Question: I love the holiday season, but I hate to see it coming because I always gain ten pounds (or more), which is difficult to lose. I try to starve myself, but that doesn’t seem to work. How can I keep this from happening?
Answer: “Eat, drink and be merry” sounds like fun, and it is possible to do all three, but for most of us, it takes a little planning and self-control. Many people wait until they have already gained the holiday weight and then try to figure out how to lose it. Keeping it off to start with is a much better holiday plan. Here are some helpful tips.
First of all, keep in mind the old mantra, “everything in moderation.” Whether it is food or drink, it is always best to pace yourself. Keep in mind that you may attend various holiday parties; you don’t have to overindulge at every one. Even if you manage to avoid the parties, people will inevitably bring holiday treats into the workplace. What’s more, people typically make their highest-calorie dishes only for the holidays. Don’t deny yourself these treats, but do keep portions small. With every little indulgence, remind yourself that plenty more sweet and rich delights will come your way this season –- you do not need to go overboard. It’s a good idea to assess the goodies at the party and strategize about how you want to treat yourself: look for the healthier items.
To ensure that there will be healthier items, bring them yourself. Arrange a colorful fruit or veggie platter with a low-calorie yogurt dip so that you can join the group while eating healthy.
If you are going to a party, eat a nutritious snack before you go. You may even have a light dinner if the party is late. Lean meat, low-fat cheese or something else that is protein-based will stay in your stomach longer and keep you from feeling hungry. Try to stay out of the kitchen or the part of the room where most of the food is.
If you are going to a holiday dinner, try to avoid the gravy and dressing, and only take a small slice of cake or pie. Drink water with your meal or snacks, and limit the amount of alcohol you consume. Most alcoholic drinks have almost 200 calories per serving, so just a few can equal all of your daily calorie requirements. Create your own wine sparkler by adding carbonated water to a glass of wine.
Finally, and most importantly, make time to exercise. This will help you keep weight off and stress levels down. Even if you can’t do your full workout, some exercise is better than none. Even an occasional quick walk will help you avoid extra holiday pounds. If bad weather prevents outdoor exercise, look into getting a seasonal gym membership or swim a few laps at a local indoor pool.
Finally, when you are at a get-together, visit more and eat less. Enjoy the people and the atmosphere instead of focusing on the food. Happy Holidays!
