The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
TORONTO, ON Ð The vision of sugar plums can be a worry more than a pleasant anticipation this holiday season for those trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. All that great food, much of it high in fat and calories, can wreak havoc on the waistline for even the most health-conscious individuals. Dietitians of Canada and the Canadian Diabetes Association have teamed up to bring you their top ten tips for healthy holiday living. 1. Use the Nutrition Facts table on packaged food products to compare the nutrients in similar foods and make lower fat, lower calorie choices. As of December 15, most packaged foods in grocery retail stores will have to carry a standardized Nutrition Facts table providing consumers with a core list of nutrients. Visit www.healthyeatingisinstore.ca to find fact sheets and Frequently Asked Question that will help make you a wise consumer when it comes to label reading. You can even take a fun tour through a Virtual Grocery Store at http://www.healthyeatingisinstore.ca/virtual_grocery.asp to learn and test your label-reading skills. 2. Keep your eye on portion sizes Ð it's often not what but how much you eat that can make the difference to overindulgence at any time of the year. Use Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating as guide to serving sizes. Enjoy a piece of shortbread or a small portion of the traditional plum pudding. 3. Make health and road safety a priority when serving holiday beverages. Lower fat eggnogs, "virgin" Caesars, sparkling water and cranberry juice spritzers without the alcohol are great choices in keeping with the season. 4. Use fresh zucchini or cucumber spears, broccoli flowerets, carrot curls or endive with a low fat dip or spread such as hummus, yogurt or fresh salsa, rather than chips and cream-laden dips. 5. Serve crispy pita triangles, flatbread and homemade melba toast as alternatives to salty, high fat snack crackers. 6. When it comes to holiday entertaining check out the delicious recipes, chosen with health in mind, in Dietitians of Canada cookbook "Cook Great Food" http://www.dietitians.ca/resources/cgf_public_orderform.pdf or the "Complete Canadian Diabetes Cookbook from the Canadian Diabetes Association. These are great gifts for those whose health you care about. 7. A beautiful array of exotic fresh fruits is a wonderful way to end a meal Ð pineapple, kiwi, mango, pomegranate, mandarin oranges and grapes are a feast for the eyes and taste buds. 8. Make physical activity part of the holiday fun to provide a balance to eating. Plan a cross-country ski afternoon or a hike combined with potluck with friends. 9. Give a gift of health that will last the whole year Ð an exercise ball is great for stretching; an exercise book or video with an exercise mat; golf lessons for the duffer on your list; some light weights for strength training; pedometer for someone who enjoys walking. 10. Track your eating and activity level over the holiday season to help you stay on track. Dietitians of Canada EATracker at www.dietitians.ca/eatracker is a convenient and easy to use tool. Make these healthy living tips part of your routine the whole year round Ð not just for the holidays. Small changes over time will make the greatest impact on your health. Dietitians of Canada is the nation-wide voice of over 5000 dietitians, bringing trusted information on food and nutrition to Canadians. For further information on nutrition and healthy eating, visit Dietitians of Canada award-winning website at www.dietitians.ca. The Canadian Diabetes Association works to prevent diabetes and improve the quality of life for those affected, through research, education, service and advocacy. With a presence in more than 150 communities, the Canadian Diabetes Association's strong network of assistance includes volunteers, employees, healthcare professionals and partners. The Canadian Diabetes Association Ð Know who to turn to at www.diabetes.ca. To learn healthier living tips for the holidays and the whole year contact: Joanna LeDoux, Community Dietitian, 687-1336.
