Waist-friendly Party Indulgences
Like everyone else, you want to indulge your desire to enjoy the sweet and savory treats of the holidays and parties into the New Year. But no one wants to pack on extra pounds. The good news is you don't have to sacrifice great tasting food and drink to hold the line on fat and calories.
Here are some tried and true strategies to uses whether you're the host or the guest:
- Eat before the party. Never attend any party when you're hungry. Eat a hand full of nuts or a piece of toast ahead of time.
- Make a beeline for the veggies. Fill up on carrots and raw vegetables.
- Choose salsa over heavy dips--if you are preparing the dips, substitute low-fat yogurt for sour cream.
- Nibble on pretzels instead of fat-laden chips
- Don't deprive yourself. If you want something, eat it. Just take a small bite or portion and don't go back for more.
Hostess Tips: Easy ways to make desserts friendlier
Cakes and cupcakes: Canned applesauce or plums in your recipes can be a healthier alternative to butter, margarine, or oil.
Ice cream desserts: Choose a non or low-fat frozen yogurt or low-fat ice-cream to make delicious desserts. Try our dessert parfait recipes and make them with low-fat yogurt!
Puddings and cream pies: Heavy cream isn't necessary. Try substituting evaporated skim milk.
In the spirit
Interesting new research from the University of North Carolina found that adults' daily intake of calories from beverages has increased 94% over the past 37 years. Many beverages and fancy cocktails that we drink on holidays are more calorie-laden than those we drink during other times of year. Among the worst are the most popular: Eggnog, Irish coffee, and chocolate martinis.
The good news, however, is that you don't have to deprive yourself during winter parties or any time. Here are a few ways to reduce caloric intake from beverages:
Make it a spritzer: If you are a white wine drinker, you can dramatically reduce your intake of calories by using equal parts of wine and seltzer or club soda. Note: A regular glass of white wine (4-onces) is 98 calories, while a spritzer (made with 2 ounces of wine and 2 ounces of club soda) contains only 49 calories.
Go light: Choose a light beer or a drink made with fresh fruit juices or carbonated mixers. Better yet, seek out lite cranberry juice, or diet soda.
Pace yourself: After each alcoholic beverage, drink a glass of water or a diet soda. Water is the best keep from getting really hungry and to avoid morning-after regrets.
Pour your own drinks: If your host has a heavy hand, make your own drinks. That way, you can control the amount of each ingredient.
Sin a little bit: Enjoy one drink (or a few sips of a drink) made with cream or cream-based liqueurs, cream, and syrupy fruit mixtures. Then switch to a less fattening beverage.
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