'Tis the season for calorie-packed meals,
goodies, candy and treats. How does one avoid holiday weight
gain and stay slim for the festivities? It's a catch-22!
Most of us want to enjoy the holiday meals -- but we also
want to look good for parties and get-togethers with friends
and family.
The best strategy is simply to maintain
your current weight and stay healthy. Save any plans for
losing weight for a New Year's resolution and focus on
keeping off additional pounds that have a tendency to creep
up on us during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Before you attend any holiday activities,
read up on our tips for how to eat, drink and be merry,
while avoiding unwanted weight gain.
Be Prepared
Before you head off to a holiday party,
take the time to eat a healthy snack such as a piece of
fruit, low-fat crackers or lean sandwich. You'll be less
likely to indulge in the high-calorie foods available at the
food table.
One or Nothing
When you fix your plate, do so sparingly
but don't rob yourself of your favorite treat. Before going
to the buffet table, decide on what desert you feel you must
have. If it's there, take one. If you don't see it, do NOT
replace it with something less desirable. If you do, you'll
probably consume the same or more calories with less
satisfaction. It's just not worth it.
Pitch In
Help the hostess by bringing a healthy
dish. Consider a vegetable tray or a salad with fat-free
mayo. Encourage others to do the same and you'll have plenty
to choose from. Rest assured, you won't be the only one
watching their calories and your efforts will be
appreciated.
Chase it with Water
Drink water with your food, not punch,
soda, eggnog or alcohol. Save the beverages for later and
set limits. Bring along your favorite low-calorie diet drink
and you won't have to offset those extra calories the next
day.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Do you love baking but have a tendency to
pack on the pounds with goodies and treats in the house? Get
organized and buy some decorated cookie tins, bows and
Christmas cards and make your own homemade Christmas gifts.
Pack the goodies in the tins ahead of time,
and store them in the freezer. The temptation will be
greatly reduced and they'll be ready to go at a moment's
notice. Donate extras to your church or homeless shelter in
the spirit of the holiday.
Be Firm
Finally, put your goals first and don't
let others undermine your efforts. Decide before the party
what you will and will not allow yourself to eat. With this
in mind, decisions will be much easier to make and may not
require a conscious when the time comes -- because you've
already resolved the issue with yourself.
Don't make food the reason for going to
any holiday event. Relax, socialize and enjoy the
atmosphere. After all, that's what parties are for.
