Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
Be wary of cream soups and stews. These warm foods feel nutritious because they contain lots of vegetables, but the cream, cheese, and meat really pile on the calories and fat. Served in a bread bowl or with noodles increases the quota. Either avoid them altogether or choose broth and vegetable-based soups and serve them in a bowl that’s not edible, and with a salad on the side.
Step2
Ditto for root vegetables. They are super-nutritious, but the calories quadruple when you cream them, fry them, or mix them with cheese, cream, butter, canned soups or bacon. For example, a sweet potato casserole can easily have 500 calories per serving--400 more than a simple roasted sweet potato. The best option is to eat those root vegetables oven-roasted or grilled. For the ubiquitous mashed potato, skip the gravy and extra butter and keep your serving to a half cup.
Step3
Skip seasonal beverages. Hot chocolate, pumpkin-spice lattes, eggnog, and apple cider are a quick and easy way to take in loads of extra, empty calories. Alcohol piles on even more. Try a hot cup of green or spicy herbal tea, rich with antioxidants and calorie-free. Drink alcohol in moderation.
Step4
Go easy on the dessert. Those yummy pies, with their buttery crusts, super-sweet fillings, and whipped cream are diet disasters, easily causing one to eat a whole day’s worth of calories in one sitting. To indulge wisely, skip the crust, add a dollop of light whipped topping, and serve yourself a very small slice.
Step5
Don’t overstuff with stuffing. Many versions of stuffing contain high-fat ingredients such as sausage and butter, and are served with equally fattening gravy. Opt instead for small portion sizes (no bigger than a tennis ball) and skip the gravy. If you’re preparing your own, prepare with vegetables and stock.
Enthusiast
