ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS & YOUR NEW DIET . . .
Simple tips to help you stay true to family and friends-and yourself.

By Jeff Novick, M.S., R.D.

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the holiday season without derailing your healthful eating habits.

1. Most importantaly, if you find yourself in a situation where you go off the plan for one meal, don't throw up your hands and fall back on your old habits. Jump right back on the plan and eat so healthfully for the next few days that your one bad meal becomes insignificant in the big picture.

In other words, follow the 90 percent rule. The 90 percent rule allows you some leeway for iimpertection, for special occasions, or to allow a "treat" once in a while. You will not lose your overall health benefits or your slim, healthy figure if you follow that "special occasion" with healthy meals for the rest of the week.

2. Don't make food the focus of your gatherings with friends. The more important spirit of the holidays is to celebrate the joys of family and friendship.

3. Fill your kitchen with lots of healthful foods that are quick to make and easy to eat. That way, when you get hungry, you will have what you need right at hand.

4. When you go to gatherings, take a salad and/or a covered dish with you. You will be less likely to go off your meal plan if you have healthy food to eat. It is unrealistic to say, "If there is nothing there for me to eat, I just won't eat anything."

5. Don't expect your family or friends to change their diets just because you think they "should." Change is not easy for most people. Thanksgiving dinner is not the ideal place to give a nutrition lecture.

6. It's okay to change the subject or say "I don't know" when people challenge your new dietary habits. Here is an easy answer to why you are on what Uncle Harry might think is a weird diet. "My doctor suggested it. We'll see how it goes." Then change the subject. Happy Holidays!