Fresh tips to help you do just that.
You are in control of what you eat!
As you prepare for a healthy holiday season keep in mind that you are in control. Well-meaning family members, co-workers, spouses and children are not in control of what you eat or what you do. Avoid obligatory eating, you know, eating because someone made it for you, gave it to you; you paid a lot for it, it was free, or it was on your plate. If you can’t say no, then ask to take a small portion home. You will want to consider potential trouble spots ahead of time so you’re prepared and set for smooth sailing.
Gatherings can make it especially hard to treat yourself in healthy ways. If you take a little time to plan ahead, you’ll avoid being stuck in a tempting situation that you are not prepared to handle.
- Take a no-added-sugar treat to share. You’ll have something to enjoy that doesn’t blow your eating plan.
- Select a few of your favorite foods–fewer food items on your plate means you’ll eat less.
- Nourish throughout the day. Rather than skipping meals with the thought of saving up calories, keep to your typical eating schedule. Six small protein-rich meals will help you thrive during the holidays.
- Hydrate and balance if you are consuming alcohol–alternate with a glass of water to make sure you don’t overdo.
- Bring your own favorite low-calorie drink—maybe even enough to share.
- Sometimes just a bite is all you really need. Keep it to just a bite by snitching from someone else or take a bite and put your napkin over the rest.
- Focus on the people, not food. It’s nice to just sit back and watch the positive interactions as they take place.
