A representative from Interim HealthCare will present a talk titled “Nutrition: Healthy Holiday Eating” at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the Oak Park Arms retirement community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave. The seminar is part of the ongoing monthly series called, “Here’s To Your Health.”
The holidays are a time for family and friends, and food is often the center of those celebrations. While it can be difficult to maintain proper eating habits when there is a plethora of delicious (but not always healthy) food available, there are simple ways people can make healthy food choices without feeling like they are sacrificing or missing out on the fun.
If one is participating in a potluck, planning the menu in advance helps ensure there will be an assortment of nutritious options. In addition, healthier versions of traditional recipes can be made with modified ingredients. If one is hosting a gathering, leftovers can be sent home with company instead of stored in the fridge. And during the party, scheduled group activities will make sure food is not used as a substitute for entertainment.
The day of a gathering, it is important to eat normally throughout the day and not skip meals to ‘save up’ for the party. At the party, practice portion control and plan when to eat in advance, instead of just snacking through the evening.
Other ways to ensure healthy eating during the holidays include:
• limiting alcohol consumption which can lower resistance to overeating
• avoiding contact with tempting foods
• making time for exercise to offset extra calories
Interim HealthCare will discuss ways to make the best choices over the holidays.
Oak Park Arms Senior Living is a rental retirement community which provides senior housing in the form of independent living. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.
The program is free and open to the public. For more information call 708-386-4040.
