Ways to avoid holiday food gain

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DALLAS, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- A Texas dietitian suggests that although most Americans gain about 2 pounds each holiday season, there are ways to avoid gaining holiday weight.

"On average, we gain one to two pounds over the holidays, but unfortunately, we often don't lose that weight," said Lona Sandon, assistant professor of nutrition at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. "So over the course of 10 years, you can find yourself 20 pounds heavier and losing the weight can be quite difficult."

Sandon suggests for those hosting holiday parties, to set a table featuring high-fiber, high-water foods such as a big green salad and fresh vegetable tray, lower-calorie dressings and dips made with light sour cream or low-fat cream cheese.

"I also recommend using smaller sized cocktail plates or even cocktail napkins instead of large plates," Sandon said. "Serve from a tablespoon rather than a giant serving spoon because people are more likely to serve themselves less food."