Most people gain between 5 and 10 pounds during the holidays. Don’t let it be you! Use these friendly nutrition tips for a happy and healthy holiday.

Eat a snack before the party.
Snacking on low-glycemic carbohydrates and lean proteins such as apple slices with natural peanut butter, raw veggies with hummus or nonfat unsweetened yogurt with berries, help to curb your hunger so you eat less at the party.

Limit alcohol.
Each 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1 ounce of hard alcohol contain roughly 100 calories. Enjoy a drink, and then switch to sparkling water with lemon or lime. Steer clear of higher calorie drinks such as egg nog, frozen margaritas and hot buttered rum.

Eat lots of salad!
Start your meals with a large salad topped with lots of veggies and lowfat/fat-free dressing or a broth-based soup filled with vegetables.

Studies have shown that eating salads or broth-based soups prior to a meal results in less calories consumed during the meal.

For more information on our vegetarian cooking school, or to schedule an appointment with a dietitian, call 1-800-SCRIPPS.