Nutrition Tips

Holiday Lite Bites

Posted December 20, 2018

The holiday season is in full swing – a time when families, friends and coworkers come together to enjoy festivities. With so many delicious food choices available at every turn, I urge everyone to think about small, bite-sized portions. Keep in mind, great-tasting food doesn’t have to be passed up. However, it is best when it is consumed in smaller portions. Whether you’re looking to stay healthy this holiday season or a transplant patient, here are some tips to help you during your next holiday gathering:

• Drink a small cup of water or low calorie fluids with ice before consuming foods, especially at events where you will be tempted to overindulge in tasty, high-calorie or sugary food. If you are on a fluid restriction, it is important to pay attention to the volume of liquids you consume.
• Snack on low-calorie foods to help reduce hunger. A protein-based snack is ideal to remove the sense of hunger without increasing your blood sugar levels.
• Prepare yourself before leaving home for a party or holiday event. Consider packing a lite snack to eat on the way or at the gathering. This is helpful when going to events where healthy food may be limited. Also, consider bringing a healthy dish to the party for you and other guests to enjoy!
• Consume tiny portions of sweet desserts, or share a portion with a friend to avoid overconsumption of sugars. If you are diabetic, this could help prevent higher blood sugars later in the evening.
• Transplant patients should not forget to carry their medications and binders to an event, stay away from super salty foods and enjoy the holidays!

Pearl Brooks, M.S., RD, is a clinical dietitian with the VCU Health Hume-Lee Transplant Center.