- Slow down. Eat slower and taste your food. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to recognize how much is in your stomach. It is a good idea to take a break after you eat to lessen the temptation to go for another serving!
- Stay active. Exercise with your family and go for a walk or jog outside! Sign up for a Turkey Trot or Christmas Jingle Bell Run 5k to do with your family over the holidays.
- Keep a food diary. Tracking everything you put into your body will help to point out your weaknesses. You will then be able to focus on limiting your intake of certain foods and spot when you missed a meal. What you measure you can manage!
- Choose to eat clean 80-90% of the time. Eat more protein, vegetables and fruit, and healthy fats like nuts and seeds. A handful of almonds or a freshly sliced apple is a great snack to curb your hunger!
- Don’t go anywhere hungry. Try to arrive at any holiday parties having already eaten something healthy. That way you won’t be too prone to digging into high-calorie party foods. Also, bring a healthy option to a holiday party!
- Maintain Portion Control. Pay attention to how much you put on your plate. Use smaller plates. Moderation is one of the most important elements in weight control – especially at holiday parties!
- Choose water over Alcohol. Drinking water in place of alcohol will keep you hydrated and keep your energy level high. Also – it is amazing how quickly calories in alcoholic drinks can add up! Try not to drink your calories for the day!
- Don’t eat things if you don’t like them. Sounds simple enough! If you put it on your plate and it doesn’t taste as good as you thought, why eat it?
- Don’t give up! Falling out of habits you are trying to accomplish for a few days, DOES NOT mean your effort is hopeless. Simply acknowledge that you ‘slipped up’ or ate poorly and get back on your plan. New day, new start!
- Exercise on days you eat a holiday meal. Try to get a workout in on the days you know you will have a big holiday supper that day. Your metabolism will be running higher and chances are you will choose better foods!
