Tips for getting through the holiday without gaining a lot of weight!!
1. Eat what you love, leave what you like! Just because it serves, it doesn’t mean we have to pilot on our plate. Instead of piling your plate a mile high with things that don’t really tantalize your taste buds, pick only the foods that give me a true enjoyment. If something doesn’t make you excited....leave it on the sideline!
2. keep your treats to one day a week. The biggest mistake people make it the holidays is making Thanksgiving a four-day feast instead of a one-day indulgence. The holiday parties comm and all of a sudden you’re giving yourself an excuse to have treats nearly every single day.
3. Get rid of the guilt. Feeling guilty after eating food you don’t usually allow yourself to eat can breed more unhealthy behaviors. So abandon those negative voices in your head, give yourself permission to enjoy the indulgence guilt free and then remember to get back on track with your normal eating routine the very next day.
4. Don’t eat something just because it’s holiday food. Listen to your body, most people eat particular foods like pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving or eggnog at a Christmas party because that’s what we do during the holidays. Just because it’s for a limited time only doesn’t mean you actually have to eat it.
5. Always eat low to high when it comes to calories. Start with Broth-based soup or salad, then we want to lean protein and by the time you reach those triple fudge brownies a few bites will be all you need to feel satisfied.
6. Alternate your bubbly with sparkling water. On average most adults consume almost 100 cal a day from alcoholic beverages. Since avoiding alcoholic beverages altogether maybe hard during this time for some, sparkling water keep things festive and can cut the calories in half.
7. Don’t be fooled by, it’s healthy. You can gain weight even if you eat healthy. You can overdo it with veggies and dip or creamy asparagus soup just like you can with ice cream. So make sure you’re not eating something based solely on it to health aura and keep an eye on your portion sizes.
8. This one might be my favorite. Go to social gatherings together, not to eat. I’ve always said this. Just because there’s food around doesn’t mean we’re there to eat. You’re probably there at family gatherings or work parties or social events to see your friends and love ones so make sure you take the time to see them and visit with them not continuously feeding your face. A good idea is to pre-eat before you go protein and vegetables to stabilize your blood sugar so you can keep your focus where it belongs on the present company.
9. Break out the skinny jeans. Elastic waist bands, sweaters another loose clothing or practically an engraved invitation to over eat. Leave those roomy pants in the back of the closet.
10. Just say no… Two food pushers. You know who I’m talking about, it’s the one that always comes around and says oh you got to eat some more of this. Politely decline and then offer a compliment .....”oh those look amazing and you’re so thoughtful to make them for me. I’m too full to enjoy them right now but could I take a couple home? “
11. Remember between holiday traveling and work schedules and all that shopping it can be easy to skimp on your sleep. Getting 6 to 9 hours of sleep every night helps to regulate hormones, promotes recovery from work outs, and prevent daily fatigue.
12. This is a good rule to use throughout the entire year. It’s called “three bites and good night”. Stick to the three bite rule for desserts. The first bite is the best, the last is the grand finale and every bite in between is exactly the same. In three bites you get the full dessert experience, so really focus on savoring those three and you’re less likely to over indulge!!
