Thanksgiving turkey. Holiday desserts. It’s easy to pile plates high with delicious treats and then go back for seconds and maybe even thirds! With this much on your plate this holiday season, it might be good to take a step back and face that buffet table and fruitcake with a plan.
Here are some tips to make the best out of the upcoming holiday season. We don’t expect you to deprive yourself of delicious dishes and mouthwatering desserts, but we want you to take a more healthful approach.
The holiday season may not be the best time of the year to decide to lose weight. With so many parties and dinners, it may be difficult to keep off any pounds and that will only make you frustrated and stressed. Instead, focus on weight maintenance. If you do plan to diet, you may want to hold off until after the New Year. Otherwise, you might see every party as your “last meal” and binge.
Before you attend a party, eat a light snack. If you arrive to a party hungry, you’re more likely to overeat and less likely to resist eating foods that are higher in fat and calories. Eat a small piece of fruit, yogurt, string cheese or a 
handful of almonds.
If you know what foods will most likely be served, plan ahead. If you know that you really want a big slice of Grandma’s homemade apple pie, that’s fine. Just cut back on the mashed potatoes and gravy. Be sure to fill your plate with healthy foods such as turkey, salad and other veggies (cut back on the ones soaked in butter or any sauces). Take smaller portions of foods that are your favorites, but not necessarily healthy or you might raid the fridge after dinner and go overboard.
Avoid mindless eating. Do you really need those pretzels right in front of you? Or that extra third trip to the buffet table? When it comes to the actual meal, be conscious of what you’re putting on your plate and eat slowly, savoring every bite. When you’re done, pop a stick of gum or breathmint in your mouth. Sip water throughout the night to help keep you full and to keep you from reaching for that bread and cheese dip.
Speaking of drinking, choose your beverages wisely! Alcohol is high in calories and mixed drinks can have anywhere from 150 to 450 calories! Stick to water and diet sodas. If you decide to drink, pick light wines and beers. Watch out for soda and fruit punch that can pack sugary calories and try to avoid the eggnog!
If you do go overboard, relax! One day of overeating won’t make or break your eating plan and lead to extraordinary weight gain. Just make sure to return to your usual eating plan the next day and try to be physically active every day. Whether it’s sticking to your usual walking and gym plan or even starting a new exercise video, any type of physical activity will help burn up extra calories from holiday eating.
Happy holidays and happy eating!
