I love the holiday season. I love the music, the food, the excitement, everything! I start playing Christmas music the day after Halloween. My holiday menus, guest lists and gift lists are complete before Thanksgiving. My one problem with the holiday season is the temptation to eat and drink all those high calorie, high fat foods. I love going to the holiday parties and enjoying all the food and drink, but I follow a few rules this time of year that I think could benefit all of us. Following my ‘10 Holiday Season Rules’ just might help you avoid the holiday weight gain that many people experience each year.
Rule #1: Never go to a holiday party hungry. Eat a small snack before you go so that you don’t overeat high calorie, high fat foods. Try a piece of fruit or a granola bar before you leave your house.
Rule #2: When filling your plate with food remember that most of the plate should be filled with vegetables, fruits and whole grains. You can save a little room for your protein, sauces and goodies.
Rule #3: If you must have sweets and high calorie dishes try to remember to take small portions. Imagine your stomach being about the size of your fist. Don’t over fill it.
Rule #4: Limit your alcohol intake. You can drink alcohol in moderation but remember it is an appetite stimulant so it may cause you to eat even more. Try alternating between an alcoholic drink and water or diet soda to save calories.
Rule #5: When you are asked to bring something to a party, make it a low calorie, low fat item such as fruit salad. This way you know there will be something for you to eat and others may appreciate the option.
Rule #6: When baking holiday treats only bake enough for the party or to give away to friends and family. If you have cookies left over guess who will end up eating them!
Rule #7: Let other partygoers leave with leftovers. Whether you are the host of the party or a guest, make sure you don’t get stuck with leftovers. Offer them to other party guests.
Rule #8: Use low calorie, low fat substitutions in your holiday food. Try using light butter or even applesauce in cookies and cakes or check out our Cooking Light for the Holidays blog for more great suggestions.
Rule #9: DON’T STOP EXERCISING! We all get busy during the holiday season, but even 20 minutes of exercise per day will help you maintain your weight. Try a quick walk after lunch or some jump rope in the evening.
Rule #10: Focus on spending time with family and friends. Play games, watch holiday movies or reminisce about past holiday parties. Try not to focus the whole holiday on the food.
Have a great holiday season and think about my rules while you are out celebrating!
- Jennifer
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Labels: Holiday Eating, Jennifer
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