Photo credit – Fimb
The holiday season is now in full swing. I don’t know about you, but the holiday season means lots of food. Not only is there the large Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, but there is everything else in between that can get us all in trouble. The treats from neighbors, Christmas candy, New Year’s hors d’oeuvres… It seems like at this time of year, we are being constantly tempted. So how to we enjoy the food of the season without gaining an extra 10 pounds?
Here are a few hints to help keep you on track this holiday season while still enjoying the things around you.
Weigh - I’m not usually a lover of the scale, but weigh yourself once before the holiday festivities begin, and strive to stay the same weight by the time the holiday season ends.
Eat - this might sound like a silly thing to say, but make sure you are still eating regular, healthy meals. That way, when the treats are passed around or when you sit down to that holiday dinner, you aren’t starving and automatically overeat because you are so hungry.
Get Rid of Temptation – Making cookies for the neighbors this year? Don’t make extra that are going to hang around your house and tempt you to eat them. Make the treats, then send them right out the door! Did a neighbor drop a cookie plate by your house? Take the plate into work with you the next day and share with your coworkers.
Exercise – This is probably the busiest time of year for all of us, but don’t forget to exercise. Make it a priority. Even it it means strapping on your running shoes and walking twice as fast while you are at the mall shopping.
Use a Smaller Plate – When dishing up that holiday meal, use a child’s size plate instead of the big one. Fill your plate, and don’t go back for seconds.
Indulge Moderately – It would be impossible – and no fun! – to turn everything away. After all, we all enjoy the food that comes with the holidays! Indulge, but do it moderately. Have one chocolate instead of 10. Have one slice of pie, but leave the leftovers behind. Enjoy yourself, but make sure you will wake up the next day feeling great!
