FAITHFUL FIVE: WAYS TO HAVE A HEALTHY FEAST

November 14, 2009 12:37 am

It's almost feasting time. In coming weeks, two holidays will focus on food: Eid al-Adha and Thanksgiving.

And while Scripture is filled with examples of feasting, it also contains exhortations to stay healthy. Here are five tips for enjoying the feast with minimal guilt.

Savor your food. Allow yourself small portions of your favorite foods. Eat them slowly. Put your fork down between bites. Take time to really enjoy the food--and to let your body tell you that it's full.

Be active. Take a walk after dinner. Play a family game of football.

Eat breakfast. You might be tempted to skip your morning meal, anticipating the evening feast. Don't.

Change it up. Find low-fat or no-fat options for ingredients in your favorite recipes. Some examples: Try fat-free broth to make gravy, yogurt instead of sour cream or applesauce rather than oil. Find other healthy recipes at eatingwell.com, mayoclinic.com and cookinglight.com.

Skip the guilt. It's a holiday. Sometimes you want to indulge. And if you do, don't feel bad. Just get back to your healthy habits tomorrow.

--WebMD and the Mayo Clinic