Published: December 04, 2007 11:56 pm      

‘Season’s eatings’

Strike a balance for a happier, healther holiday

FAIRMONT — Let’s face it: the holidays are a time for eating.

Every holiday season, amateur bakers bring out their finest pastries, office Christmas parties have loads of chips and dip, and family gatherings are packed with homemade candy and other goodies.

Also, since December comes right before the dreaded New Year resolution season, lots of folks don’t mind splurging on “season’s eatings,” because they think they can work the calories off in the new year.

For some folks, splurging just isn’t an option. Health concerns, ongoing diets or other issues can make the holiday season a nightmare for some.

Pam Hamilton, spokesperson for the West Virginia Dietetic Association and instructor at Fairmont State University, said folks can always strike a balance for a happier, healthier holiday.

Thinking ahead, getting active and keeping things in perspective are great ways to prevent a culinary disaster over the holidays, Hamilton said.

If you’re going to a holiday party, don’t go hungry, she said. It’s just like going to the grocery store. If you go hungry, you’ll eat more.

Once you’re there, there’s two tips to keep you on track, Hamilton said. First, stick with the healthier hors d’oeuvres such as the veggie tray and shrimp cocktail. Go ahead and eat some of the higher-fat dips, but don’t eat as much of them.

Second, if you’re trying to keep your portion size down, use a small dessert plate. You’ll have to go for smaller portions with a smaller plate, Hamilton said. If a smaller plate isn’t an option, don’t be afraid to ask for half portions or share the meal with your date, she said.

If you’re at that party, or stopping to pick up a latte on the way, Hamilton said to remember to go for lowfat dairy.

“Beverages are also a high-calorie item, so choose them wisely,” Hamilton said.

She noted items like punch and egg nog can be high in fat and calories, and when you pair that with a few lattes, that sends your fat for the day through the roof.

Getting active during the holidays helps as well, she said. Just a walk around the block can be very helpful.

“If you try to be physically active, you’ll feel better and you’re less likely to over eat,” she said.

Keep everything in perspective, Hamilton said. If you blow it one day, you’re still all right.

“Just put it behind you and try to get back on your eating plan,” she said.

If you’re hosting an event or baking for family and friends, there’s lots of ways to cut the fat and jack up the flavor. Hamilton recommends checking out magazines or Web sites for ideas.

Fairmont resident Belinda Nichols, whose culinary prowess is legendary among family and friends, has completely rethought her cooking practices.

In the last year, Nichols has dropped more than 100 pounds and still has a few to go before she reaches her weight-loss goal. Also, her husband suffered a heart attack, so holiday eating has to be healthier than ever.

Nichols said she’ll try cooking just about anything and that adventurous spirit has paid off with her holiday cooking. These days, she uses chicken or beef broth instead of higher-fat ingredients, especially on vegetables.

She trims the fat from all her meats and bakes or broils them instead of frying.

She also uses Splenda instead of sugar.

Also, she uses seasonings like Mrs. Dash instead of cooking in butter.

Preparing food in a healthier manner makes everything taste better, she said.

“I think the food has a cleaner, clearer taste to it,” Nichols said.

E-mail Katie Wilson at kwilson@timeswv.com.