All I Want for Christmas is a Cookie!

By Heather Irwin, MS, RD, LDN

Did I get your attention by the title? I thought maybe I would! I wanted to take a little different twist on getting through the holidays this year. 

I am sure you have heard all of the tips before, like make half of your plate veggies, don’t stand near the buffet table, watch your beverage intake, etc. Don’t get me wrong, these are all important things to remember, but I am also realistic. I know you are probably going to eat a Christmas cookie or two or three over the next month. And guess what? So am I!!! Full disclosure: my favorites are chocolate chip and peanut butter blossoms!! If you are on a weight loss journey, you may be thinking that you have to give up all cookies this season, but I am here to tell you that you can still enjoy some of your favorites this season. Here are a few tips to help:

Bake Cookies You Don’t Like

This may sound strange, but for some people, they simply enjoy the tradition of baking during this season. If you bake cookies you don’t like, you will be less tempted to overindulge but still get to enjoy this tradition with family and friends.

Make Half of the Recipe

If your recipe makes two dozen cookies and you know you will eat most of them, then simply cut the recipe in half.

Move the Cookie Plate

Many offices have cookies everywhere. If possible, try to move the treats. Out of sight, out of mind.

Don’t Eat Store-Bought

These are not special, and you can eat them anytime. Reserve your indulgence for something that is special, and you may only get this time of year.

Only Eat Your Favorite

Don’t eat a cookie just because it is there or somebody offers you one. If it happens to be your favorite, then enjoy it and savor it.

And if you’d like a recipe for a healthier alternative to an old favorite, check out this recipe for Almond Butter Blossoms.

Heather Irwin, MS, RD, LDN
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