The holidays pose a difficult time for those trying to maintain healthy eating habits. The sheer quantity of food favorites available from mid-November through the first of January is a challenge, even for those with the strongest willpower. So how do you strike a happy balance between the holiday smorgasbord and your desire to keep the pounds at bay?
Clearly, the holidays are not a time to diet. But you can take steps to lessen the impact on your waistline.
Never go to a holiday event on an empty stomach. Fasting ahead of time to leave room for that BIG MEAL or extra trips to the buffet is a no-no. Be sure to eat a snack or light meal before leaving home; foods like chicken or cottage cheese which are high in protein help you eat less later.
Offer to bring a dish to holiday parties. Make it a low-calorie version of a favorite, insuring at least one safe choice. Don’t stand near the buffet where you might be tempted to fill your plate again, and again.
If the event is at your house, do yourself and your guests a favor by including healthier items such as salad, fruit and vegetables on the menu. Provide low-calorie and fat-free salad dressings, dips and condiments. When preparing dishes, look for healthy ingredient substitutions such as low-fat or skim milk instead of whole milk and swap applesauce for oil in baked goods. The dishes can be just as tasty without all the added fat and calories.
Watch your portion sizes. This becomes especially important at a buffet, where there are so many choices, each looking so inviting. You can still have a large variety of food; just eat a small portion of each.
Slow down. Don’t eat as if you’re at an eating competition. Choose your food carefully and then eat slowly, savoring the flavor of each bite. Most people eat so quickly, their stomach is full long before the signal reaches their brain; which usually leads to overeating and that bloated, miserable feeling.
Do your best to stick with an exercise program. Exercise not only helps keep away the pounds but also helps to reduce the stress which often accompanies family get-togethers and social events. After the meal, take the socializing outdoors for a nice walk around the neighborhood or to a nearby park.
Don’t fall into the fast food trap. The holiday season can be hectic and leave you with little time to prepare healthy meals. Plan ahead; prepare meals ahead of time and freeze them so they are handy when you need them.
Be realistic. Holidays are a time for fun and you will want to join in. Instead of dieting, try aiming for maintaining your present weight by making smart eating choices and staying active. Pat yourself on the back for all of your efforts!
Clearly, the holidays are not a time to diet. But you can take steps to lessen the impact on your waistline.
Never go to a holiday event on an empty stomach. Fasting ahead of time to leave room for that BIG MEAL or extra trips to the buffet is a no-no. Be sure to eat a snack or light meal before leaving home; foods like chicken or cottage cheese which are high in protein help you eat less later.
Offer to bring a dish to holiday parties. Make it a low-calorie version of a favorite, insuring at least one safe choice. Don’t stand near the buffet where you might be tempted to fill your plate again, and again.
If the event is at your house, do yourself and your guests a favor by including healthier items such as salad, fruit and vegetables on the menu. Provide low-calorie and fat-free salad dressings, dips and condiments. When preparing dishes, look for healthy ingredient substitutions such as low-fat or skim milk instead of whole milk and swap applesauce for oil in baked goods. The dishes can be just as tasty without all the added fat and calories.
Watch your portion sizes. This becomes especially important at a buffet, where there are so many choices, each looking so inviting. You can still have a large variety of food; just eat a small portion of each.
Slow down. Don’t eat as if you’re at an eating competition. Choose your food carefully and then eat slowly, savoring the flavor of each bite. Most people eat so quickly, their stomach is full long before the signal reaches their brain; which usually leads to overeating and that bloated, miserable feeling.
Do your best to stick with an exercise program. Exercise not only helps keep away the pounds but also helps to reduce the stress which often accompanies family get-togethers and social events. After the meal, take the socializing outdoors for a nice walk around the neighborhood or to a nearby park.
Don’t fall into the fast food trap. The holiday season can be hectic and leave you with little time to prepare healthy meals. Plan ahead; prepare meals ahead of time and freeze them so they are handy when you need them.
Be realistic. Holidays are a time for fun and you will want to join in. Instead of dieting, try aiming for maintaining your present weight by making smart eating choices and staying active. Pat yourself on the back for all of your efforts!
No comments:
Post a Comment