Holiday meal leftovers management advised

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HOUSTON, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Proper management of holiday leftovers can prevent weight gain, save money and provide some kindness too, a U.S. dietitian advises.

Mary Ellen Herndon, wellness dietitian at University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, said holiday weight gain doesn't result from overeating one or two meals, it's usually from feasting on leftovers for days or even weeks.

"Unfortunately, most people don't shed extra holiday weight and just keep adding pounds year after year," Herndon said in a statement. "But, you can make a game plan for leftovers, right after a holiday meal, divide all leftovers into one-half cup servings. Refrigerate enough for a day or two and freeze the rest."

The frozen leftovers can be made into healthy meals after the holidays, saving time and expense.

Have a relative or a neighbor who cannot manage cooking a big holiday meal, or cannot leave their home? Prepare a holiday plate from the leftovers and take it to them so they too can enjoy holiday foods, Herndon suggested.