Healthy at the holidays

Seasonal food, drinks and parties are some of the most fun traditions of the holiday season. But come January 1st, many of you will be putting eating healthfully at the top of your New Year’s resolution list after making poor food choices or overeating all December. There is still time before the end of the year to get a head start on the New Year and make healthy choices, while still enjoying seasonal treats. Eating healthfully is not just a New Year’s resolution, it is an everyday commitment to put your health first and to reduce your risk of cancer.

Stay healthy this holiday season with these tips to take control of the party buffet table and avoid packing on the dreaded holiday pounds.

• Don’t skip a meal. If you know the buffet is calling your name, eat a small meal instead of skipping lunch so you don’t overindulge.

• Limit portion sizes: Buffets and potlucks make it especially tempting to overeat. Instead of piling up your plate with indulgences, fill your plate with healthy items you know you will eat, then take a sample (one or two bites) of things you would like to try.

• Fill your plate first with heathly items like vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and side dishes light in butter or salt. This will leave less room for items that are high in fat or empty calories.

• No need to skip dessert; again, portion control is key. Choosing between your three favorite pies? Take a few bites of each instead of a whole slice.

• Choose drinks that are low in calories and sugar. If you plan to drink an alcoholic beverage, choose one that has less sugar. Drink a glass of water to quench your thirst before having a specialty drink.

• Don’t forget your winter workouts. It maybe be cold outside, but that is no excuse to stop moving—enjoy some fun indoor workouts.

If you are hosting a party this holiday, offer your guests healthy eating options. Pack your shopping cart with fresh winter produce; sweet potatoes, green beans, kale, cranberries and oranges. Start your New Year on the right foot and choose to eat healthfully this holiday season. Read more on healthy eating and cancer prevention at PreventCancer.org.