There is no harder time of the year to keep your diet on track than the holidays. Every party and gathering that you attend will be sure to include a spread of high fat, high calorie foods and drinks. Research shows that on average people gain only one pound over the holiday season due to extra indulgence, but that single pound is never lost. Between the ages of 20 and 50 years you could find yourself sitting 30 pounds heavier solely due to eggnog, candy cane bark, turkey, and mashed potatoes. Does this statistic surprise you as much as it surprised me? This year, throw a party that won’t be forever remembered on your hips.

Make This, Not That.

5 Jumbo Tiger Shrimp with 1 oz of Cocktail Sauce contains 128 calories and 1 gram of fat.

Whereas, 4 Bacon Wrapped Scallops rings in at 285 calories, 21 grams of fat and 45 minutes of shoveling snow before you work them off.

1/4 cup of Hummus with 1 Whole Wheat Pita will supply 185 calories and 6 grams of fat.

Whereas, 1/4 cup of Spinach Dip with 1 Whole Wheat Pita sets you back 400 calories and 37 grams of fat. Better strap on your skates, because this dip requires 60 minutes on the ice before its gone.

2 Chicken Skewers adds up to 200 calories and 3 grams of fat.

Whereas, 4 Honey Garlic Chicken Wings tops up at 240 calories and 12 grams of fat and it would take 30 minutes of cross country skiing in the cold to burn them off!

1 Date Bran Jingle Ball (http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/date_bran_jingle_balls.html) contains 104 calories and 6 grams of fat.

Whereas, 1 Chocolate Hedgehog packs 135 calories, 9.5 grams of fat and requires 40 minutes of holiday shopping to get rid of.

1 cup of Mulled Wine (http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/mulled_wine.html) has 174 calories, 0 grams of fat and a ton of holiday flavor.

Whereas, 1 cup of Rum and Eggnog will bring you 403 calories, 19 grams of fat, and 50 minutes on the stationary bike!

Do yourself and all your guests a favor, you don’t have to forfeit flavor over the holidays to keep your weight in check 🙂