Tips to Prevent Holiday Weight Gain!

It is that time of the year – the Holiday season!!! This is a time to spend with family, friends, take a mental detox from work and partake in some good eating.

Many feel it is impossible to watch what they eat during this time of the year. After all, November – January is filled with holiday parties and family feasts. This is a good example of why I do not believe in “Diets”. Diets do not work in the long-term and diets imply that there is some food you are not supposed to eat. Healthy eating is a lifestyle and when the lifestyle compliments your daily routine and food preferences, yes you can absolutely enjoy your holiday favorites and prevent weight gain.

Tips on how to prevent the holiday weight gain

1. Don’t skip breakfast and lunch prior to that holiday meal or party.  The worst thing you can do is show up to the dinner table/party starving! You are surely to over eat and drink.  Eat light and healthy leading up to dinner.  Make your calories count for you and portion control. Make a plate for leftovers, rather than eat it all at once.
2. Plan, plan, plan. If the holiday meal or dinner is later in the evening, keep yourself fueled with snacks between the main meals. Snacks help keep you from getting too hungry and ultimately over eat. Look for wholesome snacks that will keep you full and satisfied such as whole grain snacks that contain fiber and range from 100-200 calories.
3. Fill up with low calorie foods first, then add a few traditional treats. Pace yourself and avoid second helpings.  By the way, turkey does not make you sleepy, over-, eating and “white/refined” carbs makes you sleepy! Portion control and enjoy the good food over the next few days. Refrain from eating everything on the holiday menu at once. Portion and spread the joy over the next few days!
4. Eat something before you drink alcohol.  Choose one or two of your favorite alcoholic drinks for the evening.   Slowly enjoy your drink like the French do. They nurse a drink for two hours.  The same rules apply to non-alcoholic drinks also. Drink water when thirsty. Drinking your calories throughout the day will surely pack on the pounds and lead to over-eating.

These are just a few of many tips that assist with the transition to a healthier lifestyle. Enjoy the holiday season!