Holiday Food Management

When fall arrives, many of us turn to hearty foods, perfect for warming up, and if we're not careful, gaining weight. One thing for sure is that we must all remember to keep things in moderation and be aware of too many sweets.
Game-Day Grub
Game-day favorites are as follows: chips, nachos, pizza, hot dogs, wings, ribs soda and beer spoil many diets. If you're a sports fan, you may also be glued to the couch for hours every week watching football, World Series Baseball, and Pro Basketball. So if you're not burning off the extra calories from game-day foods. Try these tips:

• Serve veggies and low-fat dip as part of your spread.
• Eat from a plate instead of grazing at the buffet. This helps you keep track of how much you're eating.
  
• Eat at home before you leave for the event.
  
• Drink lots of water and add a piece of fruit.
  

Seasonal Beverages

Fall drinks include hot chocolate, pumpkin-spice lattes, eggnog, apple cider, and hot toddies. These drinks are tasty an easy way to take in lots of extra calories. A cup of homemade hot cocoa (without whipped cream) has 190 calories. One 8-oz cup of eggnog packs 340 calories. Tips:

• Try a hot cup of green or flavored tea, rich with antioxidants and calorie-free.
• Opt for light beer or wine spritzers, and limit yourself to one or two.
  

Halloween Candy – Frightening!

October brings bowls of candy bars at the office -- and tempting bags of candy at home awaiting trick-or treaters. It's easy to get enticed by those bite-size candies. But few of us can have just one. Tips:

• Stash sweets out of sight.
• Satisfy your midday hunger pangs with something nutritious, like fruit.
• If you crave something sweet, chew a piece of sugarless gum or have some grapes.
  
• Find a co – worker who wants to manage their weight.
  

All Things in Moderation

All it takes is an extra 100 calories per day to pack on 10 pounds a year. The best strategy for your health is to avoid weight creep altogether. You can do so by enjoying fall comfort foods in moderation.

• Check your portion sizes.
• Limit alcohol.
• Eat plenty of veggies prepared without added fat and sugar.
• Use low-fat cooking techniques and substitutions.
• Put candy bowls out of sight.
  
• Be on High alert!