Healthy Eating During the Holidays, Wait What?!

Did you think the holiday’s were a time to “let loose,” …literally? Well, you are not alone. Many Americans are under the impression that their diet, or healthy eating regime doesn’t count during the holidays. However, if this is the case, you WILL be counting the pounds that are packed on instead of ‘counting’ your diet as existent.

So, just how are you supposed to eat healthy during the holiday’s you ask? Well its simple really, as long as you know what you are doing. With these simple tips, you will be sure to fend off those urges to indulge in the calorie loaded foods that come out this time of year.

Eat Before You Party.

Who said having a snack before leaving for the party/dinner was a bad thing? In this case it is definitely not bad and it is actually encouraged. As long as you are snacking on healthy foods such as nuts, fruit or veggies you should eat a little something before you leave the house so you aren’t starving when you arrive at the party. This will cause you to not have those cravings as much because you will have a little something in your stomach already.  

 Keep the Focus off the Food.

When going to a holiday party or dinner do not pay most of your attention to what is being served. Instead, focus on who is at the party. Keep conversations engaging and entertaining with your family and friends. This is a great way to distract your brain, (and stomach) from the wonderful appetizers that may be set out.

One Doesn’t Mean More.

Just because you limit yourself to one round through the buffet line (which you should do), doesn’t mean to scoop a larger portion of each dish that you normally would. Be mindful of the calories in each item and serve yourself accordingly. Your brain will tempt you to take more food that you actually NEED, so be aware of how much is actually going on your plate.

*Tip- try not to allow your food to touch, even if you don’t mind it when they do. This will create smaller portion sizes! (don’t “stack” or “tower” your food either!)

Elastic is NOT an Option.

Yes, we all know that little trick of wearing pants and skirts with elastic waist lines, or wearing baggy shirts and dresses so you don’t feel as full when you are eating. By NOT doing this, you will fell yourself getting full, and actually worry about it. This will help you to not over eat.

It is not a Race.

When there is food in front of me, I eat it, all of it. Especially when others are still eating as well. Try to pave yourself while you eat. By not finishing first you won’t have the temptation to go up for seconds just because others are still eating. You will also allow yourself to feel the fullness setting in, instead of it attacking you so suddenly you didn’t even know you were eating.

One last tip, Chew Gum.

After you have completed your meal, grab a piece of gum. This will also eliminate the desire to continue to eat. It also makes you breathe smell nice!

Now you have the tips and tricks to continue your healthy eating plan for the remainder of the year. Don’t let a couple dinner party splurges ruin your year of training and ecerciese