Why “weight”? - Strategies for eating right during the holiday season

The holiday season is upon us and you may be thinking, “There is no point in starting my diet now.  I'll just enjoy the holiday season and join a gym and start my diet in the New Year.”  So you will go to your holiday parties and family gatherings and eat everything in sight and after the holidays you will have that much more weight to lose. I say why wait? Start today.

Here are some strategies for eating right during the holiday season.

1. Eat well during the day
If you are going to a holiday party in the late afternoon or evening, it is tempting to not eat during the day in order to “save up” you calories for the party. This is NOT a great idea. This usually backfires, as you will be so hungry when you get to the party that you will eat more than you usually would. So make sure to eat during that day, focus on high protein low calorie foods like grilled chicken and roasted vegetables.

2. Eat before you go
One way to curb your appetite is to eat a small meal about 45 minutes before you go to your holiday party. By the time you get there you will start to feel full and that will help you not overeat.

3. Have a plan
It's the holiday season. There is going to be dessert. Not only that, you may have looked forward to one of Aunt Susan's special Christmas desserts all year. Have a plan for dessert. Decide to eat just one dessert and have a piece about half the size you may usually have. This way you will have a small reward to look forward to.

4. Host the party
This is the best way to control your diet during the holiday season.  If you host the event you are in control of what food is served. This will allow you to make sure that there is always a healthy option available. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't serve some of the family favorites that may be outside of your dietary limits. At least this way you will know it's there and be mentally prepared to substitute a healthier dish instead.

5. Bring a healthy option
You can't host every party, and you may not want to either.  If you are going to someone else’s house for a holiday meal make sure you bring a healthy option. This way you will know that there is at least one thing that you will be able to eat.

6. Don't drink your calories
Alcoholic and fruity drinks have a ton of useless calories.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a cocktail or two as well, but try to limit it to one or two drinks and remember to drink plenty of water as well. Also remember that if you will be attending multiple events during the holidays, those drinks will add up!

7. Get a good workout in
Don't skip the gym. Or if you have to skip the gym, don't skip at least a smaller workout at home. Wake up and get a good workout in. That will put you in a good mindset when you get to your holiday party. If you workout and eat well during the day, you are more likely to eat right at the party as well.

Whether you are hosting or attending a holiday party, try at least one of these this holiday season.

In general, try to
skip the dips,
spice it up instead of fatten it up,
eat main dishes instead of apps and side dishes,
and know your portion sizes.

If you start today, you will be well on your way by the time the New Year starts.