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Health and Fitness Tips

Healthy Holiday Snacking

During the holiday season, healthy snacking becomes more challenging, especially when surrounded by festive treats like cookies, chips, and dip. However, it's possible to maintain a balance between indulging in favorite snacks and making healthier choices.

Nutrition experts often recommend reaching for nutritious options like fruits, vegetables, or low-fat yogurt first. These snacks provide fiber, vitamins, calcium, and other important nutrients your body needs. The idea is to satisfy hunger with these options before turning to higher-fat treats in moderation.

With new food labeling regulations, consumers now have better tools to make informed decisions about portion sizes, nutrient content, and dietary trade-offs. Snacks labeled as "fat-free," "low-fat," "light," or "reduced-calories" offer alternatives for those looking to reduce fat and salt intake while still enjoying familiar foods. Comparing serving sizes between full-fat and reduced-fat versions helps you decide if eating more of a lower-calorie snack or less of a richer version is more satisfying for you.

That said, it's essential to remember that fat-free doesn't mean calorie-free. Many low-fat or fat-free snacks compensate for flavor with added sugars or sodium, which can still contribute to weight gain or other health issues if consumed in excess. Additionally, studies have shown that people often overeat when they know a food is labeled as low-fat, thinking they can eat more without consequences.

To enjoy the holidays while staying mindful of your health, take advantage of the information on food labels, track portion sizes, and be cautious of overindulging, even in low-fat or reduced-sodium snacks. The key is to enjoy a variety of snacks in moderation and make healthier choices without feeling deprived.

Rick Gusler is a certified personal trainer and diet nutritionist who serves his clients through Gusler Body Sculpting Fitness Center in central Denver. To schedule a free consultation, or to learn more about the Gusler method of body sculpting, spin yoga, or Rick's Boot Camp, please contact him at 303.860.7131 or online at www.guslerbodysculpting.com.

Gusler Body Sculpting Fitness Center, LLC
459 Acoma Street · Denver, Colorado 80204 · 303-860-7131
Hours: Monday-Friday: 6am-8pm · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed

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