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Naughty and Nice Holiday Foods

By Elizabeth M. Ward, MS, RD

Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

Eating regular meals and snacks every day makes it easier to resist overdoing it at festive events. When you occasionally skimp on meals because you're busy shopping, wrapping and baking, nosh on a protein-packed snack, such as low-fat yogurt or reduced-fat cheese, to blunt your hunger before gathering with family or friends.

At parties, pile your plate with lower-fat foods to limit high-calorie splurges. The following top picks have fewer calories, fat and sodium and more fiber than other holiday fare:

  • Whole grains, such as whole wheat rolls, wild rice and quinoa
  • Shrimp, lobster,and other steamed seafood
  • Plain or lightly dressed vegetables
  • Meat and poultry without the gravy
  • Salad greens (lightly dressed)
  • Fresh fruit



As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.

Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD, on September 25, 2008.
SOURCES: Patricia Vasconcellos, RD, spokeswoman, American Dietetic Association. Janice Bissex, MS, RD, nutrition consultant; co-author, The Moms' Guide to Meal Makeover. Yanovski, J. New England Journal of Medicine, March 23, 2000; vol 342: pp 861-867. National Institute of Medicine. United States Department of Agriculture, on-line nutrient data base, Agricultural Research Service. © 2007 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved.