Augusta, GA - As the holiday season begins, MCG HealthCare issues the following healthy eating tips to avoid putting on too many pounds this holiday season.

• Only get one normal serving (1/2 cup) and avoid going back for seconds.
   
• Avoid eating the turkey skin.
   
• Choose plain vegetables over vegetables with heavy sauces and casseroles.
   
• Have a small serving of only one dessert and eat it very slowly.
   
• Prepare foods with fat-free sour cream, mayonnaise, salad dressing and milk.
   
• Do not skip lunch in order to eat a larger dinner.
   
• Choose more non-starchy vegetables such as green beans, carrots, broccoli, cabbage or asparagus to fill up on and less macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, stuffing and sweet potato casserole.
   
• Choose sugar-free or reduced-calorie beverages.
   
• Chill the turkey drippings and skim off the fat before making gravy.

MCG HealthCare is the health system of the Medical College of Georgia and is comprised of MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the School of Medicine and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Hospitals and Clinics, Children's Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by offering the highest level of primary and specialty health care.