Have a happy and healthy New Year

22 December, 2004
Media Release

Have a happy and healthy New Year

Dietitians are suggesting Kiwis forgo those crash diet resolutions this New Year, and aim for the commonsense healthy eating approach.

Carole Gibb, Executive Officer, NZDA says, “The trap of binge eating over the holidays and then trying to make drastic changes to reduce body weight in the New Year is unhealthy and unrealistic. Resolving to turn over a new leaf in the New Year may only encourage binge eating during the holiday season as the prospect of future limits loom. It is far easier to make some simple changes to the usual festive fare which will reduce kilojoules (calories) while still enjoying traditional favourites.”

Simple ways to have meals that are both appetising and healthy are:

- Offer plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables served attractively. Cherries, berries, coloured vegetables and salad greens are plentiful now and good to eat.

- Roast vegetables are best cooked separately from meats and tossed a little oil.

- Top a Pavlova with berries or slices of fruit. Cream or yoghurt can be offered alongside for those who want it.

- Serve plenty of low or no kilojoule beverages such as iced water, diet drinks and diluted fruit juice. Add sparkling mineral water for a festive and fun beverage option.

- Enjoy those small mouthfuls of special sweets, desserts or chocolate. Keep these foods for after meals, then you are less likely to overindulge.

Physical activity can also be a fun part of Christmas. A pre-lunch or twilight walk, or a family game can keep away those drowsy, couch-potato feelings.

Above all, remember to keep it in perspective; it’s what we eat most of the time that really counts.

Have a healthy CHRISTMAS

CARBS Get back to healthy carbs for ‘05’. Have enough fruit, vegetables, whole grains and dried beans for energy, bulk and filling power.

HAPPY TIMES Enjoy eating at the dinner table with family and friends so that everyone shares in the benefits of healthy meals.

REST & RECREATION Build exercise into your holiday activities. A 20 minute daily walk keeps you energised, enhances your rest and recuperation, and checks the appetite.

INDIVIDUALITY Be your own person. Ask for what you want and need at restaurants, and the same when ordering takeaways. Be choosey with food at parties.

SAFE FOODS Keep perishable foods refrigerated as much as possible. Wash hands before preparing food.

TRIMMED FOODS Trim fats for a trim waistline. Trim fat from hams and meats and skin from poultry, watch the chocolate and cheese, swap butter for lite margarine, and choose low fat packaged foods.

MIGHTY FOODS Increase your intake of the “super foods” – colourful, seasonal fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood, nuts and seeds, whole grain and seed breads.

ALCOHOL LIGHT Drink less alcohol by sipping alcoholic drinks slowly, remembering to alternate alcohol with non-alcoholic drinks. Check labels for the number of ‘standard drinks’ per bottle. Drink plenty of water and less sweetened ‘soft’ or ‘energy’ drinks.

SUPERSIZES Down-size large takeaway portions – only super-active people need large sizes.

ENDS

The NZDA is a national association of the dietetic profession currently representing more than 500 dietitians and associated professionals practising in diverse areas of dietetics in New Zealand. The NZDA uses scientific evidence to promote dietary habits that optimise nutritional health. See www.dietitians.org.nz for more information.

© Scoop Media