The holidays are here whether I am ready for them or not. How is it that every year I seem that much less prepared. It’s not that I don’t know Christmas is coming. Every year it is same thing. I plan to get on top of everything early and I seem to always fail. Before I know it I get that first invite to a Christmas party and then boom: the calendar is double booked every weekend and many weeknights and the scramble is on to fit in decorating, shopping and trying to find a spare minute to just enjoy.
Is your calendar filled with holiday festivities, dinners and celebration drinks? Have you started to worry about how your fitness goals will survive through this month of overindulgences?
Here are my tips for surviving all the food at the holiday parties:
Don’t go hungry. As in, don’t go to the the party hungry. If you are starving, you are more likely to make poor food choices and indulge in the sweet or fatty options. Have a meal or a healthy snack before the party so you aren’t going on an empty stomach.
It also goes without saying, don’t starve yourself the day of a big dinner to save room for a feast. It doesn’t really work that way. You will just overeat and feel awful for it. Plan healthy meals throughout the day and enjoy your holiday meal in moderation.
Keep an eye on portions sizes. Use a plate for hors d’oeuvres and desserts instead of grazing. Yes a plate means commitment to eat but it will also give you a visual of how much you are eating. After you have finished that first plate, don’t go for seconds and mingle away from the food table.
Stock up on the healthy options. Hit up the vegetable trays first and fill half your plate so there will be little room for poor choices. Choose fruit with yogurt instead of the sweet treats. If your favorite holiday food isn’t considered one of the healthy choices, minimize the amount. A couple of bites will satisfy the craving without sabotaging you.
Don’t eat to be polite. Don’t be bullied into tasting something you don’t want or eating something when you are not hungry. Be ready to turn down offers of food, even Grandma who tries to guilt you into eating more of what you don’t need.
Leave what you don’t want. Forget everything your mother drilled into you as a child; you do not need to clear your plate. When you are full, stop eating.
Watch your alcohol intake. I know we all like to let loose once in awhile. Alcoholic beverages are empty calories so moderation is important. Consider festive non-alcoholic, low fat eggnogs, cranberry juice or just plain water. If you do choose to enjoy a few cocktails, make road safety a priority and don’t drink and drive!
The holidays are a difficult time to stay on target. Be prepared with these tips and don’t let yourself get carried away. Remember that good nutrition is a key component to a fit and healthy lifestyle.
