Video: Moderation is the key!

Who wants to pass on pie at Thanksgiving or cookies at Christmas? For many people struggling to make healthy choices, eliminating the foods we crave is stressful. This can be especially true during the holidays, when we really want the freedom to enjoy ourselves.

In 2009, a University of Pittsburgh study found that the quality and quantity of foods consumed during holiday meals is considerably different from regular weekdays.  Simply put, we eat more on weekends and during the holidays!  And that means we need to play closer attention to our food choices at these times.

The good news is that there's no reason to eliminate sweets during the holiday season. The American Dietetic Association states that all foods can fit in a healthful diet, if consumed in moderation with appropriate portion size and combined with regular physical activity. This goes for holiday sweets too!  The trick, of course, is understanding the science of added sugars and what role they play in the American diet.