Take Everything In Moderation (Except For Being With People) This Holiday

"Holidays are about interacting with people," said JoAnn Faris, registered dietitian and owner of Newport Nutrition, with offices in Tiverton and Newport.

"It's important to stop to talk with people and not get caught up in the food."

Faris noted a client had recently mentioned how much she had enjoyed actually talking with people at a party she had attended, which means Faris had done her job and the client had remembered the concept.

"Yay, score one for me," she said. Faris was very excited telling the story, because she truly cares about her clients and she doesn't just 'talk the talk, she walks the walk.'

Literally, there is not one day when you won't see Faris out for her daily brisk walk.

"Exercise is a very important part of your overall health," added Faris. "You can't wait to be inspired, you have to plan it into your schedule."

She said that people tell her, "I don't have an hour to exercise," but she tells them that fifteen minutes is better than nothing. She said that any exercise at all makes the blood start to flow better, making you feel less fatigued and inspiring you to do more.

When asked why she became a dietitian, Faris laughed and said, "I tell people I like to eat." She added that she has strove be healthy and always has been interested in disease prevention and helping people live well.

Faris received her Bachelor's Degree in Food Science and Nutrition from the and her Master's Degree in Human Services with a concentration in gerontology from Southern New Hampshire University, formerly New Hampshire College. She is registered with the American Dietetic Association and is a Certified Diabetes Outpatient Educator. She is licensed in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts and is a consultant and health provider to several local health service organizations.

Faris not only provides private therapeutic and nutrition counseling to individuals, but also nutrition seminars, lectures and workshops to public and professional audiences. She is a frequent guest on radio programs, such as writing the script and being responsible for the technical accuracy on the Portuguese nutrition video "Commendo Bem Para Viver Melhor" (Eating Well to Live Better), which was produced by the St. Anne's Hospital Portuguese Community Health Care Committee in Fall River, MA, and won a Massachusetts Board of Nutrition Award of Excellence.

She was also the technical consultant and a major contributor for "Food, Facts & Fun," a word game and recipe book produced by the Nutrition Council of Rhode Island.

In addition to stressing how important it is to remember that the holidays are about the people and not the food, Faris offers the following tips for enjoying holiday parties and family get-togethers:

First of all, eat something before you go, because it is harder to maintain control when you are hungry and see all the great food your host has prepared.

Next, if you plan to have some cheer of the liquid variety, avoid alcohol or drink in moderation and with or after meals. Alcohol lowers willpower and also stimulates your appetite. If you want to have one alcoholic beverage, switch to club soda, diet soda or water with a lemon wedge for the next drink.

And if you have a drink in your hands, hold it with both hands so one hand isn't free to "graze" for snacks. Avoid the snacks by keeping your distance from them.

And finally, watch portion sizes, pace yourself, and if you are going to treat yourself, make it on those special foods only available this time of year.

Keep it in perspective. If you over-indulge at a holiday party or family meal, don't let it pave the way for a binge or a continued slide away from healthy eating. Get right back on schedule the very next day.

And keep up the exercise routine, even if you have to adjust the times and places because of travel or added guests around your home.

JoAnn Faris, M.S., R.D, L.D.N. at Newport Nutrition can be reached by calling 401-624-2266.