- Do not skip breakfast or lunch – this will only make you ravenous at mealtime and you will overeat. The starve and stuff cycle is the worst thing you can do for metabolism. Have a light, healthy snack or a protein shake before leaving for the party – this will make you less likely to binge eat.
- Cocktails and mixed drinks can also be loaded with fat, sugar and calories. Watch your intake and be aware.
- Survey the food being served so that you can make the best food choices
- Fill up on the fibrous foods – veggies and fruits
- Do not station yourself next to the buffet or food table.
Shopping
The shopping malls are loaded this time of year with treats and sweet temptations. Do not head out to the shopping mall with an empty stomach. Have a meal or a protein shake prior to departure. Take a bottle of water with you as well as to make sure you stay hydrated.
Fitness
Exercise goes hand in hand with healthy eating. Do not let the stress, the hustle and bustle of the holidays knock you off track!. Stick to your routine. If you are out of town, do not worry about getting to the gym. Hit the pavement. Hike, walk, jog…..whatever works. Do not fall into the trap of “I am working out through the holidays, therefore I can eat more.” Not true. Do not look for ways to increase your food intake.
Food preparation and Cooking
Begin new traditions! Plan your holiday meals with new low-fat, low sugar menu ideas. Get the family involved.
- Challenge each family member to offer a new healthy recipe
- Think about new ways to decrease fat and sugars when cooking
- Have plenty of vegetables and fruits on hand for snacking
- Keep portion sizes small
- Remember not to skip meals in preparation for the celebration dinner
- Cook vegetables with liquids (broths, water), not oils
- Add spices to flavor instead butter
- Use low fat salad dressing
- Skip the bread and rolls
- Substitute whole milk with skim when cooking
- Steam, boil or bake your foods instead frying
- Again, do not skip breakfast or lunch in preparation of the holiday meal. You will be starving by mealtime and overeat everytime.
- When making holiday foods such as cookies, cakes, pies, make just enough for the meal. This will keep you from snacking on sweets between meals. If there is none to eat – you will not eat it.
- Split dessert. A few bites is all that you need.
Total Elimination of Foods
If you totally eliminate a favorite (yet unhealthy) food from your diet, you are more likely to crave, binge and go overboard later. Have a taste and leave it at that………
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water. The more hydrated you are the more satisfied you will feel. Keep in mind that caffeine and alcohol contribute to dehydration.
HAVE A GREAT AND HEATLHY HOLIDAY SEASON !!!