Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat... That doesn't

mean that we have to be! Here are some tips for preparing and eating healthier this Christmas.

1. Roast your turkey on a rack to keep it from taking a hot bath in the fat drippings.

2. Cook the stuffing in a separate dish, not inside the turkey.

3. If you use pre-packaged stuffing, try to find one without hydrogenated vegetable oils.

4. Skim as much of the fat out of the juice in the pan when you make the gravy.

5. Put out appetizers of fruit and vegetables about an hour prior to the meal. Fill up on those healthy nibbles before taking on a huge meal.

6. Serve nuts in the shell. People eat less if they have to go through work to get to it!

7. Don't put out bowls of candy and chocolate. Place a couple of candy pieces on the tree for each guest.

8. Offer low-calorie drinks. Many alcoholic drinks even offer a low-cal alternative these days. Also try to remember to eat a protein before consuming alcohol to minimize the sugar high and crash effect.

9. Cook with fresh ingredients. Stay away from processed foods. Most processed foods lose the vitamins and nutrients needed to aid in the absorption and digestive process. Therefore, these vitamins are taken from the body, leaving the body depleted and feeling tired.

10. Do not starve yourself all day in anticipation of a wonderful meal. Eating a small meal earlier in the day will help you to avoid overeating.

Enjoy the holidays!!