It’s that time of year again. Work luncheons, holiday parties, dinners with friends and family. In other words … FOOD FEST!

These next two months can completely derail your diet and exercise goals that you’ve worked so hard to meet and maintain. Unless you’re fine with ballooning up a dress or pant size or two for the New Year, its time to utilize strategies to keep you healthy and happy for 2024!

HOLIDAY PARTY PREP

Before heading to that holiday luncheon or party ... EAT! All those delicious dishes and tantalizing sweets will be a bit less tempting when you already have something in your tummy ...

Less is more. That “too good to resist” cake or pie isn’t something you should even try NOT to eat. After all, the holidays are NOT the best time for a strict diet. But instead of having a full portion, just take a bite or two. At the very least, slice that piece of pie in half ... and share.

Balance your festive eating with healthy snacks and exercise. Veggies and other high fiber snacks -- coupled with a little time on the treadmill or the weight room --will help you manage your weight and keep your energy level up during the busiest time of the year.

One thing that WON’T work is switching to a different type of diet. Overeating is overeating ... suddenly going vegan won’t guarantee maintaining lower weight. (not that there’s anything wrong with vegan!)

THE HOLIDAY MEAL

If you're the 'master chef' this season, what about the meals you're making for family and friends?

For Thanksgiving and Christmas, 'tis the season for turkey and ham! But when it comes to turkey, what type should you buy? Choosing the right turkey has become akin to unraveling the secrets of genetic code! Organic, free range, natural, Heritage, pastured, brined, kosher, self-basting … how are you supposed to know which one is best for you?!

Self-basting turkeys are typically injected with fatty solutions to make them look plumber, along with flavor enhancers for taste. For more natural flavor, go for a brined or specialty turkey – kosher, Heritage, etc.

And speaking of natural -- organic and free-range turkeys are best bets if you want turkeys raised and allowed to feed outdoors. Of course, organic turkeys are also raised without antibiotics, and ALL turkeys are hormone-free by law.

STUFF IT!

Always use the traditional bread stuffing with your turkey? This year, replace that calorie-packed filling with a wild-rice alternative. Add apple, cranberries, even walnuts or pecans for a scrumptious lower-cal alternative. And go easy on the gravy (unless its low-cal vegan)!

DITCH THE MEAT

For those who vow never to let meat, fish or poultry pass their lips, the great news is there are PLENTY of options for a Vegetarian or Vegan Thanksgiving.

Yes, there’s always Tofurky, Gardien Stuffed Veggie Turkey Roast, and Vegan Whole Turkey available for those suffering from turkey-envy. For the more adventurous, a world of Veggie/Vegan options are just waiting to be sampled.

From Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie to Wild Mushroom Lasagne, dozens of delicious alternatives are available for your Thanksgiving table. Need ideas? Check out our Dining Vegan section.

SENSIBLE SAVORY SIDES

Wondering how to avoid the “tryptophan coma” brought on by too much turkey? Step One -- Less main course, more lean sides! Corn, peas, salads, the iconic green beans and onion … all are tasty items to pile onto the plate. Just leave a space the size of your fist for the main course, and guess what? You’re practicing portion control! Of course, keep in mind you want to choose fresh, organic sides over preservative-laden canned goods whenever possible.

Here’s a concept …. Put aside those rolls and cornbread – instead, why not go with Naan? Make your holiday a bit more international with this delicious low fat flatbread popular in India, Asia and the Middle East. A thin bread brushed with butter, this tasty treat can also act as the “fork” for eating the rest of your meal. (kids will LOVE it!)

AN ALLURING APERITIF

After your delicious holiday meal (and after ALL those holiday drinks), replace that after-dinner coffee with a cup of herbal tea.

A mint, chamomile or ginger brew is a flavorful choice to soothe the stomach and lessen bloating and indigestion from too much of a good thing. Also, water is the best counterbalance to alcohol, as it replaces the fluids lost from dehydration.

Eating right for the holidays can be a bit of a balancing act. But with a little planning (and a lot of discipline!) you can enjoy those festive meals without packing on the pounds.

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