The Dietitian's Way

I am a Registered Dietitian with a professional education in nutrition, health and wellness.  I, however am also a mother, a daughter, a wife and a business owner.  I’m a real person just trying to live a healthy wholesome life, just like you!  My business and my blog are all about that.  Making healthy living apart of your lifestyle, making it easy, affordable and do-able.   The Dietitians Way is part education, part guidance, part real-life trial and error.  I hope you continue to join me on this journey, find my knowledge helpful and smile from time to time.  

The Holiday Hotlist

 

 

We are right in the middle of the holiday season!   What a fantastic AND BUSY time of year!  These days bring so much joy filled with family and friends, celebrations, parties and traditions.  Before you know it we are ending the season                       by celebrating the New Year! 

The time seems to fly by and the lists of to-do's are never ending…Sometimes, life moves so fast we don't quite pay attention to what we are consuming along the way.  We enjoy each and every event to the fullest and then we anxiously wait till the next one.  During the holidays I like to dig out my HOLIDAY HOTLIST, a small list of daily reminders to keep me on track throughout this busy season; easy, do-able, everyday thoughts to help you avoid that dreaded holiday weight gain.

According to a study by Tufts University, the average person will gain 1-2 pounds over the course of an entire year, individuals who are already overweight report 5 or more pounds gained.  This study also revealed that 50% of the weight gained throughout the year is gained between Thanksgiving and Christmas, roughly 6 short weeks!!  Generally, people who gain weight throughout the holidays do not loss it afterwards so it accumulates over the years. 

Looking ahead, if you are 10 pounds heavier then you were in high school, half of that can be accounted for by Christmas cookies, fudge, and egg nog!!

While it might take a little extra thought, effort and planning.  Keeping yourself on track by setting a few personal guidelines though out this quick and eventful 6 weeks of the year can be very helpful!  

Here is my treasured Holiday Hotlist:

 

Holiday Hotlist

10 TIPS, TRICKS AND IDEAS to Avoid the Holiday Weight Gain

1.  Make healthy substitutions to the holiday menu

  • Modify the dish by substituting in the reduced fat, low sodium and light ingredients
  • Offer to bring a dish to the party and make it a healthy option

2.  Focus on the quality of what you eat not the quantity

  •  Look over all the options of at a party buffet; pick 3-5 of your favorites

3.  Plan ahead for holiday parties, office treats and family get-togethers

  • Eat a healthy snack before you go to avoid overeating
  • Pack YOUR OWN snacks for work to avoid extra trips to the break room

4.  Count your liquids

  • Remember that punch, fancy holiday drinks and eggnog ALL have calories 
  • Choose light beer or red wine; mix your drinks with water, club or diet soda

5.  Avoid making treats as gifts

  • Everyone loves to cook and bake their favorite treats but we often end up eating them or saving some for ourselves

6.  Eat regular meals and snacks

  • The holidays are a busy time of year, remember to continue to start each day with a healthy breakfast, include regular meals and snacks throughout day

7.  Keep up with your regular exercise program

  • Make sure to continue your regular exercise routine despite the busy schedule

8.  Add some extra exercise

  • Take the stairs, park your car in the back, add a short walk during lunch, every little bit helps!

9.  Wait to make your plate

  • Head to the back of the buffet line, therefore YOU WILL STILL be eating instead of helping yourself to a second plate

  10. Enjoy what you love and avoid what you like

  •  ENJOY your favorites and skip the rest – the scale in January will THANK YOU!

 

Wishing you a blessed Holiday Season filled with love, friends, family and treasured memories!

 

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from my Family to Yours! 

 

Christine Spettel, RD, CD

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Lifestyle Nutrition

Green Bay, Wisconsin