The holiday season is a time for bonding with your family and friends, usually over a delicious spread of calorie laden dishes. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying your mother’s secret recipe cornbread dressing, you shouldn’t eat until you resemble Violet Beauregard when she swells up like a blueberry at Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. To avoid that scenario, follow these five tips for enjoying yourself, but avoiding the holiday pounds.
- Skip the heaping portions.
You can’t taste or enjoy everything if you let your eyes be bigger than your stomach. Get enough for a few bites of all your favorites and you’ll be satisfied. Plus you can keep your pants comfortably buttoned. - Stay Hydrated
Holiday foods are often full of salt and spices that leave you dehydrated. Instead of grabbing soda, cider, or punch to quench your thirst, opt for a glass of ice water. Drink a large glass before you eat so you feel fuller and will eat less food. Bonus: your body burns calories while warming up ice water. It's only around 8 calories, but every little bit helps! - Limit Your Cocktails
Spiked punch is one of the best things about holiday parties, but it’s full of sugar and empty calories. Drink a glass of water between each glass of punch. This will keep you hydrated and prevent a hangover the next day. - Don’t Set Up Camp at the Food Table
Standing near the food table tempts you to mindlessly snack on finger foods. Move around the party so you can focus on socializing instead of eating. It’s hard to hold a conversation when you’re stuffing your face the whole night. - Think Ahead
An important part of maintaining and losing weight is planning out your meals. This is even more important when you have several holiday parties coming up. If you have a party one evening, opt for healthier options on the days before. Eat a salad for lunch instead of a burger. That way you won’t feel guilty if you choose to indulge in your grandmother’s special pecan pie.
