Its but natural that one tends to over eat while relaxing and that takes place invariably during holidaying. But Do you know that eating just an extra biscuit every day during the holiday season could cause you to gain a kilo or more? That may not sound like much, but 10 years from now you would be weighing approx 5 to 7 kgs more than you do right now. Many people gain 2 to 3 kgs this time of the year because of the temptation of delicious treats and extravagant dinners. The holiday season is a time filled with parties, family gatherings and lots of food, but with a little help, you can keep to eating right and not more during holidays. Eating a healthy & nutritious diet makes you feel better and more energetic to enjoy your holidays without that guilt of overeating and weight gain. Here are the Top 10 tips to avoid overeating and putting on weight during holidays.
1Don’t Skip Meals
Many people believe that if they skip breakfast or lunch, they can save up all of those calories for the holiday party that night. That sounds like a good idea, but skipping meals can make you crabby, tired, and maybe even leave you with a headache that just might ruin your evening festivities. Plus, when you are really hungry and surrounded by high-calorie holiday treats, you may very easily turn into a raving eating-machine and consume many more calories than the ones you skipped earlier in the day. Don’t skip meals; just eat sensibly.
2Eat High-Fiber Foods before the Party
When you have a party to attend, snack on some fiber-filled foods just before you go. Fiber helps you to feel full, and if you aren’t feeling so hungry, you might not eat so much at the party. Choose foods like low-calorie vegetables, a small salad, a piece of fresh fruit, or a small bowl of oatmeal.
3Eat Small Amounts of the Foods You Love
No one wants to feel deprived, so go ahead and take a small piece of pie or one cookie — but not both. Look over the buffet or the serving table, and pick out one thing that you really would love to enjoy. The rest of your plate can be filled with healthy vegetables and fruits, whole grain crackers, cheese, and lean meats.
4Don’t Hang Around the Buffet
It isn’t easy to resist the delicious foods you find on a buffet at a party, so get away from the table. Choose your foods and your drink and move to a different part of the room. As they say, out of sight, out of mind. At the very least you will have to think about what you are doing before filling your plate again and again.
5Pace Yourself
When friends and family gather at a meal, the food is usually piled high on most everyone’s plate. You wolf down the first plate and pick out more of your favorites to gobble down as second helpings. Slow down. It takes a few minutes for your brain to realize your stomach is getting full, and you can eat a lot of extra food in those few minutes. You don’t need a giant mound of food, so place small portions on your plate. Set your fork down between bites and sip some water. Relax and enjoy the flavor of each mouthful. Chew each bite thoroughly before you swallow.
6Drink Plenty of Water
Many people believe that mild dehydration may feel like hunger and the best way to avoid becoming dehydrated to drink plenty of water. You can also use water to slow down your eating by taking a sip or two between bites. Have a glass or two of water before you start drinking alcoholic beverages, and have one in between drinks to slow down your alcohol consumption as well.
7Keep Healthy Snacks at Work
Keep some healthy snacks on hand when coworkers start bringing in holiday treats. These treats are always tasty but rarely healthy. Snack on nuts, raisins, fresh fruit or energy bars instead so that your snack calories provide you with good nutrition.
8Keep Exercising
Exercise is a great way to control your weight and blood pressure, and exercise adds to your good health by reducing stress and keeping your muscles and bones in good shape. Although the holidays are a hectic time, keep your exercise routines going to help ensure that the occasional treat won’t land permanently on your thighs or belly. Even if you are so busy that you have to cut your workout time in half, continuing to work out keeps you in the exercise habit.
9Decide What to Buy Before You Go Into That Shop
You know how tempting it is to walk into a coffee or candy shop. That temptation seems to double itself during the holiday season. You may think you are going into the coffee shop for a cup of coffee, but when you see that delicious mocha with whipped cream and peppermint sprinkles, you suddenly decide you need that one instead. When you go into a coffee shop, decide what you want before you go in and stick to it.
10Don’t Beat Yourself Up, Just Get Back to Healthy Eating
It is difficult to avoid overeating during the holidays. If you do slip up now and then, don’t beat yourself up for it. Be good to yourself. Remember that maintaining a healthy diet throughout the holidays takes practice. Forgive yourself and make sure your next meal or snack is a healthy one.
