How to Eat Healthy This Holiday Season
There’s so much going on this time of year. Along with holiday festivities comes plenty of holiday temptation and indulgences.
Below are some of The Fitness Center’s “healthy eating tips” to keep in mind as you enjoy each moment of this special time of year.
- Never starve yourself the day of a big party or meal. Your body cannot metabolize an over- abundance of calories at one time. You don’t want to throw off your metabolism and cause you to be more inclined to overeat due to hunger.
- Eat a healthy snack before going to a party or open house. This will help you gain control over your appetite.
- Keep something in your hand besides food. This can help keep you from grazing when standing around the table.
- Drink a tall glass of water before going to a party or big meal. This will help you fill up as well.
- Watch alcohol consumption. Alcohol will dehydrate you, which causes your body to crave fluids, often this thirst sensation is mistaken for hunger. Also, alcohol calories quickly add up.
- Be aware of all the sweets. They are loaded with sugar which are empty calories. Try to limit your intake to a taste if you must.
- Don’t tell everyone you are on a diet. They could be tempted to encourage you to eat unhealthy food since it is a special holiday event.
- Prepare your responses in advance when others suggest foods you know are not in your healthy eating plan.
- Position yourself away from the food table.
- If you or the host or hostess and are planning the main meal, provide low-fat, low carb alternatives as part of your menu for those who are watching what they eat.
- Give party left-overs and rich desserts to a shelter or church organization.
- Give fruit and other healthy food gifts. Have a healthy-heart concern for your friends and family as well.
- Volunteer to be the designated driver. When traveling with a group to a party where there will be a lot of alcohol available, it will save calories and your friends at the same time.
- Remember, it isn’t the big parties that cause the problem, but rather the day-to-day eating. Avoid the “I’ve blown it now” syndrome; just get back on your eating plan the next day.
- Every day you stay on your healthy holiday eating plan set aside a reward (money, spa, etc.). Reward yourself after the New Year for your good behavior.
- Avoid emotional eating. While the holidays are fun, they are also quite stressful. If you feel inclined to eat go relax, take a walk or a short nap instead.
- At your big meals (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s) go ahead and enjoy what is before you. The key though, would be portion-control. In other words you can have your cake and eat it too, just don’t eat the whole cake.
- Focus on trying to maintain your weight throughout the holidays. Most people gain 5-10 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Years. This way you won’t have a lot to battle when the next year comes around.
- Remember–The holidays only come once a year! Enjoy them! At least if you know you are trying to have a little will-power, then you will be much better off than the one who isn’t trying at all.
Happy Holidays from The Fitness Center!
