Signal Tribune Newspaper

By CAROL BERG SLOAN RD
Nutritionist

The holidays are a whirlwind of food, friends and festivities, and it’s easy to let down your guard when it comes to making wise food choices. Don’t let it happen this year. Keep your health a priority by being prepared. Here are some tips to get through the holiday successfully.

• Eat as many servings of fruits and vegetables as you can everyday. The goal is about ten servings, but, with an average of 3½ per day, most Americans don’t even come close. Snack on apple wedges or carrot sticks before hitting the party scene to curb your appetite. Better yet, bring a tray of cut-up fruits or vegetables for all to enjoy.

• Get some daily physical activity. Don’t get caught in the winter break “lazies.” Walk the dog, vacuum the house, stroll to the mailbox or take a quick jog or brisk walk around the block.

• Keep snacks that are good for you on hand…..they don’t have to be boring! See Snowmen on a Stick for kids and Apricot Canapes for adults.

• Keeping food safe should always be a priority. Follow these pointers to avoid food-borne illness:

1. Throw away leftovers after three days and properly store cold (40º) and hot foods (140º).
2. Proper cooling of leftovers is key to preventing bacteria growth. Divide large amounts of leftovers into small, shallow containers for quick cooling in the refrigerator.
3. Proper heating is just as important. Bring sauces, soups and gravy to a boil when reheating. Heat other leftovers thoroughly to steaming hot (165°F).
4. Wash your hands!

Snowmen on a Stick
From familyfun.com

Ingredients:

Bananas
Grapes
Carrot
Apple
Bamboo skewers
Mini chocolate chips
Pretzel sticks

Preparation:
For each snowman, you will need three thick slices of banana, a grape, a sliver of carrot, and a triangular piece of apple. (Tip: Poke a hole in the apple piece with a bamboo skewer first to make assembly easier.)
Have kids slide the fruit onto the skewer, then use the carrot slivers for noses, mini chocolate chips for eyes and buttons, and pretzel sticks as arms.

Apricot Canapes
From eatingwell.com

Ingredients:
16 dried apricots
8 teaspoons crumbled blue cheese
2 ounces chopped shelled pistachios
1/2 teaspoon honey
Freshly ground pepper

Preparation:
Top each apricot with 1/2 teaspoon cheese. Sprinkle with pistachios and drizzle with honey; sprinkle with pepper.