The Holiday overeating season has officially begun. Many of you will strategize on how to avoid overeating and still lose weight, try to maintain what you have already lost or become the “average Joe” who will gain between 8-11lbs from December 1st – January 1st, YIKES! Here are some ways to help you from becoming “Joe”.
Track Your Food:
That means all of it, from the spoonful of cookie batter to the box of chocolates. If you do nothing during the Holidays, track your food diligently every day.
Plan Your Holiday Meals:
Before you head out to another dinner or party, fill up with 2 glasses of water and eat all your healthy snacks and meals like you normally would to not overindulge.
Maintain an Active Lifestyle:
Running errands is not the same as exercising. Starting the day off with an activity such as ice skating, snowshoeing, sledding, weights or a run creates positive momentum for the rest of the day and food choices. Schedule your activity like a really important appointment you would never miss.
Bring Your Own Hors-D’oeuvres:
If you are heading to a party and don’t know what will be served, it is a great way to help out the host and to have a dish you know will be figure friendly.
Limit Alcohol:
We all know how to Eat, Drink and Be Merry however alcohol lowers inhibitions making it more likely you’ll forget about your nutrition plan and overindulge. For every drink add a glass of water.
Eye On The Prize:
Before you take a bite or hit snooze instead of hitting the gym, remember your goals.
Emergency Snacks:
Stashing some healthy snacks in your purse or desk drawer can help satisfy your cravings and prevent you from going overboard on treats & sweets.
Watch Your Portions:
There is nothing wrong with enjoying some once-a-year favorites if you keep your portions sizes in check.
Drink Your Water:
Studies show that people who drink more water throughout the day end up eating fewer total calories. Begin your meal with 2 glasses and finish with 2 as well.
Not Your Only Chance to Eat:
Forgo the “last supper” mentality. If you are not hungry or in the mood for a certain food, don’t feel obligated to eat it.
Overall don’t make mountains out of molehills. It’s easy to go over your calories one day and feel like a failure. But remember that it takes much more than one day of overeating to sabotage your progress. Accept your slip-ups, learn from them and move on. Focus on your friends and family because isn’t that what the Holidays are about? Enjoy the conversation and company instead of hovering over the food table and create lasting memories.