Healthy Eating Tips for the -ber Holidays

ASEAN countries have numerous holidays in the months ending with -ber like September especially in the Philippines. Last Aug. 27, we celebrated Fiesta de San Agustin and just like fiestas in Christian countries food is always part of the celebration. People are eating voraciously during these times and often forget about their restricted diet. Weight gains of 7 -10 pounds are common between Halloween and Christmas according to an article I've read from the internet. How much more in fiestas where the lechon is never absent in the banquet. To control the growing flabs, these tips will help you with healthy eating through the season and not gaining weight.

• Most traditional foods can be made low fat. Chicken (lechon manok) and turkey is very lean without the skin, and gravy can be made without any fat. The beloved pies are nutritious, although it can be made into a fatty dessert with the adding of whipped cream. Eat less cakes or anything with fatty dairy. A scoop of ice cream will do.

• Never forget to move an inch by doing some exercise or activity. Keeping weight off during the holiday season is burning off the extra calories. Plan a walk after meals, park farther from stores when you shop, and take a few walks around the mall before you begin shopping.

• During holiday parties and at family dinners, feel free to sample foods although you shouldn't advance, then stick to your plan. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruit, low fat dressings, and slices of lean meats. Before you go to a party, eat a small snack before the actual banquet attack to help curb your appetite.

• If at all possible, avoid alcohol. Having too many drinks can cripple your discerning power, and also add excess calories to your diet. Aside from that, it overloads your kidney and liver function.Instead, drink water with lemon or iced tea. Water can help limit your appetite and keep you from binging. Just don't drown yourself with it.

• Be flexible with your healthy eating, as one bad meal won't ruin your diet. Try to balance your one meal or day.

FYI: The Philippines is known to have the longest Christmas celebration in the world starting from the month of September to January or until the celebration of the traditional Feast of the Three Kings. Aside from Christmas fiestas are celebrated whole year round.