Want to Feel Great in January?

Eating healthy for the holidays is more than how to avoid the calories at parties and family gatherings. Here are some simple tips on eating right that you can carry with you throughout the year!

1. Lean out Your Protein Sources
   Protein sources typically are full of iron and other nutrients. Also, your body needs protein to build and maintain lean tissue. The RDA recommends two to three servings per day of protein. Why not pick a leaner protein for healthier eating? The difference in fat and caloric levels for various meats is dramatic.
   
   In addition, the way that you cook your meat can have a big impact on how healthful it is. For a more healthful preparation, try baking, broiling, barbecuing, or stir frying meat instead of deep-frying. Non-meat sources of protein are also great such as beans, peas, peanut butter, tofu, lentils, quiche or omelet, bean salad with pita bread, or tofu burgers. If you are at a party and have a choice of proteins, go for the turkey, chicken, tofu, or beans. Try to avoid the sausages, pigs in a blanket and other higher fat protein choices.
   
   
2. Avoid Adding Fat to Your Meals
   Most people don’t realize how many calories they are adding to their diet by simply eating more butter on their bread or dressing on their salad. These additions add flavor to foods, but are high-calorie additions. To cut back on these items, try low fat salad dressings and mayonnaise. Try to limit the amounts you use by getting your salad dressing on the side and asking for light mayonnaise on your sandwich. Use vinegar or lemon juice instead of oily salad dressing. Mustard and salsa are great non-fat alternatives for your sandwiches.
   
   At holiday gatherings, avoid the fattening dressings and sauces if possible. They add more calories than the food you are eating, so they may not be worth it!