New dietician offers advice on healthy eating during the holidays

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  During the holidays, it can be challenging to not indulge at all the parties, dinners and gatherings, however, the new dietician at the Health and Wellness Center (HAWC) offers tips and advice for not going overboard at a smorgasbord.

Annemarie Pease, a registered dietician, recently began working at the HAWC and is eager to help people manage their diets during this time of year.

"I know that it's so hard to eat healthy or avoid eating too much during the holidays," said Ms. Pease, "but it's bound to happen because there is so much good food."

According to Ms. Pease, people don't have to completely abstain from eating unhealthy foods and there are ways to avoid overeating.

"If there is something you have to have, only take a small portion of it; moderation is key," she said. "If you are craving a high-calorie item, go ahead and treat yourself to a small portion and avoid the second and third helpings. If you're afraid you'll overeat, try eating slow. Take time and enjoy the taste of your meal because it takes about 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain it's full."

Ms. Pease also suggests that people focus on enjoying family time and not worry about the food.

"Eat something small before you go to a party or family gathering so you don't arrive on an empty stomach," she said. "Skipping breakfast or lunch may cause you to overeat later in the day than if you had eaten something beforehand."

Another tip Ms. Pease offers is to choose fruits and vegetables as sides. A person gets fuller faster by eating these because they contain more fiber, plus they are low in calories and fat-free. Just watch out for cheesy and creamy dips, she warns.

"If you're going to a holiday party and you think there may not be anything healthy to eat, offer to bring a healthy dish so there is at least one thing you know you can eat and not feel guilty about," she said.

Examples of healthy sides include a vegetable and hummus platter, fresh fruit salad or smoked salmon on whole grain toast.

For anyone who puts on extra pounds during the holidays, Ms. Pease is eager to help them get back to a regular routine during the new year. She will be available for one-on-one sessions with military members enrolled in the Hanscom Clinic to help them devise meal plans.

She will also be working with students at Hanscom schools to help fight childhood obesity and teach them healthy eating habits. In addition, Ms. Pease will be teaching a variety of classes at the HAWC that will be open to military members, retirees, dependents and Department of Defense civilians.

A new class being offered this month is called Healthy Eating on a Budget. It takes place on Dec. 16 from 1 to 2 p.m. The new dietician will show attendees how to eat healthy and save money while doing it. Those interested may register through the HAWC by calling 781-377-6560.

Ms. Pease has worked as an outpatient dietician for the past two years at Lowell General Hospital. In her new position at Hanscom, she wants to continue helping people with their dietary needs.

One last tip she offers for those that may eat too much is, "A holiday is just that: a day. If you go overboard during a holiday meal, don't beat yourself up. The past is behind you and today is a new day to get back on track."