How Calories Can Add up on Christmas Day

I don't know about your house, but at my house on the day before Christmas, I'm busy with last minute holiday preparations.  So often, things just don't go the way you plan when the cookies burn, pie crusts that won't stay together, or the special gift you hid now can't be found.

As much as i try to prepare everything ahead, there seems to always be things that have to be done the day before Christmas.  My day begins by getting up early to begin cooking and I most often taste things as I make them.  If you are a "taster" grazer, you need to be mindful of the number of "tiny tastes" while cooking and preparing your holiday foods.

Tiny tastes can total big calories, and they don't always come in large portions!  Try this tiny taste test to see how your tastings could add up in one day.  Some of these may be familiar to you.

Taste 1:  Eating a cookie that broke while removing it from the baking sheet.  After all, I deserve it after getting up early to bake them before going to work!

Taste 2:  Someone brought holiday candy to work today.  I'll just have one small piece of the peanut brittle.

Taste 3:  Have to stop at the grocery store over the noon hour.  Great--they're offering cheese and cracker samples.  That'll tie me over until I can swing through a fast food place.

Taste 4:  The fast food place is giving out one-fourth cup samples of its special flavored holiday coffee.  Oh so good!

Taste 5:  Chocolate-covered cherries in the break room at work.  Chocolate's good for you--right?  I have a lot of control, so I'm just eating one.

Taste 6:  The Christmas Eve party is great, but maybe I shouldn't stand near the snack table.  I'm dipping my third chip.  Food safety in mind, I was careful not to double dip.

Taste 7:  Who can pass up old-fashioned style eggnog?  I'll have just a half cup.  I only have it once a year.

Taste 8:  There are just a couple of tablespoons of candied sweet potatoes left.  Someone should enjoy them, so they don't go to waste--it might as well be me.

Taste 9:  Helping dish up dessert lets me take a little "preview" taste.  One heaping tablespoon of candy cane ice cream coming right up!

Taste 10:  OK, now I feel like my stomach has become a "waist" basket for little tastes here and there while preparing foods after I get home from work.

Guess the total tasting calories for the day?  You've tasted approximately 635 calories extra in one day.  If you continue to do this throughout the holiday, you could gain a pound per week.  If you've had more tastes than listed above, your total caloric intake could be much greater.

With the holidays typically filled with parties, celebrations and family gatherings, the spotlight on food and eating can be challenging even for the most strong-willed.  If you find it difficult to resist the "tastings," incorporate more daily physical activity.  Downsize other portions when eating meals, reduce or cut out sampling carbohydrates, and resist going back for seconds.

Have a wonderful holiday!