The holiday season can be a difficult time for a healthy eating regimen. But with a few tips and a little effort, you can maintain your healthy lifestyle – and waistline – in the midst of all the yummy holiday temptations:
- There are no “bad” foods, but portion size is important. Enjoy your favorite holiday foods, but keep the portions small. Eat just enough to satisfy your craving. If you’re afraid you will overindulge, take a small helping and get the rest out of sight!
- Don’t starve yourself before a holiday get together or meal. Under eating during the day in order to make room for those extra calories in the evening may lead to overindulgence. Don’t go to the party hungry. Eat small, healthy meals during the day to balance your calorie intake and leave just enough room for the small portion of that holiday treat!
- Liquids do count. Stick to low-calorie beverages like water or diet soda, especially if you want to save your calories for food. Remember that alcoholic beverages are higher in calories. Eggnog will run you about 300 calories and 17 grams of fat per serving. That can add up quickly!
- Cook with low-calorie, low-fat ingredients. If you’re the host of the party, incorporate healthy meal options and cook with light ingredients. Your guests will appreciate it when they step on the scale! Extra Tip: If you’re worried about healthy options as a guest at a party, bring your own healthy dish that can be shared with everyone!
- Try to eat mindfully. Really think, “Am I really hungry?”, before you take the next bite. Pay attention to your hunger ques. This is a challenge when deep in conversation or mingling with friends, so make a conscientious effort to pay attention to what hits your lips.
- If you can’t resist it, avoid it. If you constantly find yourself overindulging when you know you shouldn’t, stay away from your temptations. Don’t start a conversation next to the hors d’oeuvres table, for example, or get the extra sweets out of the house after your Christmas dinner by sending them home with your guests.
- Exercise. Despite your best effort, you may still take in a few extra calories this time of year. Counteract them with some healthy exercise. Recommended all year long, daily moderate exercise will help you maintain your weight, boost your self-esteem and has even been shown to improve your mood.