Stretching from Thanksgiving to February with Super Bowl Sunday, the munching, snacking and eating holiday season has begun.
While Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holidays - official and unofficial - during this time of year often involve parties and other social events related to food, health experts say the season doesn't have to involve overindulgence.
Nutritionists and food experts offer tips to celebrate the holidays while staying healthy. They encourage people to put more fruits and vegetables on their plates while selecting just one or two of the less healthy, tempting foods.
Fun ways
The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests people find fun ways to burn off some of the extra food they eat during the holidays, such as dancing to Christmas music or going for walks.
Janet Milner, a registered dietician with Geisinger Health System, said people can avoid weight gain during the holiday season if they have a plan. She said those concerned about eating too much during the holidays should consider limiting indulging to single days instead of many days.
"If you're going to do it, do it on the holiday - not the holiday season," she said.
When people gather around, they should consider the types of snacks to munch on. Instead of chips and nuts, Ms. Milner said people could have raw fruits and veggies, or even low-calorie shrimp cocktails.
When it comes to holiday meals, people will have many choices - including rolls, breads, biscuits and cranberries. Ms. Milner suggests studying options at the table before putting large helpings of everything on a plate. Instead of picking the foods available throughout the year, she suggests picking a few unique items.
"Go with foods that are a little different and smaller helpings of it," she said.
Indulging isn't limited to food. Many drinks, especially egg nog and alcoholic beverages, can pile up calories.
Keep it off
For Tommy Snyder, 24, a Moscow resident who returned to a regular exercise routine in July and lost 20 pounds, he doesn't plan to allow any of the weight to return during the holiday season. However, he said he's not too stressed about having an extra piece of pie and other holiday treats.
Mr. Snyder said he plans to exercise a little longer. Also, he and friends have an annual tradition that helps burn calories before the Thanksgiving meal. They play flag football.
"We usually meet up at a park and play," he said. "We call it the turkey bowl."
Ms. Milner said people should think of ways to balance eating and activity. While people are out Christmas shopping, she suggested walking an extra lap around the mall or shopping area.
"Any kind of extra activity is helpful," she said.
Contact the writer: rward@timesshamrock.com, @rwardTT on Twitter