Move every day! Our busy holiday schedules can bump us off of our
regular exercise routines. Physical activity can help relieve stress, regulate
appetite, and burn up extra calories. Participate in local Turkey Trots,
Jingle Bell Runs, or try winter sport activities such as hiking, snow shoeing,
skiing, etc.
Enjoy a pre-party snack. Arriving hungry to a party makes us more likely to
overeat. Plan and prepare to combat this by eating before a party.
Set the one plate rule. At parties and holiday dinners we tend to eat beyond
our body’s physical hunger simply because food is there and eating is a “social
thing.” To avoid recreational eating, consciously make one plate of the foods you
really want. Eat it slowly – enjoying and savoring every tasty bite.
Give yourself options. If you’re staying where there is no gym, bring an
exercise band or DVD so you can get your physical activity in. If you’re invited to a
holiday function, bring a contribution of low-calorie foods, such as fruits and
vegetable trays so there are healthy options available.
Modify your recipes. Holiday cooks can reduce the sugar and fat content of
food in most holiday recipes without a noticeable difference in taste. Aim to use
half the amounts of high-calorie baking products such as butter, shortening, and
sugar or use a low-calorie substitute. Cooking with skim milk can save up to 70
calories when compared to whole or 2% milk!
Be brainy about beverages. Alcohol is high in calories and some mixed drinks
contain up to 450 calories per glass. By contrast, water and diet sodas are caloriefree. Watch out for hidden calories in soda, fruit punch, and eggnog.
Enjoy friends and family. Although food can be a big part of the season, it
doesn’t have to be the focus. Holidays are a time to reunite with good friends and
family, to share laugher and cheer, to celebrate, and to give thanks.
Great tips, Erika! I should have read this post before the parties started. :lol: But so proud to say that I have done some of the things here. I never forgot to exercise and I even have pre-party snack. Just to avoid overeating at the party. There are a couple of parties where I forgot about the one-plate rule. The food was just too good. But my plates were never full. So still good, right?
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What are stumbling blocks and defeat before you, can be stepping stones to victory if you remain determined.
