Keep Your Hands Occupied (01 of13)
Open Image ModalNever leave your hands free at a party. Having a glass of water in one hand is a great idea.
Hang Out Near The Veggie Table(02 of13)
Open Image ModalBuy A Dessert(03 of13)
Open Image ModalIf you must bring a desert, buy, don't bake it. You'll be less likely to sample it before the party. (credit:Flickr: scaredy_kat)
Choose Protein-Rich Fillers(04 of13)
Open Image ModalEat 6 walnut halves, 20 peanuts or 12 almonds (all about 70 calories of fat) 30 minutes before you go to any party or meal. They will help fill you up.
Watch What You Drink (05 of13)
Open Image ModalAvoid egg nog and drinks that have sugar in the mix -- they add an average of 450 calories over the alcohol. (credit:Flickr: izik)
Eye Your Pie Before You Try(06 of13)
Open Image ModalCheck out the entire spread before serving yourself and go through the line only once. Best choice -- pure pumpkin (has alpha-carotene, now shown to make your RealAge younger) -- and skip the crust. (credit:Flickr: OakleyOriginals)
Splurge A Little At Parties (07 of13)
Open Image ModalIt's OK to splurge a little when you're out and about. The rest of the time, eat like your normal, healthy self.
Cross Stress Off Your To Do List(08 of13)
Open Image ModalShop online, stick to a budget, and don't be afraid to buy food instead of making it.
Don't Skip Exercise(09 of13)
Open Image ModalAdd a little in fact. As long as it adds up to 2,000 steps a day more than your usual (that should total 12000 we hope), you're good.
Create A Kitchen Safety Zone(10 of13)
Open Image ModalKeep only the real, good-for-you seasonal treats in easy reach.
Try This Recipe: Mushroom Gravy(11 of13)
Open Image ModalKeep this in a tightly lidded jar in the refrigerator and use as needed over the period of a week. You can also freeze it.Yield: A generous 2 cupsIngredients:1/4 pound mushrooms1 tablespoon olive oilPinch of dried thyme1/4 teaspoon salt (possibly more, to taste)1 teaspoon minced or crushed garlic2 cups vegetable, chicken, or mushroom broth There are some vegy or other broths available commercially, packed in quart boxes, similar to soy milk. 2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose 100% whole wheat flour or better yet chia seedsFreshly ground black pepper to taste (optional)Directions:1. Clean the mushrooms and, if the stems are firm and tight, leave them on. If they are soft and beginning to separate, remove them, Chop the mushrooms into very small pieces, or, if you prefer, you can cut them into thin slices.2. Place a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add the oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add the mushrooms, thyme, and salt, and sauté for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the mushrooms are reduced in size and they have expressed some juices. Stir in the garlic.3. Add the broth, and heat until it is hot but not boiling.4. Place the flour in a small bowl, and ladle in enough broth to dissolve the flour (approximately 3/4 cup). Use a small whisk to beat this mixture until smooth, then pour it back into the hot broth. Whisk the broth as you pour.5. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 5 to 8 minutes, or until lightly thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste, if desired. (credit:Flickr: rfduck)
Start Some New Traditions (12 of13)
Open Image ModalGathering together to eat when the weather turns nippy may be hardwired into the human genome, but it's not the healthiest or happiest tradition. Time spent with family or in spiritual pursuits nets the most holiday joy. Get everybody together -- and away from the table -- to hang decorations, take a winter walk, play board games, belt out holiday songs or experience awe and wonder in your house of worship, at a concert, admiring Mother Nature's work, or in any other way that moves you.
Try This Recipe: Whole Wheat Wild Rice, Cranberry Walnut Stuffing(13 of13)
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