Guidelines to eating healthy over the holidays

With Christmas only a few days away, I know many people out there are consuming an increasing amount of sweets, treats, and casseroles. Parties and get-togethers abound with holiday themed cookies, cakes, and pies, as well as delicious (but fatty) dips, spreads, and mixes. In short, it’s very easy to consume millions of calories and loads of fat everyday!

I’m currently down in Atlanta with all my family and surrounded by yummy treats. For the next week I will have to opportunity to eat without end. To ensure that I don’t gain too much weight—but still enjoy the holidays—I’ve come up with these simple guidelines:

1. No eating of sweets/desserts before noon (except doughnuts and chocolate sundae Poptarts).

2. No eating of sweets/desserts after 8pm (except anything eggnog flavored).

3. Only small pieces of cakes and pies allowed (but as many of these small sizes as desired).

4. Any lunches composed entirely of cookies and fudge must also be accompanied by an apple or orange.

5. Homemade sweets take precedence over store bought treats, and multiple servings may be eaten to show politeness to the baker.
   

I expect following these little rules will help make this a great, but healthy sugar season. Happy holidays, ya’ll!