Holidays bring us together to celebrate traditions and spread good cheer. They also bring a lot of opportunities for socializing, eating, and drinking. Even the most disciplined people struggle with temptation during the holiday season, yes… including myself!
To navigate through the Holiday parties and get-togethers with your healthy diet intact, you need a strategy! Having a plan in place will help you handle night after night of eating and drinking.
Here are my Top 5 Holiday Diet Tips that will help you enjoy your favorite foods, but keep you in control.
1. Wear snug clothes and keep one hand busy. When you wear snug-fitting clothes, chances are you’ll be too busy holding in your stomach to overeat. While you stand around looking stylish in your new holiday outfit, hold a cup of water in your dominant hand so it won’t be so easy to grab food.
2. Chew gum. Pop a piece of sugarless gum into your mouth when you do not want to eat. This works well when you’re cooking or when you’re trying not to dive into the buffet.
3. Be a food snob. If you don’t love it, don’t eat it! Scan the buffet for foods you truly treasure and skip the everyday dishes that are available all year long. And don’t think it’s your responsibility to sample everything on the buffet. Go ahead and indulge in your personal holiday favorites, then find a seat and, slowly and mindfully, savor every mouthful.
4. No skipping meals. Always eat normally on the day of a party. People who skip meals to save up calories tend to over eat everything in sight once they get to the gathering. Eating sensibly throughout the day will take the edge off the appetite and empower a bit of restraint. Start with a nourishing breakfast, have a light lunch, then a small snack or salad shortly before the event.
5. Skip the appetizers. Avoid the appetizers! If you need a little nibble before the meal, go for the veggies, fruit, salsa, or a small handful of nuts.
Holiday parties are much more than food and drinks. They are a time to delight in the traditions of the season, and enjoy the company of family and friends. If you keep the focus on the spirit of the season, you will most likely get through the holidays without gaining a pound.
