Holiday Eating Tips
Contributed by: NAPSA
(NAPSA) - Overeating whether at the holidays or any other time of year is never a healthy idea, according to experts. This year, follow these tips from the American Heart Association for heart-healthy dining:
- Take only small servings of rich, fat-laden foods, such as gravy, heavy sauces and rich desserts.
- Fill up on fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Limit alcohol consumption to 1 drink a day for women and 2 drinks a day for men.
- Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol snack before holiday get-togethers so you won't be as hungry during meal-time.
Try fruit or baked chips and salsa.
If you're preparing the meal, help friends and family eat heart-healthy during the holidays and all year long by:
- Offering fresh fruits and vegetables at the table and as snacks and appetizers.
- Including whole grains in the meal, such as rice, oatmeal and whole grain bread.
- Cooking with and serving low-fat or no-fat dairy products.
- Serving 4 oz. of fish, skinless poultry and lean cuts of meat (about the size of a deck of cards).
- Using low-fat cooking techniques, such as roasting meat on a rack.
- Purchasing and serving foods that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Another quick tip:
Look for the American Heart Association's heart-check mark on foods in the grocery store. This mark quickly identifies foods that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol that can be part of a heart-healthy diet for healthy people over the age of 2.
The American Heart Association's Food Certification Program is for healthy people over age two. If you have a special medical condition, contact your physician or registered dietitian about your diet.
