NUTRITIOUS TABLE

Linda Farr RD/LD  210-735-2402

Serving San Antonio and South Texas
with personalized nutrition counseling,
customized for health, nutrition and fitness needs.

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April in San Antonio means "Viva Fiesta!" We celebrate our unique cultural heritage through food, dancing and parades. But overindulgence can lead to unwanted pounds and that post-Fiesta feeling of guilt. Want to party guilt-free and still enjoy your favorite goodies? Then follow these tips.

GO FOR GRILLED AND FRESH

Save calories by avoiding the fat and breading from fried foods. Every tablespoon of fat has a whopping 150 calories. Watch out for fried, creamy, cheesy, stuffed and buttery foods.

BEST CHOICES: Grilled Shrimp Kabob, Baked Oysters, Yakatori Chicken Kabob, Fresh Fruit Kabob, Roasted Corn with no toppings, Caramel Apple, Snow Cone.

CHOOSE SMALLER PORTIONS

If you can't resist those high fat, high calorie favorites, try splitting it with a friend. Or try taking small tastes of several different foods. That way you can still enjoy your favorite tastes without overindulging.

FOODS TO LIMIT: Fried Onion Flower, Zulu Chips, Fried Desserts and Candy Bars, Fried Turkey Leg, Twice Baked Potatoes, BBQ Pork Wings, Gorditas, Portabella Puffs.

BUDGET YOUR CALORIES, ALCOHOL AND MONEY

Plan a budget for the amount of calories you are willing to consume from food and alcohol at each event. Moderation is the key. Eat before you leave home. You will be less hungry when you get to the event, and that will save calories. Or try limiting your selections to one or two foods and calorie containing beverages per event. Better yet, plan how much money you are willing to spend and stick to it. $20-$25 per person should allow you to sample your favorite foods and beverages but not overindulge.

MAKE IT YOUR MISSION TO BE ACTIVE

Enjoy those Fiesta activities that keep you moving and burning extra calories! Dance the night away; Take your bow wow to the Pouch Parade; Join the Fiesta Mission 10 K run; Park further away and walk more.

Article written April 2005