How To Eat Healthy During Winterlicious 2013 in Toronto

With the New Year just around the corner, foodies in Toronto are getting excited about the prospect of Winterlicious 2013 taking place January 25^th to February 7^th. The 11^th annual Winterlicious, whose inaugural predecessor included only 35 restaurants, is set to rival last year’s participation of over 175. This appetizing festival allows you to savour foods from a plethora of menus, at price points set to fit the average budget. But wait – it is important not to let this overwhelming expanse of choice and variety kill your healthy eating routine. Follow these tips on how to eat healthy during Toronto’s Winterlicious 2013. 

Winterlicious How to Eat Healthy Tip #1: Don’t overindulge. Just because all of these restaurants are promising a fantastic meal at a great price does not mean that you should try and fit in as many as you can in the few short weeks that Winterlicious 2013 in Toronto is on. Rather than spoiling yourself by eating out every night of the week, which we all know will only lead to packed on poundage, treat yourself by picking 2 or 3 of those restaurants that really stick out, or those ones that you have been dying to try but are just too expensive for a casual Friday night out. Limit yourself to these few and your Winterlicious 2013 dining shouldn’t get out of hand.

Winterlicious How to Eat Healthy Tip #2: Don’t get faked. Beware of those meals that pretend to be healthy. Winterlicious 2013 claims to offer the best of the best from the best – but they make no claims about being the healthiest. A good way to avoid those faker meals, like salads that pretend to be health conscious while being loaded with cheeses, sauces, and a variety of other not so healthy toppings can be deceiving. Avoid those healthier meats, such as a baked chicken breast, smothered in rich sauces that pile on the calories. Keep a watchful eye on those pesky little menu offerings that may be much worse for your waistline.

Winterlicious How to Eat Healthy Tip #3: Beware of that dreaded 3^rd course. Yes, most of the restaurants included in the Winterlicious 2013 roster offer a 3-course meal – the third course almost always being dessert. Although this may seem super tempting, if you are full, do not overeat. If, when your main meal is done, you have to pop the top button on your pants, dessert is probably not the best idea. However, if you feel like dessert is just going to be that cherry on top of the sundae, choose something that is tasty yet still heart and body healthy. For example, a bowl of deep fried ice cream, though tempting, is probably not as healthy as a fruit-topped sorbet…

Winterlicious How to Eat Healthy Tip #4: Don’t go it alone. Speak with a registered dietician, one with experience helping people get in, and stay in, good physical health. Those fad diets that never work just waste time, and so getting nutrition counselling that fits your lifestyle is very important. A registered dietician can work with you to develop a smart eating plan, unique to you, to help you get healthy and stay healthy.

For more tips about how to eat healthy during Winterlicious 2013 in Toronto, or all throughout the year, please contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine to speak to our registered dietician, Stephanie Senior, by calling 416 800 0800, or visit www.aesm.ca.