Page 45 - The Hunt - Winter 2023/24

Consider starting your meal with vegetables and protein over richer food items.
Bring a healthy dish
to the occasion so you know there will be something available for you to eat that may be healthier than other options being offered.
overindulge. Have a salad for lunch or a pre-party snack that includes carbohydrates with protein like apple slices with peanut butter, a handful of nuts or some cheese and crackers. Be sure to drink plenty of water, which will help you stay hydrated and make you feel full.
Start small
Grab a smaller plate to reduce the amount of food you consume. Avoid eating sugary and starchy foods first, opting instead for vegetables and protein, which will help fill you up and make you less likely to overdo it with the mac and cheese or pecan pie.
Stay away from the buffet
Don’t stand too close to the food table when you’re at a party. “People often find themselves grazing when they’re next to the snack table,” says Brooke Jacob, MS, RD, CDE, a program manager and registered dietitian at ChristianaCare. Rather than mindlessly grabbing food while you talk, “standing in a different room or farther than an arm’s reach from the table may be helpful to curb continuous grazing.”
Focus on healthy hydration
If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation, and have a glass of water or seltzer in between drinks to stay hydrated. Alcohol intake can increase your appetite and diminish your ability to control what you eat. In addition, beer, wine and mixed drinks, as well as eggnog and other holiday spirits, can add excess calories. Try mocktail recipes to enjoy a festive, booze-free beverage.
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