Four Easy Steps to Avoid the Holiday Heft

There is no better time like the holidays to rethink “Eat, Drink and Be Merry”.  No matter what the celebration is food and drink always, take center stage, which is why we all tend to get a bit pudgier this time of year.  The good news is that there are simple strategies you can implement to avoid the holiday heft.  Before you proceed headlong into the celebrations of the seasons, keep this tips in mind and stay on the healthy diet track.

Moderation is Key

Often the first thing we want to do when faced with holiday party is to starve ourselves in favor of being able to enjoy appetizers, treats or full meals with friends.  This approach is not smart, first starving yourself messes with your metabolism, second it will likely lead to overeating the night of the party.  The day of the party, eat normal healthy meals.  Dinner may be lighter fare or replaced entirely with a Shakeology drink, so there is room for a few indulgences later that evening. 

Be a Stealthy Snacker

While you are at the party, don’t stand next to the chip bowl, it’s too tempting to reach in repeatedly without realizing it. Mindless eating is the easiest way to consume too many empty needless calories.  Instead, prepare yourself a small plate with a few appetizers and treats.  Then walk away from the buffet, go mingle and get in on a great conversation.  If there is hand passed appetizers, don’t be afraid to say no and let them walk right by you.  

Arm yourself with Information

The old saying, “What you don’t know won’t kill you” may not apply in this case.  Pick a few of your favorite holiday treats and look up their nutritional information few days before the event.  This gives you a chance to compare calories, fat, and sugars in each dish.  Armed with that information, you will be better able to make a smart choice between several options. This approach may make you cringe, but at least you know what you are eating.  

Skip the Cocktails

The holidays are usually a time to enjoy a libation or two. The reality is alcohol is high in calories, loaded with sugar in most cases and holds no nutritional value.  The same goes for fruit juices and sodas. If you plan to allow yourself one or two alcoholic drinks, don’t do it on an empty stomach.  The liquor will be absorbed into your system faster and cause you to over indulge.  One safe option that will actually trick others into thinking you have a drink is to sip club soda with a twist of lime. They will never know it’s not vodka or gin. If you are hosting an event, you can help your guests by having one of many alcohol free festive mocktails available to them.  For a few ideas, check out Pinterest.

Most importantly, if you do happen to indulge a little, be good to yourself.  You can always spend a few extra minutes in the gym, or reduce your caloric intake by a 100 or so for a week.  If you really went overboard, leave me a comment and I can get you set up with the 21 Day Fix and Shakeology in January.