It's that time of year that is great for your taste buds, but it might not be that great for your waist line. The time between Halloween and New Years is often referred to as the holidays, but it might as well be called the danger zone. From candy corn to candy canes, you are surrounded with tasty treats at work, parties, and at home. Check out these 7 tips to help avoid those few pounds you might find around the holidays.
Slow Down and Savor
Food is fuel and needed to get you the nutrients you need. But food is also supposed to be fun and enjoyed! Eating quickly makes it difficult to really taste the full flavor of the food. Slowing down and savoring the food allows you to enjoy your favorite foods without overdoing the portion size.
Watch Your Alcohol Intake
A nice glass of wine or a holiday cocktail can really liven up the party. Overdoing it with the alcohol adds up the sneaky calories that pile up over the night. While that may be an obvious side effect, you may not consider that your plans of avoiding seconds or another dessert may go out the window when you're three sheets to the wind. Have a limit going in and try your best to stick to it.
Focus On Family and Friends
Food is not the reason for the season. Use this time to connect with family and friends, and use outings as an opportunity to focus on conversation. If you are going to a party alone, try to invite a friend so you don't find yourself bored and next to the snacks.
Bring Your Own Treats
If you know you are going to an event with food ask if you can bring your own treats. You may not know what will be available, so planning ahead can be helpful for providing good choices. Veggie trays, fruit, and healthy dip choices are great options that travel well.
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Showing up hungry at an event with food can be as dangerous as grocery shopping while hungry. You don't know what you've done until you made it home with three different kinds of cookies and a half eaten candy bar. Eating a healthy snack of vegetables or lean protein can be a great strategy for avoiding hunger. Eating high volume foods like salad or soup before heading out can also help avoid grazing throughout the night.
Fill Up on Healthy Choices...
If you fill up on good choices it leaves less room for seconds and thirds of dessert. Focus on filling up on vegetables, salad, and lean protein (like turkey). Grab one plate, don't stack it high, and avoid seconds and you will have a great start.
...Eat the "Must Haves"
Maybe it's your aunt's pecan pie or your mom's mashed potatoes, but there are foods during this time of year that you wait for the day after the leftovers are gone. Depriving yourself of your favorite foods can lead to binging and disappointment. Enjoy reasonable portions of your favorite foods and avoid the foods you know you won't be able to stop eating once you start.
Follow these tips, and you may have yourself a healthier holiday. Please comment if you have any other strategies for staying on track during this time of year!
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