It’s the most wonderful time of year… In the food department, anyway. Thanksgiving to New Year’s is a time full of eating. Whether you’re at your family’s annual holiday party, meeting up with high school friends while you’re all in for winter break, or just enjoying your parent’s homemade baked goods, the amount of food available at any given time is both wonderful and terrifying at the same time.
Constant access to fattening, high calorie foods could do disastrous things to your body. Avoid going up a size by following a few of these key steps this holiday season. This way, you can still enjoy this great time of year without packing on all the pounds.
Skip the salt.
If you’re guilty of salting your food before eating it, stop right there; put down that saltshaker! Most of the foods you enjoy during the holidays are already packed with sodium. Stuffing, turkey, green been casserole, and gravy are just a few of the traditional items high in salt content. Too much sodium in your diet can lead to an array of problems: most notable is the retention of fluids, which leads to high blood pressure and increased risk of stroke. So avoid adding additional salt to your meal and take time to savor all of the flavors already there.
Control your portions.
I would be lying if I said I always monitor my portion size, especially during the holidays. However, if you’re watching your figure, practicing portion control can be really beneficial to your waistline, especially if you’re consuming high calorie foods like pie, mashed potatoes, and casseroles of every sort. If the plate you are given is the size of a platter, ask for a smaller plate. No matter how big your plate is, you will more than likely fill it up. Opting for a smaller plate will still trick your mind into having a plate full of food, but you’ll be saving yourself hundreds of calories.
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Watch the empty calories.
Many traditional holiday foods are just empty calories. Rolls, however delicious and fluffy they may be, still have a lot of calories with very little fiber and protein to keep you full. Try to select a whole grain roll or piece of bread. If your only option is a plain, white roll, limit yourself to one and go easy on the butter. Whipped cream on top of your favorite pie or hot cocoa is also not void of calories and fat. Speaking of beverages….
Beverages can be the sneakiest little devils when it comes to packing on the pounds. Sugary drinks like punch and cider can be ridiculously high in calories. Other creamy beverages like hot cocoa can be very high in fat content. Do not forget that beverages of all sorts contain sugar, artificial sweeteners, fat, and/or calories. Be cautious of what you’re drinking so you don’t add unnecessary calories to your meal. Five large cups of grandma’s homemade cocoa could mean an additional several hundred calories.
Don’t skip meals.
When the promise of a massive holiday dinner is on the horizon, it’s easy to think, “I won’t eat until dinner. That way, I’ll be super hungry and can save my calories for that meal.” No. No. No. Skipping meals is just a recipe for disaster and not good in the long scheme of things. In fact, you may even want to try eating BEFORE dinner. Load up on some fruit and veggies (try not to saturate them in dip). That way, you won’t overindulge at dinner. You can still enjoy all of your favorite courses without consuming thousands of calories and feeling miserable afterwards.
Drink water.
Drinking water will help keep you feeling full, which will help cut down on snacking out of boredom. When holiday treats are constantly on hand this time of year, you can mindlessly eat hundreds and hundreds of calories without thinking about it. Grabbing a cookie or piece of pound cake every time you walk through the kitchen will really do a number on your waistline. Staying hydrated will help kick those cravings.
Not only will you snack less, but staying hydrated can help flush out the sodium in your body from all your other favorite foods. Keep a glass of water with you as you meander through a party or family gathering.
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Exercise.
When you’re running from event to event, it’s easy to overlook your exercise routine. But this is the exact time of year you want to stick to the plan! Scheduling times for exercise beforehand will help keep you on track and counterbalance all the calories you’re taking in. Remember, something is better than nothing. You don’t have to run 10 miles to reap the benefits of exercising. Take a 10 minute walk around your neighborhood if that’s all you have time for. You’ll burn more calories than you would sitting on the couch, plus a little fresh air will do you good.
Have a plan.
If your family has the same traditional side dishes and desserts every year, make a list of a few dishes you absolutely must have. By doing this, you can keep a record of how much you intend to eat and still let yourself enjoy all you favorites. It’s easy to eat something just because it’s in front of you, but if you’re not crazy about your aunt’s sweet potato casserole, don’t eat it just because it’s convenient. Save those calories for your favorite dessert or appetizer.
Don’t get discouraged.
Ok, let’s say you ate a few too many cookies. It’s ok. The best thing you can do is realize you overindulged, avoid doing it again and make a plan to exercise later on. Your life isn’t ruined over a few too many baked goods.