You don’t have to gain weight over the holidays if you do some planning. You can avoid the holiday treats trap and over stuffing yourself with high calorie options this way. Remembering that the holidays is not just for food, but for giving thanks and remembering family and loved ones. One way to monitor your snack intake is to prepare your own low calorie goodies that you always have on hand and eliminating the offending, but often yummy snacks, from your home. If you received food gifts that will make your waistline soar, take them to work and share them with coworkers or pack them up in small servings for the freezer. You’ll have them available when guests come and keep them away from your view.
Make your contribution to the holiday season a healthier option.
Creating low calorie snacks for your family get-together or insuring you have ones at your home and work can help you avoid the rush to the tasty cookies, pies and holiday candy. Treat your office one day with a veggie tray and dip made with Greek yogurt. Have fresh fruit available and maybe even create a dark chocolate strawberry dip if you want to indulge yourself. Remember, the main part should be the strawberry with just a skosh of chocolate for flavor. The strawberry is not a vehicle to carry mountains of chocolate dip.
Remember portion control.
You might remember portion control but if you’re starved, it’s a passing memory. Eat ahead of time to insure you’re full enough to resist the many tempting treat. During the holiday times you may be rushed, but take the time to have healthy snacks and meals. It can help you keep portions under control and stop the battle of the bulge you fight every year.
Sip on water.
Part of the problem with controlling snacking is that, like smoking, is giving your hands something do and keeps your mouth busy. Some people have horrible times relaxing at social events like cocktail parties or Holiday parties where the main food is served buffet style. It’s easier to fill your mouth than talk to people you don’t know. Sip on water instead of alcoholic beverages to help keep both your hands and your mouth busy or find someone in the room that looks as uncomfortable, ignored or out of place as you feel. Befriend them by being interested in their life. You might make a great new friend and avoid overeating out of stress.
? Find some delectable creative snacks. One of my favorite snacks was baby asparagus cooked lightly and then cooled on ice and served with a healthy lemony dipping sauce. Elegant, easy and healthy describe it.
? Take time to exercise. Sometimes stress can make you eat even when you’re not hungry. Take time to exercise to burn off those stress hormones, while also enjoying the fat burning it provides.
? Remember, the holiday is a day, not a two month long season. Don’t break down every day saying, “well, it’s the holidays.” Choose your food wisely and save those cheats for just one day.
? Only eat the high calorie foods you love. Don’t sample everything, especially if you don’t like it. Pile your plate with some holiday foods, like Jello with fresh fruits and nimble on a small serving of pie.