How do you get through the holidays without gorging and gaining weight? It’s not easy, but it is doable. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you enjoy the temptations without going wild!
1. Before going to dinner or attending a party, indulge in a salad or eat an apple. Give your body some good nourishment and some fiber to fill you up some.
2. Control your portions!
- Don’t grab food off every tray that passes by as you’re chatting with people. Pay attention to what and how much you’re putting in your mouth. It’s easiest to monitor if you put a few snacks on a small plate and then leave it alone.
- If you’re sitting down to dinner: fill half your plate with vegetables (salad, side dishes, etc); reserve one quarter of the plate for protein (meat, fish, beans); and reserve the other quarter of the plate for carbohydrates (rice, potatoes, pasta). This allows you try lots of dishes without getting up for seconds and thirds and over doing it.
3. Wear tight fitting pants or belt. I know, it sounds funny but you’ll be very aware when your stomach expands. Guess what? It’s definitely time to stop when that happens.
4. Share food with a friend or loved one. Rather than indulging in whole portions, cut them in half and share. This way, you can sample more foods without taking in all the calories.
5. If you can’t say no to sweets, fried food, butter, cream sauces, salad dressing, and gravies, then do your best to control your portions (once again). Eat one fried shrimp instead of five. Skip the butter and dip your bread in the gravy that you’re already enjoying on your potatoes. Ask for salad dressing on the side and dip your fork in it before spearing your salad. You get the idea, right?
6. Get moving! If you’re not currently exercising, start a walking program for yourself (take your dog, if you have one). If you are currently exercising, add more cardio fitness to your workouts during the holiday season.
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