Holiday Parties and Celebrations can make it feel almost impossible to stick to a healthy eating plan and leave you with what I like to call “Holiday Hangover” (the extra weight that hangs over you belt after over indulging on holiday treats.) But you need not just throw in the towel and give in to weight gain, instead try some of these tips for controlling holiday eating and sticking to a healthy plan while enjoying all the season has to offer.
Never go to a celebration hungry. If you are starving when you arrive you wont make good choices. Don’t try to save your daily calorie allowance to eat a lot during for the “Big Meal”, this almost always guarantees you will end up eating way over your calorie goal. Instead stick with your normal eating schedule and have light meals before arriving at the party.
Be mindful of your choices and remember you can taste small amounts of everything you like but don’t look to fill up on any one item. If you love lasagna but also want to try all the other dishes, don’t take a portion of lasagna appropriate for when there are no other foods to accompany it.
Before filling your plate, look at all the foods available and decide which are really worth the calories. You do not have to sample every item just to be polite. Take small portions of everything and remember you can always go back for a little more of what you really loved. This will help you avoid eating a big portion of something that was not that enjoyable, just because it’s on your plate and you don’t want to waste it.
When it comes to dessert, things like cakes and pies are often sliced way too big. Don’t feel impolite cutting a slice in half even quarters, before taking some. Remember, you want to taste things not fill up on them.
Be sure to choose some healthy items like salad or fresh vegetables to help you avoid filling up on only the fattening foods available.
Pay attention to your hunger cues, and stop eating as soon as you don’t feel hungry. Avoid eating until you are stuffed.
If you happen to over indulge, acknowledge it but don’t feel defeated . Instead try to make better choices the rest of the day.
Remember that even if you have some food left on your plate when you feel satisfied, you don’t need to clean your plate.
Take time to chew your food and savor the flavors and aroma. Rushing through a meal often leads to over indulging, because it takes 20-30 minutes before your stomach signals your brain that you are full.
Remember to enjoy the people and the atmosphere as well. Holidays are for gathering with friends and loved ones, avoid making food the focus.
Happy Holidays!
