May: The Month of Celebrations!

(By: Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD)

The month of May usually brings around wedding showers, graduation parties and holiday cookouts.  All types of celebrations that include  many culinary delights.  All these foods can challenge a healthful eating plan and/or a weight loss plan. The key is to do a little planning that can let you have your cake and eat it too.

Follow some of these helpful tips: 

Never go to a party hungry. Hunger often leads to overeating. Have a piece of fruit, cottage cheese or a small sandwich before you leave. 

Survey all the foods available and choose the ones you want the most. 

Watch your alcohol intake!  Alcohol can add even more calories, and not a whole lot of nutrition, to your celebration.  Drink alcohol in moderation and choose beverages such as water, sparkling water or juice more often.

Keep portions sizes of high-calorie foods small. Eat slower and try to savor the flavor without the excess portions.

Choose lower calorie foods at other meals to help balance out the calories but be careful NOT to skip meals because you are heading out to a party.  That can lead to overeating.

Don't skip your exercise. Maintain your normal exercise routine and if you don't have one, try to get some physical activity most days of the week. Physical activity can help burn those extra party calories. Have Fun!

Safe Holiday Picnics

(By: Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD)

The month of May celebrates Memorial Day!  Along with this holiday your day may include plans for an outdoor picnic.

Holiday picnics always make foods taste better!  To keep your picnic fun and safe follow these safety tips: 

Make sure hands and food containers are clean.

Pack uncooked foods away from prepared foods.

Keep hot foods above 140 degrees Fahrenheit and cold foods below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. A thermometer is the best way to measure food temperature.

Wrap all foods in tightly sealed containers, so they don't leak.

Keep meat or poultry in the refrigerator or a cooler until you're ready to place it on the grill. Don't leave food outside in hot weather for more than one hour. If it's left out at room temperature, two hours is the limit.