…that you have to accept weight gain as inevitable during the holidays! It IS all a matter of choice! There are a number of tips for managing all the extra tempting goodies and big meals available to us over the next few weeks. Here are a few
Don’t go hungry! It’s important to eat at regular times throughout the day before attending your special event so you don’t go hungry.Eating small frequent meals helps keep your energy levels even, and your hunger at bay, and makes you less likely to give in to temptations.
Avoid portion distortion. Use the smallest plate available for built-in portion control. Fill your plate with healthy choicesfirst, like fresh vegetables and salad, and lean proteins. Limit or skip foods that are high in calories and low in nutritional value.
Leftovers Leftover food often finds its way into our mouths rather than the storage containers we intended. Help yourself by choosing a clean-up job away from food (such as washing the dishes) while someone else clears plates and puts away leftovers.
Chew, chew, chew! It typically takes the stomach 15 to 20 minutes to signal the brain that you’ve had enough food. Savor each bite by eating slowly and allow yourself to hear when you are full
Think your drink. Beverages, especially alcoholic choices, can be packed with calories. Opt for zero-calorie beverages such as unsweetened iced tea, coffee, seltzer water, diet soda, and water. If others are indulging in alcoholic drinks, volunteer to be the designated driver—it’s the perfect excuse to graciously decline any alcoholic beverage!
Strut your stuff. Use the holidays as an opportunity to be a role model for healthier living to those around you. Demonstrate the secrets of successful life-long maintainers by balancing moderate holiday indulgences with wise nutrition/food choices and increased physical activity.
Bring your own. If your event is a potluck, bring a healthy dishthat you can enjoy. A taco salad made with greens, tomatoes,scallions, green peppers, and taco-seasonedground turkey is sure to be a hit. If your event is not a potluck, bring a hostess gift of fresh vegetables and low-fat dip.
Hope those ideas help, and Happy Holidays to all of you!