‘Tis the season for food, friends, family and … more food. The holidays are often stuffed with mouthwatering feasts and delectable desserts. And while you may be tempted to enjoy it all, you can do so in moderation. Here are some tips to help you maintain your weight while still enjoying the festivities.
- Grab a healthy snack: Resist the temptation to skip meals in order to indulge later. You might think you’re saving calories, but it often leads to overeating. Instead, opt for a healthy snack before a holiday celebration to help control your hunger.
- Indulge wisely: We know you don’t want to miss out on your favorite holiday foods. But to keep from eating too much, pick a few of the ones you love and skip the food you can have any other time of year.
- Make it colorful: Don’t skip the fruits and veggies just because it’s the holidays. Set a goal to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables.
- Raise a glass: But to avoid extra calories, try to drink low-calorie or calorie-free beverages like water or tea. If you do indulge in festive holiday drinks, try alternating your holiday beverage with a glass of water in between.
- Get moving: As in, move away from the buffet table! It’s easy to grab and graze when you’re chatting next to the food. Catch up with your friends and family away from the table to help prevent unnecessary eating. Focus on the conversation; after all, it’s calorie-free!
- Say no thanks: We all have that one person who insists on you having more food. From “No thank you but I enjoyed my meal immensely” to “I can’t eat any more right now, but I’d be happy to take some home,” be prepared with your response.
- Balance it out: Sometimes you can’t resist the tasty treats and you overindulge. It’s OK! Just bring a little balance back to your day by making healthier choices at your next meal.
- Work it out: Exercise, such as walking before or after a meal, also can help prevent weight gain. Try to stand more than you sit (since it burns more calories) and offer to help clean up!
With these tips, you can enjoy the holiday season — maybe even without adding any extra stuffing around your waist.
