7 Ways To Enjoy The Holidays When You're On A Diet

If you're trying to lose weight and are dieting, the holidays can be one of those times that are the most tempting when it comes to trying to stick to your diet.

Despite this, there are some things you can do that will allow you to enjoy your holiday dinner even though you're dieting.

Here are some tips to get you started -- how to eat healthy at holiday meals...

1. Make a turkey rather than a ham.

Turkey is full of protein which will help fill you up, and has zinc as well, which helps to boost your immune system and keep you from getting those nasty winter colds. Turkey is also lower in calories and fats than a lot of the other meats available, especially turkey breast.

2. Don't coat your turkey in butter, lard or oil.

If you have to have a bit for taste, use a pastry baster to put a light coat of oil on the bird before putting it in the oven. This will still help to give you some taste, but won't overwhelm the turkey with extra calories. Also avoid buying a self-basting turkey, these are injected with fats and will just help to sabotage your diet.

3. Remove the skin before eating any turkey.

The skin is loaded with calories and fat and since it is gone in a snap this isn't the best way to stay on your diet. While it may taste good, it will not fill you up the way the actual meat will, which will help you not to overindulge.

4. Keep portion sizes in mind.

Remember that in America portions have in some cases tripled from what they used to be even thirty years ago. This has contributed to the problems of obesity in America as the portion sizes have continued to soar. Keeping your portion sizes down will make it possible for you to get a bit of all your favorites without overindulging.

5. Don't punish yourself.

Punishing yourself because you are on a diet by not letting yourself have at least a bit of your favorite dishes is ridiculous. Just keep in mind not to overindulge. Having a tablespoon of candied sweet potatoes isn't going to destroy your diet. So have a bit of all your favorite dishes, just remember not to overdo it. That way you can enjoy the food without sabotaging your diet.

6. Add more vegetables such as cauliflower, red cabbage, and carrots to your holiday meal.

Vegetables are a great way to help you feel full without being so concerned about calories. Just remember not to fry them, or cook them in a ton of oil and you'll be fine. One way you can add more vegetables to your holiday dinner is to add more onions,and celery to your stuffing, and a little less bread.

7. Skim off the fat before making gravy with the meat juices.

This will help to reduce the amount of calories in the gravy. You can put meat juices in the refrigerator for a bit and the fat will solidify on the top making it easy to remove before making your gravy.

Keeping these tips in mind will ensure that you don't completely sabotage your diet during the holidays. At the same time, you will actually get at least a taste of all your favorite foods -- so you don't feel deprived or as though you're punishing yourself!