The Zoomer Report: Holiday Noshes

Zoomer | December 19th, 2008

You don’t have to give up holiday hors d’oeuvres and appetizers to avoid seasonal weight gain. In fact, choosing the right noshes before your meal or at parties may actually help you eat less overall.

According to the Oprah doctors Oz and Roizen, eating a small amount of healthy unsaturated fat – like walnuts, avocado, or apples with peanut butter – 25 minutes before a meal triggers a reaction in your digestive system that makes you feel fuller faster. It also helps keep your blood sugar levels from spiking after your meal and makes it easier for your body to absorb fat-soluble nutrients, such as vitamins A, D, E and K, as well as lycopene and lutein.

But here’s the catch: It only takes about 70 calories of such fat to get the effect. That’s about six walnuts, 10 almonds, 1/4 of a medium avocado or a half-tablespoon of real peanut butter (from peanuts alone). More than that, and you’re working against yourself.

So say yes to the whole-grain bread and half-tablespoon of olive oil the next time a waiter brings it to your table, and chase it with a full glass of water. At parties, skip the chips and hit the spicy almonds, walnuts or olive tapenade. It’s a great way to enjoy a night out – and what you see in the mirror.