The holidays can be a difficult time for people wanting to enjoy celebrations with friends, coworkers, and family, but without increasing their waistline.

Guthrie County Hospital Dietitian Carol Laughery says it’s important to set realistic goals at this time of year, rather than setting out to lose 10 pounds. Laughery recommends people think of what they are doing now that they can continue to do to support their health through the holidays, “When you look at going to parties, why are you going? Think of the purpose: is it a family gathering? Is it a work party? Maybe thinking about communicating, talking with people at the party, versus focusing only on the food.”

If faced with a buffet or potluck meal, Laughery suggests surveying the whole table before diving in, to assess which dishes you’d like to try, and serving healthy portions for yourself. Another way to promote a healthier holiday is to offer to bring a healthy dish to a party, one with fruits and vegetables, cutting back on processed foods. To hear more about healthy choices during the holidays, listen to today’s Let’s Talk Guthrie County program on-air and at raccoonvalleyradio.com.