Last week we talked about what you should eat before going to the big holiday party so you could make good choices rather than overindulging and regretting it later. So...what do you do once you get there?!
It’s like walking into the land of culinary temptation, right? All of your favorite desserts, dishes, and drinks...and sometimes food that’s only available one time a year...and this is it! You don’t want to miss out on anything! So you fill your plate, and maybe go back for more... or at least to get the stuff that didn’t fit on your plate the first time around. And all of those scrumptious desserts! They deserve their very own plate, don’t they?
Now while you’re excited about the food I’m guessing there’s some part of you that is feeling a little guilty about the whole thing. Or you’re making a deal with yourself that you’re going to have a food frenzy now and start your diet January 1st. Feast, then famine--all or nothing. How about trying to find some middle ground?
No one wants to feel deprived--so how can you enjoy eating the foods you love without ending up feeling bad and adding unwanted pounds?
Eating well during the holidays doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of all your favorite holiday foods and treats. But you have to be mindful about what you’re eating and plan ahead a little. At your next holiday celebration try this:
- Make sure you have a good portion of protein on your plate (meatballs, chicken, etc.) and some fat (guacamole, nuts) that will help you feel full and satisfied.
- Be sure to grab vegetables (there’s almost always a vegetable tray).
- Don’t feel you have to say yes to every food that’s offered to you. Pick and choose, and if you feel you’ve had enough simply say “no thanks.”
- Leave what you don’t want on your plate. Remember to think about eating until you “aren’t hungry” rather than until you’re “full. It’s better to leave some food on your plate rather than store it as fat, right?
- Limit your alcoholic drinks. Alcohol adds excess calories-especially drinks made with sugary mixers--and drinks with cream like white Russians or eggnog can contain as many as 700 calories each! Try drinking a glass of water between drinks. You’ll feel so much better the next day. 🙂
- Eat holiday treats for dessert. Instead of eating sugary foods on an empty stomach (which will result in more sugar cravings), eat them following a meal or snack containing protein and good fats.
- And most importantly, slow down when you're eating and savor every single bite!
Enjoy & Happy Holidays!!
I
