Avoid Holiday Overating!
They say that the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year. There are celebrations, parties, and gatherings to enjoy all holiday season. While we are enjoying ourselves in the company of others, it is really easy to overindulge in all the food and treats that go hand in hand with all holiday cheer. Here is a list of 20 tips to avoid holiday overeating.
1. Keep Your Normal Eating Schedule: Do not skip meals in anticipation of the party that is later in the day. Instead, eat lighter, healthier meals, so you can still have something to eat at the party without being so hungry that you eat everything in sight.
2. Fruit and Veggies: Most likely you are not eating enough fruit and vegetables to begin with, so start with those at the party. They will help you to fill you up without adding up to a lot of calories.
3. Watch Out For Dips and Dressings: A lot of calories can be hidden in those creamy dips and dressings. Limit yourself to a very small partition or skip them altogether.
4. Moderation: If there are some foods that you want to sample, than by all means have a small amount; not a large plate full. Moderation is the key to not overeating at a party.
5. Do Not Deprive Yourself: If you look forward to having some of that holiday cheeseball, then make sure to get your cheese. By not having something that you really want will cause you to other things to fill that void. If there is something that you look forward to having, it is better to treat yourself to that food than to substitute it with many portions of other foods.
6. Eat Slowly: It takes time for your body to register the fact that it is full. On the average it takes about 20 minutes. A lot of needless calories can be consumed in that time. Do not rush through your meals.
7. Avoid Stress Eating: This is a tough one during one of the hectic times during the year. However, when you are stressed instead of reaching into the cookie jar, reach for your walking shoes and go for a brisk walk. Fill up the tub with some scented bubbles and take a relaxing dip. There are plenty of healthier ways to relieve stress than eating.
8. Keep Hydrated: Keeping hydrated is tough during any time of the year, but it is especially hard during the holiday hustle and bustle. Keep a bottle of water with you as much as possible. People often mistaken thirst for hunger.
9. Alcohol Consumption: There are a lot of calories in alcohol. Be mindful of the amount of alcohol that you consume. Get in the habit of alternating an alcohol beverage with a tall glass of water or sparkling non-alcohol beverage to help reduce the amount of empty calories.
10. Plan Ahead: If you know that you are going to a dinner party in the evening, plan the rest of your meals and snacks accordingly for the day. Have light meals that are high in fiber to get the full feeling while keeping calories in check.
11. Stay On The Move: While at a party, do not sit down for any length of time. Instead, keep on the move. Once you fill your plate with your food choices, move away from the food and keep moving. Not only will this help to aid is digesting your food, but by walking around, you will burn calories.
12. Bring A Dish: When attending a party, being a dish with you. Make sure that it is a low calorie dish that you will enjoy eating at the party. Not only will you have something that you know that you can eat, your host will be grateful for the gesture.
13. No Elastic Waistbands: Do not wear clothes with elastic waistbands or that are a bit roomy. They make it too easy for you to overeat. Instead wear that clingy dress that you have worked so hard to get into or those slimming tight pants. They will help you to keep your eating in check.
14. Sleep: Even with your busy holiday schedule, it is important to get plenty of sleep. Lack of sleep tends to lead to cravings of foods filled with starch and sugar.
15. Buddy System: Enroll your partner or friend in your cause, in keeping your eating in check. When at a party ask them to help you from going crazy with the foods and drinks. It will work better if your buddy also wants to keep their calories in check.
16. Do Not Eat While Cooking: It is very easy to snack away while cooking, however do not do it. Instead, consider chewing on a piece of gum or have some sugar free hard candy on hand to keep something in your mouth besides all the food.
17. Freeze Leftovers: It is really tempting to eat the leftover pie that is sitting on the kitchen counter. Remove the temptation and freeze all the leftovers. Out of sight, out of mind.
18. Adjust Serving Sizes: The holidays would not be the same if you did not make your family’s favorite fudge. Go ahead and make it. Cut the pieces into smaller serving sizes. This way you are not depriving yourself of the treat while cutting down on the calories.
19. Snack: It is important to snack throughout the holiday season. Consider carrying a serving of nuts or peanut butter with you when you are out shopping or running errands. Not only will it keep your hunger in check, it will also help you to keep your sanity in check too.
20. The After Party: Once the party is over and you have returned home, you cannot ignore the urge to have a snack. The best way to keep the calories in check in this instance is to prepare your late night snack before you go. Cut up some fruit and have it waiting for you when you come home. Pop some popcorn and have it waiting for you next to a bottle of water.
It is possible to enjoy all the holiday foods and keep yourself from overeating. It just takes a little thought and planning on your end, but well worth it in the end. Please contact us with any question or comments that you may have. We would love to hear from you.
