By Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A.
Associate Professor of Family Medicine
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine

DR. SIMPSON DONS CHEF’S CAP AND PROVIDES RX FOR HOLIDAY CHEER

As we have done for a number of years at this time of year, I’m dispensing for one week with my normal discussion of the diagnosis and treatment of the litany of human illnesses. Instead, in recognition of the holiday season, I’m going to take off my white coat and don my chef’s cap.

This joyous time of year is marked by gatherings with family and friends -- and lots of great food. Many people find it hard to maintain their weight over the holidays. Some even throw caution to the wind and forego sensible eating altogether from Thanksgiving through Christmas and all the way to New Year’s Day.

There are a few things you can do to keep your weight under control without starving yourself or avoiding holiday parties altogether. First, don’t feel guilty about having a little taste of something yummy, but watch your portion size. To help you do this, I’d suggest it’s a good idea to eat something low-cal and nutritious before you go to a party. In other words, fill up on such things as salad and fruit prior to your encounter with holiday baked goods. Avoid the temptation to gorge. While we all would love to have second helpings at that special dinner, don’t. Have another large glass of water or an unsweetened beverage.

If you love to bake over the holidays, as I do, go ahead—bake all you want, but gift wrap your goodies and make them gifts for friends and coworkers who can enjoy them. Here’s a quick bread recipe that you might want to try. It’s festive, seasonal and makes a great gift.

Cranberry Bread

1 ¾ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 egg
2/3 cup orange juice
1 cup fresh chopped cranberries
½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
Optional sugar/cinnamon topping

In a medium bowl, beat the egg, add the oil, orange juice and sugar. Sift dry ingredients -- flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt -- together in a bowl. Stir into egg mixture. Fold in cranberries and nuts. Top with sugar and cinnamon prior to baking, if desired. Bake at 350 degrees in a greased loaf pan a for about an hour or until toothpick comes out clean.

This will yield one loaf of bread of about 250 calories per slice, if sliced into 12 pieces. Wrap it in festive plastic wrap and ribbon.

Enjoy your holiday season!

Family Medicine® is a weekly column. To submit questions, write to Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A., Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, P.O. Box 110, Athens, Ohio 45701, or via e-mail to readerquestions@familymedicinenews.org. Medical information in this column is provided as an educational service only. It does not replace the judgment of your personal physician, who should be relied on to diagnose and recommend treatment for any medical conditions. Past columns are available online at www.familymedicinenews.org.