Get Creative by Trying These Tricks: Share, 'Preload,' Season, and Substitute

YONKERS, N.Y., Dec. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The January issue of Consumer Reports looks at 8 ways to enjoy holiday bliss without the bulge. The report, available for free online at www.ConsumerReports.org, suggests techniques like substituting turkey sausage for pork sausage when preparing a stuffing; "preloading" before parties with a light snack such as Greek yogurt with fruit and a sprinkling of nuts; and sharing food gifts you receive by taking them to work or another gathering.

"We're not recommending total deprivation, nor that people skip their favorite holiday classics. But through lots of small decisions, like substituting spices or applesauce for the added sugar in holiday cookies and cakes, or using low-fat dairy products in recipes, people can enjoy themselves without expanding their waistlines," said Jamie Hirsh, associate editor, Consumer Reports Health.

Eight Tips For Beating The Winter Bulge:

'Tis the Season for Seasonings

Celebrate food with flavorings such as cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg to capture great flavors without the calories. Try adding nutmeg and ginger to butternut squash soup, for example, or dust baked apples with cinnamon.

Sharing Is Sparing

Take food baskets or other high-calorie presents you've received to work or other places where they can be shared.

Be Creative With Substitutions

When preparing stuffing, consider turkey sausage instead of pork and try reduced-sodium, fat-free broths in gravies, stuffing, and stews. Reduced-fat dairy products can replace full-fat versions in casseroles. And for dessert, try sorbet or fruit with cheese and almonds instead of ice cream and buttery cookies.

"Preload" Before You Go Out

Have a bowl of soup or a light snack before heading to a holiday dinner. Aim for a combination of protein and complex carbs such as peanut butter on an apple, whole grain crackers with cheese, or Greek yogurt with fruit and a sprinkling of nuts.

Don't Over-imbibe

Too many drinks can increase your appetite and possibly lower your inhibitions. Opt for a glass of wine or a light beer (about 100 calories) instead of, say, a margarita, which can have twice as many calories.

Plan Outings Without Food

When weather permits, plan outings such as a holiday bike ride or a 5K walk or run. In colder climates, consider ice skating, snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Reward yourself with a mug of hot spiced cider.

Skip Blah Munchies; Make Room for the Good Stuff

Go light on pretzels and chips so you can indulge in your favorite dessert. If you're really hungry, take the edge off with some nuts or a cube or two of cheese, which will fill you up more than carb-heavy fare.

Step Away From the Buffet

Put what you'd like to have on a plate and then put some distance between yourself and the buffet table.

Consumers Union 2009. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for commercial or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports(R) is published by Consumers Union, an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves. To achieve this mission, we test, inform, and protect. To maintain our independence and impartiality, Consumers Union accepts no outside advertising, no free test samples, and has no agenda other than the interests of consumers. Consumers Union supports itself through the sale of our information products and services, individual contributions, and a few noncommercial grants.

SOURCE Consumer Reports

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