By Adam Donnelly

Interior Health suggests a sensible approach to holiday eating

Dec 14, 2018 | 4:10 PM

KAMLOOPS — When the Christmas season rolls around, the eating plan goes right out the window.

Christmas is a magical time… for snacking. Just ask the fine folks over at Erwin’s Fine Bakery and Delicatessen.

“We’ve done over 2,000 pounds of gingerbread already so far this year, and we still have more to come. We’re sitting at over 500 pounds of shortbread… already,” Nikki Oliver of Erwin’s Fine Baking explained.

It seems that every time you turn around, a tray of delectable holiday treats just appears. That’s the reason, Rebecca Fuller, a dietitian with Interior Health suggests having a strategy when it comes to eating over the holidays.

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“Be mindful. First off… not skipping meals, because if you skip meals you start to get hungry, and that’s when you overeat,” Fuller said. “Instead, try having three balanced meals per day with one or two snacks. Especially if you’re going out to Christmas party that’s later in the evening, have a snack before going.”

If by some miracle, you manage to avoid the sweet treats that abound around Christmastime, it’s important to remember that whatever you’re going to be drinking likely has a few extra calories in it as well.

“The eggnog, the hot chocolate, the alcohol, they tend to be higher in fat, calories, as well as sugar,” Fuller said. “Instead try to choose a lighter version, like a light beer or spritzer. Mix your alcohol with a diet pop, or witch out that pop or juice with infused waters.”

While it’s all well and good to exercise your willpower, the holidays are about having fun with the folks you love – so don’t afraid to splurge a little.

“What I suggest is picking one or two of your favourite treats, treats you can’t get year-round – so butter tarts or sugar cookies – and enjoying those,” Fuller says. “[Skip] out on the cheesecake or the chocolate chips cookies you can have year-round.”