This is some text prior to the author information. You can change this text from the admin section of WP-Gravatar  Frank is a Registered Dietitian & ACE-Certified Personal Trainer who began his career in NY, but has made his home here in Charleston. Frank specializes in fitness programming/management and nutrition consulting. Work experience ranges from a private nutrition and wellness practice to Master Personal Trainer at the prestigious New York Health & Racquet Club. Education includes: AOS Culinary Arts Degree, Bachelor of Science in Food & Nutrition, and Degree of Advanced Studies in Nutrition & Exercise Physiology at CW Post campus of Long Island University. Frank is owner of Wellspring Health Services here in Charleston, SC. Wellspring is a private personal wellness company, offering: personalized, custom meal delivery service catering to individual nutrition needs, nutrition consulting, 1-on-1 and small group personal training, corporate wellness services and country club management. Frank Koch, RD can be contacted at: 843-609-6688 or online at www.wellspringcharleston.com Read more from this author

Healthy Holiday Eating Tips!

The most wonderful time of the year is back, and that means one thing: notorious holiday parties! Between the office party, family gatherings, religious festivities, and community get-togethers, sticking to a healthy eating plan becomes, well, difficult to say the least!

Coming up on our horizon is Thanksgiving, the intro to the holiday season for most. Knowing that the average Thanksgiving dinner has well over 2000 calories, its no wonder how much of a challenge it can be if you are watching your waistline. The following are some eating tips so that you can still look good and be healthy after the Thanksgiving dinner without having to deprive yourself.

Healthy Holiday Eating Tips for Thanksgiving

• Don’t go to the Thanksgiving dinner hungry: we often eat faster and more when we are hungry - therefore eat a wholesome breakfast and lunch on the day to avoid overeating at dinner time.
• Thanksgiving dinner is not an all-you-can-eat buffet!: Fill your plate half with vegetables, one quarter with a lean meat and the rest with a starch of your choice. Eat slowly and stop when you are full.
• Turkey - go skinless: choose your 4-oz turkey portion skinless to slash away some fat and cholesterol. Save your appetite for the side dishes and desserts.
• Side Dishes - watch your portion size: go for smaller portions. This way you can sample all the different foods. Moderation is always the key.
• Make a conscious choice to limit high fat items: high fat food items can be found in fried and creamy dishes as well as cheese-filled casseroles in a traditional Thanksgiving meal. For instance, mashed potatoes are usually made with butter and milk; green bean casseroles are often prepared with cream of mushroom soup, cheese and milk and topped with fried onions; candied yams are loaded with cream, sugar and marshmallows. If you cannot control the ingredients that go in to a dish, simply limit yourself to a smaller helping size. Again moderation is the key.
• Drink plenty of water: alcohol and coffee can dehydrate your body. Drink calorie-free water to help fill up your stomach and keep you hydrated.
• KEEP CONSISTENT WITH YOUR FITNESS ROUTINE!! Book an extra session with your trainer or gym partner the days leading up to holiday parties – EARN THOSE CALORIES!!!