Holidays and Weight Gain

• A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Americans gain an average of .4 to 1.8 pounds each year during the holidays.

MyPlate Vegetables• Fill appetizer plates with fresh

vegetables and a dab of your favorite dip.

• When you need to contribute to a holiday pot luck, why not include a veggie platter in bright holiday colors?

MyPlate Fruits

• Base your holiday desserts on fruit.

• Fruit adds color, flavor, and nutrients to any part of a meal.

MyPlate Grains

• Try using brown rice or whole grain bread in your next batch of stuffing.

• Start your morning with a hearty bowl of oatmeal with cinnamon and fresh fruit.

MyPlate Protein

• Make lean choices! Turkey breast is a great holiday treat.

• Keep gravy low in fat.

MyPlate Dairy

• Skip the full fat eggnog and stick to lean dairy choices.

• Nonfat Greek yogurt is a delicious base for sweet and savory dips alike.

Drink Water!

• Serve fresh fruit spritzers instead of punch at your next holiday party.

• Offer glasses of cool cucumber water at a holiday brunch.

Holiday Portion Control

• Use smaller plates at holiday meals.

• Just make one trip to the table -- avoid going back for seconds or thirds.

MyPlate Holiday Quiz!

• Choose the healthiest combo from the options below…– Prime Rib and Mashed Potatoes– Turkey Breast with Whole Grain Stuffing– Ham and Cheddar Plate– Baked Brie with Cranberry Jam

• True or false: Holiday weight gain is quickly lost at the end of the season.

MyPlate Holiday Quiz!

• Choose the healthiest combo from the options below…– Prime Rib and Mashed Potatoes– Turkey Breast with Whole Grain Stuffing– Ham and Cheddar Plate– Baked Brie with Cranberry Jam

• True or false: Holiday weight gain is quickly lost at the end of the season.