Sage Advice on Holiday Eating

• It's important to try to stay physically active throughout the holidays because you'll have more energy and generally feel better. Exercise will balance off those extra treats, whether your chief concern is blood sugar control, weight management or both.

• Keep your appetite under control. Skipping breakfast in preparation for the office treats (like that bowl of chocolate eggs on your co-worker's desk!) leaves you so hungry that you're almost sure to overdo it. Instead, eat well balanced meals and plan your snacks. This will make appetite control easier and will help you to spread
food throughout the day for smoother glucose levels as well.

• Balance holiday treats with lower fat, lower carb foods instead of filling up only with "goodies.” Plain turkey with the stuffing, raw veggies with real mashed potatoes, green salad with the fruit ambrosia. This works on your own plate AND when planning a holiday menu. Every dish doesn't have to be a major production.

• Think about your choices. When offered a high-fat or high-carb holiday treat, consider whether you really want it. Are you hungry? Is it something you love? Or, would you just be eating it because it's there? If you save those choices for the things you really love, it helps keep things BOTH merry and moderate – and prevents extra indigestion!

• If your chief concern is limiting the amount of carbohydrates you eat at a meal to keep your blood sugars under control, use the "plate method.” Set aside half the plate for salad and vegetables. Use about a quarter of it for protein foods and use the remainder for the carbs.

• At a buffet, preview the whole thing before you make any choices. This allows you to strategize how to fit in the things you want most, instead of already having a plateful of when you see something you REALLY want.

• Drink lots of water. It's filling and so good for you. It also protects you from grabbing things like non-diet pop and fruit punch, just to wet your whistle.

Enjoy the long weekend!