Enjoy Christmas Without Looking Like Santa

Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 02 Nov 2007 - 3:00 PDT

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With Christmas just around the corner, Australia's leading nutrition organisation, the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA), has some helpful tips on enjoying the festive season so you can have a merry Christmas and a healthy New Year.

Accredited Practising Dietitian and Spokesperson for the DAA, Laura Sutherland, says, 'Christmas is a time to eat, drink and be merry, but celebrations often start as early as November which can mean there is the temptation to overindulge for weeks, not just on Christmas day. Here are some tips to help keep you on track during the festive seasons so you don't start the New Year looking like Santa.'

Christmas parties and functions:

- Don't go to functions hungry - eat something healthy before you go
- Choose lower fat options - like sushi, seafood, pretzels, and crackers with a small amount of dip
- Avoid deep fried foods - or limit to one small piece
- Don't stand near the food - you will be more likely to graze without realising it
- Limit alcohol - alternate an alcoholic drink with a glass of plain or mineral water

Christmas Day

- Eat a healthy breakfast - 'saving' yourself for lunch will mean you eat more than you need to.
- Enjoy your Christmas meal - eat slowly and take time to savour your favourite Christmas foods.
- Serve healthy options - if hosting Christmas choose lower fat nibbles like crackers or vegetable sticks and low fat dips, pretzels or popcorn (instead of chips) and fresh fruit platters for dessert.
- Avoid too much alcohol - this will help your head as well as your waist.
- Be active - going for a walk after lunch will help burn off some of that pudding.

After Christmas and into the New Year

- Get back to normal eating patterns quickly.
- Enjoy leftovers in small amounts or freeze them for later.
- Keep active - take advantage of the longer days and warmer weather and go for a walk or bike ride.

Visit the Smart Eating for You section of the DAA website http://www.daa.asn.au for more ideas and tips on healthy eating.

The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) is the professional body representing dietitians nationally. Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) is the only national credential recognised by the Australian Government, Medicare, the Department of Veterans Affairs and most private health funds as the quality standard for nutrition and dietetics services in Australia.

http://www.daa.asn.au