Strategies to eat well this holiday season

1.  Holiday foods gifts are meant to be shared – take to the office or the neighborhood fire station

2.  Be prepared before you go to a party ‘ have a light snack prior to the event. Have a cup or two of homemade “free” vegetable soup. Boiled eggs (one with yolk the others whites only.  2 rice cakes with a triangle of laughing cow lite cheese.  It spreads well.  1 veggie burger. a can of tuna, 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, mixed with cut up vegetables.

3.  Focus on vegetables throughout the day and watch your fruits.  (As you will be drinking them later)

4.  I love the Vidalia Chop Wizard available at Bed bath and beyond) Start off with chopping jicama, (available at whole foods, markets and now is already pre cut at Trader Joes. Chop cucumbers, red/yellow/orange peppers, carrots, radishes and red onion.   It is colorful and looks delicious.  Good presentation will make it much more appealing. Trader Joes has a tomato basil hummus which is delicious mixed with the vegetables. Just 4 teaspoons to give it some flavor or add some of your favorite salsa.

5.  Convenience stores have some healthy options , If that’s all that is available before the party. A banana/apple /protein bar/pickle.

6.  Drink a glass of water before and between all alcoholic drinks. Sparkling water & a slice of lemon or lime.

7.  A new idea – dried seaweed, its an acquired taste, (is available at most supermarkets) It makes a good salty snack. (it is low sodium)

8.  Mixed crudité with hearts of palm or artichokes. and 1 boiled egg

Just remember excess alcohol and salty food will leave you feeling unpleasant the next day. You know what it feels like – plan differently this year before you start the drinking/eating season.