It is during the holiday season when all diet plans are cast aside. With the abundance of Christmas and New Year parties overflowing with food, drinks and good company, expanded waistlines are inevitable.
All bets are off as we lower our defenses and succumb to the gustatory temptations that come our way.
I, for one, do not believe in depriving our palates of tasting the good stuff, more so, during the holidays. While we may be deluged with an assortment of high calorie goodies, portion control is key. It is not a particular food that will make us gain weight, but rather overindulging and taking in more calories than our bodies can burn. That being said, here are some treats that will be in abundance during the holiday season that we should avoid bingeing on.
Sugared beverages
Iced teas, sodas, fruit juices are sure to be served at most holiday gatherings. For most part, these contain empty calories, that will make you reach your sugar requirement for the day in a few gulps. A can of non-diet soda on the average, will contain around 10 teaspoons of sugar. Liquid calories easily go down the pipe, and thus, pose the danger of going unnoticed.
Fruit salad
Filipino-style fruit salad is undoubtedly a palate-pleasing comfort food for many. While fruits can be a source of fiber and nutrients, Pinoy fruit salads are swimming in thick cream and further sweetened with generous amounts of sugar. Cream is high in saturated fat while some of the fruits may be of the canned variety, which means they are soaked in syrup, thus adding on loads of sugar. A teaspoon or two, why not? This is something that can be enjoyed in moderation.
Cakes and pastries
In the season of giving, cakes, pastries and cookies are generously handed out by friends and loved ones. Whether it be fruit cake, chocolate chip cookies, red velvet cupcakes and whatnot, these are made with ingredients that are not exactly health foods: sugar, flour, butter—loads of them. Undoubtedly, these goodies help create a festive Christmas atmosphere that adds to our joy during the holidays. Keep in mind that having a little bit to taste is OK. Share that slice of cake with as many people as possible to lessen the calories.
Whole roast pig (lechon)
It is not difficult to eat too much lechon during the holidays. After all, this dish is oftentimes the centerpiece of the dinner spread and is, afterwards, paired with alcoholic beverages. We should limit our intake of this Filipino favorite knowing fully well that it is high in fat and cholesterol. Also, eating this means taking more rice, and slathering on the lechon sauce which is made up primarily of pork innards, thus more of the bad stuff. Can’t resist the urge of that crispy skin and richly flavored meat? A 100 gram serving (with around 30 grams of protein) won’t be too bad. Ditch the lechon sauce for vinegar and make sure to eat less of the fatty portions and more of the lean cuts.
Cliché as it may seem, moderation will certainly play a key role in helping our waistlines survive the holiday season. Exercise restraint now, so our bodies will thank us later.
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