‘Tis the season for family, festivity, and food—lots of food. Temptations are everywhere, and parties and travel disrupt routines. Plus, it all goes on for weeks. All of the Holiday Hustle, doesn’t have to end in extra pounds though. By planning ahead and making some good choices, you can survive until January without adding an extra notch to the belt buckle. Below are several tips to help manage the holidays. Pick a few that you feel will have the biggest impact for you personally and use those rather than try and do it all.
- Be Choosy. Although everything may look delicious, be a picky eater for the day and spend your precious “extra” calories on the foods you love. If you have to have a sweet treat, cut back on other carbs like potatoes and bread.
- Slow down. Remember it take some time to realize we are full. After finishing the first helping, spend some time in conversation and then check your appetite, you might not be as hungry as you thought you were.
- Stay out of the kitchen. Why do we so often gather in the kitchen where it’s easier to mindlessly eat as we visit? Instead, make an effort to socialize in other rooms or at the very least more than an arm’s length from the food.
- Don’t skip meals.Try and eat on your normal schedule as much as possible, this will help with over-eating because you are so hungry after skipping meals. Make an effort to follow your eating plan including good proteins and veggies as you normally would.
- Drink to your health. Drinking wine, beer, and mixed drinks will add 150 to 225 calories per glass. Additionally, alcohol can increase your appetite and decrease self-control. Try and have a glass of water in between drinks beverages if you can’t avoid it all together.
- Get some activity. Even if it’s a bit chilly, a short walk before or after dinner can help clear the mind and burn some of the extra calories you’ve taken in. Additionally, a bit of light exercise after a meal can help level out blood sugars.
- Make your plate colorful. Adding plenty of veggies will help add vitamins and fiber to your meal. Be careful to avoid those with heavy sauces or dressings however.
- Watch the buffets. Take a stroll past the entire buffet before filling your plate, remember tip #1 – Be choosy!
- Pay attention to what really matters. Traditionally food is an integral part of the holidays, but make an attempt to put the focus on family and friends, laughter and cheer.