A Lighter Bite

Holiday season is in full swing! While some people may accept the typical 1-5 lb weight gain each year, I suggest trying to maintain your weight this year.  More power to you if you can continue to lose during this tempting time.Below are a few party tips to keep your waist in check:Bite this: ½ cup vegetablesNot that: ½ cup nutsYou'll save 400 calories from this easy swap. Need a little dip? Go for hummus VS ranch.  It's got some fiber and protein to keep you fuller, longer.Bite this: pumpkin pieNot that:  pecan pieIn addition to being a serious source of beta-carotene, the pumpkin pie is lower in sugar and saves you 300 calories less per serving.Bite this: sauteed green beansNot that: green bean casseroleCan you even taste the green beans in that 1950's casserole? You'll shave off 175 calories/serving with this trade.  If you insist on making the casserole, try fat-free cream of mushroom soup and delete the funyons.  It reduces the calories by about half.Bite this: Granny Smith apples (in salad)Not that: Waldorf saladI love fruit in salad (see Nutrition Nibbles).  But the Waldorf salad is more mayonnaise dressing than salad. Try small slices of tart apples or pears in your green salad for a fresh twist this year.Bite this: Fruit saladNot that: Cranberry sauceFace it.  Cranberry sauce should read cranberry "jello" on the label  Believe or not, a ½ cup serving of canned cranberry sauce adds over 200 calories to your plate.  Fruit salad? A mere 75 calories per ½ cup (and a heck of a lot more nutrients)! .