that use mixers lower in sugar, such as using\nsugar-free sodas or flavored seltzer with a squeeze of citrus fruit. If you are\ntrying to eliminate alcohol calories altogether, ordering a plain seltzer with\ncitrus fruit will still maintain your social presence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

MYTH: <\/strong>You can work off any excess calories consumed at parties or holiday dinners. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

FACT: Exercising is extremely important to avoiding weight\ngain and should be prioritized especially during the holiday season for stress\nrelief and overall health, but it is false to think that you can exercise off\nover-indulgence. That one holiday meal likely provided over 1000 calories, and\none hour of walking only burns off 250 calories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holiday Recipe: <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

POMEGRANATE PISTACHIO GUACAMOLE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guacamole gets dressed-up for the holiday season! This heart\nhealthy appetizer is made with good-for-you fats from avocados and pistachios\nand the pomegranate seeds add a splash of red color and additional key nutrients\nto keep you healthy during the busy holiday season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Serving Size: 1\/3 Cup | Yield: 6 Servings | Method: Chop\n& Mix<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ingredients: <\/p>\n\n\n\n