Holiday Eating Tips
We have about a month left of the holiday season at the time I am writing. How have you handled temptations so far to overeat? Have you over-indulged with high fat, sugar, and/or salty treats? It’s hard isn’t it? Having access to the best holiday eating tips to discover how to avoid or at least minimize holiday weight gain might be helpful. I’m always on the lookout for new ideas to make weight management easier!
Holiday Treats
Before I begin I’d like to set the record straight on one point. How often have you read something to the effect that the average American gains 7-10 pounds over the holiday season? Well it simply isn’t true. That’s a myth.
A recent research study indicates the average American gains about 1 pound each holiday season. That’s much better; however, even one pound each holiday season can add up over the years.
What can you do to minimize weight gain and still enjoy what’s left of the holiday season? Have strategies in place to handle whatever challenges come your way! I’d like to share some of the absolute best holiday tips articles I’ve found to help you out. I would suggest you give each article a quick look. Zero in on the tips that are most relevant to YOUR situation. Then with the cut and paste feature of your word processing program create a new list that fits you!
Now print off several copies. Put one up on your refrigerator for a frequent reminder. Put another in your purse and maybe one by your bed to review at the day’s end. If you have appropriate strategies when tough situations arise you will be much more likely to limit the damage and still enjoy holiday food and most importantly family and friends!
Here is a short list of what I see as the most cited tips:
1. Fit in some kind of physical activity as often as possible.
2. Be prepared to handle challenging food temptations with appropriate strategies.
3. Limit alcohol intake.
4. Drink more zero (or minimal) calorie beverages.
5. Relax! Eat slowly and enjoy small portions of your favorite holiday treats.
Now go check out the articles and create a list of appropriate strategies more highly targeted for your situation!
Excellent Suggestions from Good Housekeeping Magazine:
Tips for surviving the holidays without sacrificing your weight-loss goals
Realize the Challenge
Write it Down
Buddy Up
Identify Difficult Situations
Pay Attention
Be Honest
Relieve Stress
Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
Some Additional Tips
Livestrong.com (Keeping a diet on track during the holidays)
Holiday Weight Loss Tips
Mental Preparation
Pre-party Snacks
Food Options
Stress Relief
Exercise
About.com
5 Tips for Guilt-Free Holiday Partying
Create a Game Plan
Take a Pew (Sit when you eat)
Keep Temptation out of Sight
Don’t Skimp on Snoozing
Start Over This Second
Also from About.com
5 Ways to Gain Weight During the Holidays
Forget Portion Control
Cheat: “Just this once…and this once…and this once…”
Overdo the Spirits (too much alcohol)
Take it easy. Really easy!
Just Give Up
Shape Magazine
Eat the Food you Love in Moderation
(Yes go ahead) Spoil Your Supper
Chew While You Chop (Great idea! I hadn’t thought of this before!)
Be a Picky Eater
Take Dainty Bites
Think Before You Eat
Stay on the Move
No Time for the Gym?
Seize Some ZZZ’s
HealthCastle.com:
Don’t go to a Party Hungry
Watch Your Portion
Make a Conscious Choice to Limit High Fat Items
Try Different Versions of Egg Nog
Try Other Versions of Alcohol
Drink Plenty of Water
Physical Activity
My article from a couple of years ago:
15 Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain
Fit in Some Kind of Exercise
Space out Meals and Snacks
Spend Less Time in the Kitchen
Consider Making Physical Activity the Focus of Holiday Get-Togethers
Plan Ahead for Healthy Food and Treats
Do What it Takes to Get Enough Sleep
Limit your Alcohol Intake
Eat Fewer Calories than usual the Day Before a Big Meal
Fill up on Low Calorie Beverages the Day of a Big Meal
Plan to Have Healthy Low Calorie Snacks Available
Going to a Potluck? Make your dish low calorie (and tasty!)
Think of Ways to Keep Busy That Do Not Involve Eating
Eat Slowly and Enjoy Each Bite
Do Allow Yourself Some Treats!
Go for a Walk After a Big Meal
Epicurious.com
I recommended an article from Epicurious last year. In reviewing it again I have to say it’s a GREAT list of tips. Just ignore the ones that aren’t relevant to YOU.
Healthy Eating Tips and Light Party Recipes for the Holidays:
Go for the Passed Hor d’Oeuvres
Choose Low-Calorie and Healthy Festive Foods
Bring the Healthy Fare to Parties and Potlucks
Act Like an Accountant
Don’t Hover Around the Buffet Table
Use a Napkin (to limit portion size)
Hit the Veggie Tray
Follow the Three-Bite Rule
Make Friends with Water
Keep Liquid Calories in Check
Bring Mints or Gum to Parties
Budget for Treats on Party Days
Bakers, Beware
Re-gift Food Presents
Say No to Junk Food
Consider Setting a Few Ground Rules
Make Your Goals Realistic
Don’t Turn Shopping Sprees into Eating Sprees
Eat Three Square Meals Every Day
Add Exercise Whenever and Wherever You Can
More articles:
Holiday Season Help with Diet Struggles: Tips, Products, and More
Kitchen Tools and Gadgets for Weight Loss and Better Health (Is your name on your holiday shopping list?)
Have you found a useful tip that you hadn’t thought of before? I liked the tip to chew gum when preparing food! Like many others, I tend to overdo the tasting when I’m in the kitchen especially when I’m preparing yummy holiday food.
Wishing you the very best to be happy, healthy, and enjoy a reasonable number of calories with holiday eating tips.
by LORI - Women and Weight Website - Cross-Posted HERE
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