It seems everywhere we turn there is another table filled with food, from office parties to family get-togethers. Research shows that most adults will gain an average of 1-2 pounds through the holidays. Holiday parties leave little time for planning healthy meals and fitting in exercise. See below for tips to avoid packing on those extra pounds over the holidays.
Don’t leave the house on an empty stomach—it leads to overeating. Eat a healthy snack packed with protein and fiber to balance blood sugar and hunger.
Standing near the food table (which is often where most gather) encourages mindless munching. Don’t be shy; ask the group to move into another room away from the snacks.
Prioritize by making people the most important; before arriving at a party, remind yourself the gift of conversation with loved ones and time spent in good company. This will keep you occupied and will allow your thoughts to focus on more than just food.
Limit your drinking; alcohol increases hunger and lowers willpower. Drink one glass of water in between each beverage.
Offer a low-calorie choice; for example provide a fruit tray instead of cheesecake.
Listen to your body's signals, they are there for a reason! Eat slower. This helps your stomach to send signals to your brain, letting you know when you’re satisfied. This will also help you avoid feeling stuffed and uncomfortable.
Cooking can be a time where lots of calories add up quick with tasting and snacking. Keep your mouth occupied with a piece of sugar-free gum or sip of tea.
Scheduling ‘self time’ is especially important when our schedules get hectic! By maintaining a steady routine of ’self-time’ we allow ourselves to handle the chaos and ’lack of control’ that often comes during the Holidays.
Plan to sit down with a pen and paper and write down all the events, activities, and deadlines you have this Holiday season. This will lower stress and offer peace of mind.
Sleep is a time our bodies and minds re-charge which is especially important during the Holidays. Be sure to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night and limit screen-time 1 hour before you hit the hay. This will help ease your body and mind into restfulness and relaxation.
Thankful thoughts help us to remember all the good that we have in our lives. Celebrate all that you are thankful for this Holiday season. When you feel overwhelmed, jot down a few things on paper or on your phone that come to mind to practice positive thinking.