Health Tip: Easy on the Holiday Buffets

(HealthDay News) — Too many holiday party buffet tables loaded with decadent treats can lead to overstuffed plates — and overstuffed pants.

The Cleveland Clinic offers these suggestions to limit your calorie intake when you hit the holiday buffet:

  • Fill a small plate with fresh veggies, taking care to limit or avoid buttery crackers, creamy spreads and dips, meat and cheese. Avoid seconds.
  • Skip sauces, or choose those that are vegetable- or broth-based instead of creamy sauces or gravies.
  • Stick to lighter desserts such as fruit, Jell-O, angel food cake or gingersnaps — if you have to have a decadent dessert, make it a very small serving.
  • Limit yourself to one to two drinks, and choose low-calorie drinks like wine or beer.
  • Choose calorie-free non-alcoholic drinks like unsweetened tea, coffee, hot tea or water.