The average American gains a couple of pounds or more during the Holiday Season. With the abundance of parties, cookies, and traditions that involve food, it’s no wonder, and we see many patients at Root Cause Medical Clinic, who wish to drop a few pounds. Unfortunately, many Americans have trouble shedding that weight in the upcoming year and instead just keep adding to that.

What did you weigh in your 20s? If that number has increased, you see how it can sneak up on you.

The good news is that you can thoroughly enjoy the Holidays without putting your health at risk. You have to be willing to make some changes, but you definitely don’t have to starve.

Have a Light Meal Before the Party

If you are attending a function for work or at a hotel, the tips below should help. If you are fairly certain that what will be served is a large departure from how you need to eat, do consider eating a small meal before you leave the house. It will handle any hunger and allow you to mingle and enjoy everyone’s company without having to eat food you know will get you in trouble.

When you are dining at a friend’s or family member’s home, it is much easier to have some control. Some options are to bring a big healthy salad and an entrée that you can eat. You’ll be contributing to the hostess, plus saving yourself from getting into trouble.

Consider bringing a carrot or cucumber or celery stick already cut into pieces. How hard is it to throw that in a baggy before you leave the house? And with it, you have a way of enjoying the hummus or guacamole that’s being served while avoiding the crackers. Yes, you could also bring gluten-free crackers or a version that avoids your particular food sensitivity, but less simply, refined carbohydrates will make you feel better overall during this fun, but sometimes stressful, time of year.

Below we provide alternatives to the pound enhancing, disease-promoting holiday fare that is so pervasive at this time of year.

Appetizers

Instead of this…	Try this!
Cheese and crackers	Hummus or guacamole with raw veggies
Cereal mix with nuts	Raw or dry roasted nuts (fresh, not from a can)
Pigs in a blanket	Chili (try Amy’s organic chili)
Cheesy dip, hot or cold	Shrimp with cocktail sauce
Potstickers	Chicken or veggie skewer (just check the sauce)

Entrees

Instead of this…	Try this!
Baked macaroni and cheese	Plain chicken or cold salmon
Prime rib, a large slice	A small slice, or try some chicken or salmon
Chicken or turkey with stuffing	The meat is fine, just avoid the stuffing
Vegetable casserole with cheese	Try to find some plain veggies or salad

Desserts

Instead of this…	Try this!
Holiday cookies	Organic dark chocolate (bring some with you)
Gooey cake	Coconut ice cream (Try Bliss brand, it’s delicious)
Fruit cake	Fresh fruit and nuts

Drinks

Instead of this…	Try this!
Margaritas or other sweet mixed drinks	A glass of wine—Pinot Noir is highest in antioxidants
Champagne	One small glass is fine, otherwise have wine
Egg nog	Try the “So” brand, it’s made from coconut milk
More than one drink	Drink water! Staying hydrated will help you lose weight and reduce the sugar cravings

Remember to enjoy some long walks or other outside activities daily that keep you exercising. Don’t be a holiday couch potato!

And most importantly, truly enjoy the company of friends and families.

Our best wishes to you and yours for a joyful Holiday Season!