Chief clinical dietitian at Kimball offers recipe for healthful holiday eating If you're watching your waistline, there's no reason to give up your favorite foods this holiday season.According to Cathy Heintz,R.D.,C.D.E.,chief clinical dietitian at Kimball Medical Center, Lakewood,you can celebrate and still keep those calories in check by following her recipe for healthful holiday eating. "The recipe for success in avoiding weight gain during that all-important time betweenThanksgiving and NewYear's Day begins with three major ingredients: planning ahead,eating in moderation and balancing food choices,"Heintz says."This advice also can be useful to anyone with a nutrition-related health problem, such as diabetes,who is faced with managing their condition during a time when traditional food is associated with good times spent with family and friends." First,be realistic in setting your dietary goals for the holidays,Heintz advises."Instead of trying to lose weight, strive to maintain your weight by balancing what you eat at parties and food-oriented events with other meals,"she explains."For example, eat small, lower-caloric foods during the day of a party so that you can enjoy yourself more later in the day.You also may want to eat a low-fat snack or fruit before heading out the door to take the edge off of your hunger." Depending on whether the celebratory meal is served up buffet-style,as a sitdown dinner or a little of both,be selective in making food choices."If it's a buffet,make one trip to the table,and replace some high-calorie and high-fat choices with low-caloric items, including fruits and vegetables,"Heintz says."At a traditional table meal,make your first helping small so that you can enjoy a second helping.That way both servings will be the same amount as a normal portion." As for beverages, she recommends sparkling water with a twist of citrus, rather than wine,beer,champagne or a mixed drink,all of which are brimming with empty calories."If you do enjoy an alcoholic beverage,make it a light beer,dry wine or a drink with a sugar-free mixer," she adds. If you're asked to bring a dish or are preparing your own holiday get-together, Heintz advises that you modify recipes with ingredients that are lower in sugar, calories and fat without compromising taste."Many times all you have to do is fine-tune a recipe and it's just as tasty,yet much more healthy." For individuals with diabetes,making healthy food choices is key to keeping their condition under control."By planning ahead and knowing what your holiday party schedule looks like,you can enjoy yourself,"says Heintz,a certified diabetes educator."If you have a traditional family favorite, like your aunt's mincemeat pie,and are not sure how it will affect your diet, first talk to your dietitian or diabetes educator. It may mean a simple adjustment to your medication,eating less of other treats,getting more exercise or a combination of these options."