December 2011

As Christmas and the New Year approaches I thought I’d put together a few tips to keep healthy over the festive season:

1. It’s okay to have some treats as you celebrate with family and friends – but remember to keep portion sizes small.
2. Take a salad with you to celebrations so you know there will be something healthy to eat - throw together some lettuce, cucumber, tomato, sprouts, capsicum and a low fat salad dressing.
3. A tasty and nutritious addition to the kiwi barbeque is to grill veges such as tomato, asparagus, zucchini, and capsicum.
4. Fruit is a healthy sweet alternative- try serving fresh fruit salad, strawberries, fruit skewers or grill pineapple, plums or peaches.
5. Swap high calorie snacks like chocolate, dried fruit and nuts for low calorie options such as home-popped popcorn, fresh fruit or carrot and celery sticks.
6. Toasted pita makes a great low fat alternative to chips- serve with salsa or hummus for a tasty snack for guests.
7. Remember drinks are a source of calories- if you’re hosting a party make a jug of water available and garnish with some sliced lemon. Limit the amount of alcoholic drinks you consume and choose artificially sweetened drinks or soda water to limit calories.
8. Take your time to eat- slow down and enjoy your food and you are less likely to over indulge.
9. If you are tempted by the snack foods out at parties move to an area away from the food.
10. Incorporate some exercise into each day during the holiday season- make it fun by having a family game of cricket, going for a 30 minute walk with a friend or throw a ball round outside with the kids.

Most of all enjoy the festive season and have a happy and healthy holiday break!