There’s a reason why most new year’s resolutions are to lose weight. We tend to overeat during the months preceding. Beginning with the Halloween candy to Thanksgiving dinner and culminating with countless holiday parties and Christmas and Hanukkah goodies, it is often difficult to resist the yummy food. Here are some tips to eat right during the holiday season.
One trick to avoid over eating is a simple one. Drink water before and during a meal. Drinking a glass of water before you eat helps to fill up your stomach, making it easier to fill full on the appropriate portions. Drinking water during your meal also helps aid digestion.
We’re often running around during the holidays with extra activities. Plan for your weekly dinners. Planning meals ahead of time saves you from the last-minute drive through on your way to the holiday concert.
Eat a light snack before going to a holiday party will also help fill you up. Choose a protein rich snack around 150-200 calories such as yogurt, cheese or nuts. This will help you feel full longer. We all know not to grocery shop hungry. The same can apply to a holiday party. Don’t go in hungry and you’re less likely to overeat.
When partaking in the holiday meal, fill your plate with mostly fruits and veggies. We tend to fill our plates to the brim during family events. This way your plate will be mostly full of good for you items. Additionally, if you’re going to a holiday pot-luck, bring the healthy dish. That way you’ll know there’s at least one thing you can fill up on.
Go for a walk. Are those Christmas cookies calling you from the kitchen? Often our overeating comes from having excess food around the house. It’s there, we know it tastes good, so we eat it. Next time you’re craving cookies, fudge, or salty snacks, take a walk first. Occasionally our desire for this food arises out of boredom. Going for a walk not only gives us something to do, but improves our mood, gives us an energy boost and takes our mind off food.
Finally, when it comes to partaking in the holiday joy, don’t deny yourself. It won’t do you any good to deny that slice of pie only to binge on desserts at the next party. The saying, all things in moderation applies to food as well. Denying yourself may make you resent it later. Have the pie, but ask for the slice to be cut in half. Additionally, be sure to eat right the day before and after the party to balance out any excess caloric intake.
What tips do you use to eat right during the holiday season? Let us know what works for you!
