Aside from decorating, shopping, singing carols and gift buying, people will be eating cookies, cakes, candy and other sugary snacks. The holidays mean many things to different people, but the one common factor that binds people together is the way appetites seem to increase during this time of the year.
The time between now and January means one challenge after another for people trying to eat healthy, but there are steps everyone can take to avoid unwanted pounds. This is the same old, same old issue that comes up every year. For some of us, the Christmas season turns into one big eat frenzy, and we can’t seem to stop ourselves. We say, “Oh, it’s Christmas, let’s just celebrate”. By the end of January, we may find ourselves unhappily weighting a few more pounds. It's easier to gain weight than many people imagine. Five pounds is the equivalent of 17,500 extra calories, or about 290 calories a day. What can that mean in food consumed each day?
· Two Christmas cookies
· Two ounces of chocolate
· Less than a cup of eggnog
What can you do to avoid weight gain during this time while keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure in line? The best tip is to be selective in the parties you attend and what you eat once you're there—assess the “must-go” factor and “food triggers”. Have a game plan even before the season starts.
Click here for a few strategies.
What are some of your strategies to keep the holiday pounds off?
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Deadliest Holiday Foods
It's that time of year again. We're overcome by the thrill of holiday shopping, parties, family gatherings, out-of-town guests and everything else that makes up this special time of year.
But in the midst of all the holiday hustle and bustle, we often lose sight of what's really important: Just how long should those festive food trays stay out in the open air? This year, our Christmas gift to you is a guide to food-poisoning prevention.
Foodborne illness is no joke. An estimated 76 million Americans are leveled by foodborne illness annually. At least 5,200 will die. The elderly and individuals with compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk. But most food safety experts say 'tis the season to be cautious because even the healthiest person is a potential victim.
Most of us will attend or host at least one gathering over the holidays. And chances are there will be plenty of festive food spreads that include everything from cold cuts to dips to desserts. But have no fear, you can take measures to ward off poisoning your guests or being poisoned by your hostess.
"At most parties, they put out cold cuts, pies, cut-up fruit, and most people gets caught up with your guests, they don't remember the 'two-hour rule.' If food is left out more than two hours, bacteria grows to harmful levels and that's when people get sick.
You have to keep an eye on the food. If guests come at 4 p.m. and the food is still there at 8 p.m., you have to realize that people can get sick. You lose track of things during the holidays with so much going on.
Another error made by well-intentioned hosts and hostesses is the topping off of a dish that's been sitting for an extended amount of time. You shouldn't dump fresh food atop old food. When you do refill a dish, empty and wash the platter or serve the new food on a new platter. It's a simple step in reducing the risk of foodborne illness. Watch the clock -- never leave food out for longer than two hours.
If you're a concerned guest, you can nicely ask the host if they would like you to put the food in the refrigerator so that the food doesn't go bad.
Click here for some popular foods that can be hazardous to your health.
What are some of your holiday food safety habits you follow?
But in the midst of all the holiday hustle and bustle, we often lose sight of what's really important: Just how long should those festive food trays stay out in the open air? This year, our Christmas gift to you is a guide to food-poisoning prevention.
Foodborne illness is no joke. An estimated 76 million Americans are leveled by foodborne illness annually. At least 5,200 will die. The elderly and individuals with compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk. But most food safety experts say 'tis the season to be cautious because even the healthiest person is a potential victim.
Most of us will attend or host at least one gathering over the holidays. And chances are there will be plenty of festive food spreads that include everything from cold cuts to dips to desserts. But have no fear, you can take measures to ward off poisoning your guests or being poisoned by your hostess.
"At most parties, they put out cold cuts, pies, cut-up fruit, and most people gets caught up with your guests, they don't remember the 'two-hour rule.' If food is left out more than two hours, bacteria grows to harmful levels and that's when people get sick.
You have to keep an eye on the food. If guests come at 4 p.m. and the food is still there at 8 p.m., you have to realize that people can get sick. You lose track of things during the holidays with so much going on.
Another error made by well-intentioned hosts and hostesses is the topping off of a dish that's been sitting for an extended amount of time. You shouldn't dump fresh food atop old food. When you do refill a dish, empty and wash the platter or serve the new food on a new platter. It's a simple step in reducing the risk of foodborne illness. Watch the clock -- never leave food out for longer than two hours.
If you're a concerned guest, you can nicely ask the host if they would like you to put the food in the refrigerator so that the food doesn't go bad.
Click here for some popular foods that can be hazardous to your health.
What are some of your holiday food safety habits you follow?
Here are some recommended resources to help keep you healthy (click on the image to purchase):
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