Smart ways to keep portions in check this holiday

It’s easy to indulge during the holidays – especially on big portions. And while December should be a time to have fun and enjoy delicious foods, the feeling of “I ate too much” can take away from the enjoyment. Here are some tips to keep your portions in check while still celebrating.

When you’re at a restaurant:

• Share foods like appetizers or fries around the table.


• Split a large meal with a friend, or pack up a portion of your meal to take home for lunch the next day.


• Order a salad and appetizer instead of a large main entrée. Portions are smaller and you get to satisfy your craving for variety.


• Craving dessert? Order a “mini” dessert for yourself, or a regular dessert with forks for everyone to share.


• If you’re at a buffet, check out all the options first before you start filling your plate. That way, you can choose the foods that you know you will enjoy the most.

 At a party:

• Feel like having a second helping? Make most of it extra vegetables or salad to fill up and allow time for digest what you already had.


• Fill half your plate with vegetables. Then choose foods that you don’t usually indulge in as often or that are holiday favourites. It’s time to celebrate, after all!


• Use a salad dish and smaller bowl when filling your plate. You’ll eat less and be just as satisfied.

  Holiday snacking:

• Keep fresh and healthy snacks in plain sight at home and at work to keep you from reaching for cookies and chocolate.  A bowl of fruit on the counter, trail mix at your desk and yogurt in the fridge are smart choices.


• Eat breakfast and don’t skip meals. By sticking to set meal times you will avoid overeating and snacking throughout the day..

Check out EatRight Ontario’s Handy Guide to Serving Sizes interactive tool to see how you can use your hand to better understand the food portions you eat.

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This article is being used with permission from EatRight Ontario. EatRight Ontario provides free nutrition advice from Registered Dietitians. Residents of Ontario can get answers to their nutrition and healthy eating questions at 1-877-510-510-2 or by email at eatrightontario.ca. Dietitians of Canada acknowledges the financial support of EatRight Ontario by the Ontario Government.

 

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