Avoiding Pitfalls

We all know that there are times when an apple or carrot is no match for the open bag of potato chips on the counter. These practical tips help you avoid those everyday pitfalls.

Helpful Tips

• Portion Control. Watch portion sizes and limit second helpings, especially of high-calorie or high-fat foods.
• Cooking Methods. Learn healthy cooking techniques. For example, try baking, poaching or grilling instead of deep frying or sautéing.
• Empty Calories. Limit consumption of alcoholic beverages, fruit juice drinks and soft drinks.
• Sauce Substitutions. Experiment with herbs and spices to add flavor instead of using fatty sauces, gravies, dressings, butter or margarine.
• Dessert Alternatives. Have fruit, banana or pumpkin bread, or angel food cake for dessert.
• New Rewards. Try not to use food as a reward. Instead, try a long walk with a friend, a relaxing bath, a phone call with an out-of-town family member, a good book, gardening, etc.
• Lunch Sack. Take your lunch to work to help avoid fast food dining.
• Handy & Healthy. Make sure you keep plenty of healthy, appealing, ready-to-eat food on hand.