There are many reasons why we love holidays: spending time with family, religious significance, the crisp weather. … Oh, OK, let’s be honest. For some of us it’s all about the food.
Unfortunately, however, while the actual eating of our favorite festive treats is undeniably enjoyable, the repercussions of such indulgence can be unpleasant. Going back to classes after a holiday break is depressing enough ““ finding out that your favorite jeans won’t button just adds insult to injury.
But foodies need not fear ““ there’s hope for getting through the holidays without gaining unwanted pounds. By implementing these few simple tricks, you can have your cake (or pumpkin pie) and eat it, too.
“¢bull; Eat breakfast
Perhaps the most common mantra of the nutrition world, this little bit of wisdom really does apply when it comes to holiday celebrations. Though it may seem logical to “save up calories” when you know you will be eating a large amount later in the day, depriving yourself of breakfast can actually make you overeat when mealtime comes. Your best bet is to eat a light breakfast the morning of a holiday feast, which will give you energy, get your metabolism running and prevent you from approaching the buffet in a ravenous state.
“¢bull; Be the chef
A great way to keep your waistline in check is to prepare and bring a healthy food dish of your own. A salad full of colorful vegetables and topped with low-fat dressing is a great option. You can also find many recipes for lower-calorie versions of your favorite dishes, such as green bean casserole or even stuffing.
“¢bull; Stay hydrated
Many of us cannot accurately read our bodies’ internal signals, namely the difference between hunger and thirst. Sometimes what we think are hunger pangs are really an indication of dehydration. The best way to gauge hunger, therefore, is to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and especially before a meal. That way, if your stomach is growling, you’ll know it’s time to eat!
“¢bull; Get moving
The most obvious way to combat an influx of calories is by burning calories, and there are a variety of ways to do so. Rather than filling up on turkey and immediately passing out on the couch (I know it’s tempting ““ tryptophan is a killer), organize a group walk around the neighborhood or a casual game of soccer or football. Not only will this activity burn off some excess calories, but exercise is proven to help digestion as well.
“¢bull; Pick and choose
Though it may be easier said than done, a key to eating sensibly during the holidays is to decide which food items you absolutely have to have and which you could do without. If a cheesy potato dish is calling your name, have it, but then pass on the sugary yam dish. Also, be sure to eat adequate amounts of protein and vegetables, which will help you to feel full and not overindulge in other fattening side dishes.
“¢bull; Don’t forget drinks count
People often fail to realize the calories in beverages, but they can stack up fast. An average cup of eggnog, for example, has around 450 calories, which is more than most slices of pie. Again, it’s all about picking and choosing, so if you love eggnog, drink it, but let that be your dessert. Other sneaky beverage offenders that are often high in calories include hot chocolate, cocktails, and seasonal lattes and coffee drinks.
These slight alterations to holiday food habits can really make a difference when it comes to keeping your figure in check. Don’t be yet another person with the all-too-common “lose weight” New Year’s resolution. Making smart dining choices is in your power and will help you enjoy the holidays while still feeling good about your body.