Whether you're trying to lose weight, or simply maintain your current weight, the holiday season can present a particular challenge. With the holiday and the wedding seasons it is hard to resist the delicious but yet so calorie laden food. Try and fend off holiday weight gain with these easy eating tricks.
- Eat the best-for-you offerings first. For example, hot soup as a first course―especially when it's broth-based, not cream-based―can help you avoid eating too much during the main course. You can also try and eat the plain salads , don’t try the ones with loads of dressing.
- Try and avoid those starters and munchies – tikkas and nuts and chips the delicious munchies are your worst enemy stay an arm’s length away.
- Concentrate on your meal while you're eating it. Focus on chewing your food well and enjoying the smell, taste, and texture of each item. Research shows that mealtime multitasking (whether at home or at a party) can make you pop mindless calories into your mouth.
- Try and do not arrive at a holiday party on an empty stomach. Have a light, healthy snack shortly before leaving for the party. Choose protein-rich foods, such as low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese, as the protein will stick with you and help you feel full longer. Never skip a meal before the party. You'll arrive ravenous and vulnerable to overeating.
- Stay active during the holiday- Mingle, dance, exercise, join a gym and do what you can to stay active. Keep your metabolism up by staying active and including lots of healthy exercise during the holiday season. If time is constrained simply by taking a 30 minute walk each day, you can help keep the weight off. Find those 30 minutes somewhere during the day.
- Be careful of leftovers – When the party is at your place never eat those calorie-laden food for days after a special event just because the food needs to be eaten up. Never use the excuse "it'll go to waste if I don't eat it." Give them away to help or anyone else who I needy after all it is the holiday season.
Stick to these simple tips and have A great Holiday wherever you are!