Tips on Holiday Eating

So many of us think that if we make it through Thanksgiving and Christmas with watching our weight, we’re in the clear.  At the first of each year, we’re all ready to hit the ground running and give 110% to our healthier lifestyle.  Where in fact, it’s because we’re trying to end the year on a plateau from all the CRAP we’ve ate the entire 11 months before!  

Personally I have found that the holidays after the New Year that were always my troublesome times.  Give me candy gummy hearts any day before mashed potatoes and stuffing.  Chocolate Easter bunnies?  Hell yeah I’ll have two of those, paired with my three Cadbury Caramel Eggs!  And don’t even get me started on jelly beans.  I mean, who can even eat just half a bag?

Plus, then we’re adding on the full meal of a traditional holiday with all the fixings on top of the sugar high.  So, how do we keep this in check?  Well, I go back to my WW Leader days and tricks: 

• Take a smaller plate, so you have less room to fit all the food on it. 
• If that’s not an option, be mindful of your serving sizes so that you can drive a toy car around each of your food helpings. 
• Focus on protein and veggies, and just have small tastes of the other fun stuff. 
• Drink a glass of water before getting in the food line, it helps your eyes not be bigger than your stomach.
• Move away from the table when you’re done. Go play with the kids and focus on burning some energy off with them.
• Go for a walk after you eat, or better yet, start the day with a workout.  You won’t feel so guilty when you have already worked for that meal!
• Keep your hands busy by helping clear dishes or putting things away.  It’s the mindless act of sitting and talking that gets many people in trouble.
• When the meal is done, PUT THE FOOD AWAY!  Not on the counter, not in the family room with round two of dessert.  Away.
• Every time you feel you need a snack or “just one more” bite, go to the kitchen and fill up on water.
• Don’t tempt yourself by bringing all your kids’ candy home with you.  Save it at Grandma’s for them to enjoy next time, because you know Grandpa will eat it before then 🙂
• Lastly, enjoy! Don’t deprive yourself, however, know your limits and choose what will satisfy that sweet or carb craving and enjoy it and be done with it.

It’s all about moderation, because you want to fully be present and enjoy the holiday with your loved ones.  The food should be an accessory to the day, not the main event.  How do you stay on track with your plan during holidays like this?