Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi: Cut the Calories, not the Cheer

‘Tis the season for good food. Unfortunately, good food does not always equate to healthy food. The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi (DFM) offers a few tips for cutting the calories, without cutting the holiday cheer.

“Foods are among the many pleasures of the holiday season, but for many people, these present a challenge,” said Irena McClain, MPH, associate director of the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. “What many people may not know, though, is that most foods, even traditional holiday goodies, can fit into a healthy-eating plan, because the secret is moderation and balance.”

The DFM suggests these effective tips for holding the line at holiday stand-up events:

· Remember that juggling drinks and small plates, shaking hands and mingling with friends and family can take attention away from the foods that should be on the holiday naughty list.

· Be sure to eat small, low-calorie meals during the day so that the holiday foods can be enjoyed later. Eat a healthy snack right before the party, because a hungry stomach can sabotage even the strongest willpower.

· Don’t rush to the food immediately after arriving at the party. Meet and greet, get a beverage and settle in first.

· Make only one trip to the buffet table, and be selective.

· Keep portions small. Often, a taste is all that is needed to satisfy a craving or curiosity.

· Skip the fried foods, and eat crackers, bread and fruit.

· Fresh vegetables are always great. Have a small dollop of dip, just enough to coat the carrot stick or broccoli.

· Broiled shrimp or scallops are also a good choice. Choose cocktail sauce or lemon and horseradish as a condiment.

“If you’re attending a dinner party away from home and need to bring a dish of your own, make a low-fat version of a family favorite,” McClain said. “And if possible, choose two appetizers instead of an entire entrée or share an entrée with a friend.”

Likewise, there are a few additional, simple ways to keep the cholesterol and calorie count low. For example, choose skinless white meat of poultry, because it has fewer calories and fat than dark meat. Eating a roll is fine– if it’s fresh, butter or margarine may not be needed.

Keep the helpings of food to a minimum. Try to keep the total amount of food eaten to a portion size equal to a normal-sized portion.

“Remember to be realistic during the holiday season– trying to lose weight during the holiday season may be a self-defeating goal,” McClain said. “However, strive to maintain your normal weight. Depriving yourself of special holiday foods or feeling guilty over a particular food choice is not part of a healthy-eating strategy– and certainly not part of the holiday spirit.”

The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi (DFM) is the state’s only nonprofit health organization that provides diabetes research, information, patient services and advocacy, and its mission is to provide hope through research, programs and service to the 346,500 Mississippians with diabetes. Every dollar raised by the DFM stays in the state to support these efforts. In addition, 90 cents of every dollar raised goes towards the organization’s charitable purposes. The DFM is the one diabetes organization totally dedicated to all Mississippians– from children to seniors– who live with diabetes.

For additional help with diabetes-friendly recipes or eating patterns, call 1-877-DFM-CURE or visit the DFM Web site www.msdiabetes.org.

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