By: Hollie Hojek
hhojek@kcautv.com
Between decking the halls and holiday shopping lists, your diet is probably the last thing on your mind. And that's a problem., considering the average American gains anywhere between one and five pounds this time of year. But there's hope.
"A lot of it is about moderation and keeping with your routine," said Allison Rossow, dietician at Hy-Vee in Sioux City.
Rossow with Hy-Vee says there's usually a healthy alternative for ingredients in popular holidays recipes, like using whole grain products, or fruit purees and canned pumpkin instead of sugar. But easier said then done, right?
"Absolutely! The worst part is when you're cutting it all up to give out to people.. and you're eating is as you go," said Janice Peters, from Sioux City.
Rossow says it's important to eat small meals throughout the day, so you don't spurge at that holiday party. And it's not just sweets that are to blame for seasonal weight gain, it's the beverages too.
"We might tend to forget how much calories can come in some of those. Sometimes a few hundred up to 400- 500," said Rossow.
If you're an Eggnog lover, Rossow says you can use low fat soy milk instead and add your own holiday spices. That cuts more than half the calories out of your drink. Bottom line, it's ok to indulge, but remember, that holiday weight usually sticks around a lot longer than the holidays do.
