Holiday Eating Tips, Just in Time
The holiday season is officially here, filled with candy and big meals. We asked the folks at Lindora, a weight loss clinic, to give us their best tips to stay in shape. Here’s what they had to say:
Be Active: Activity can help boost your energy and help to manage and reduce your stress during this time of the year.
- Dust off your home exercise equipment
– Take a walk in the morning or the evening. (your lunch break can also be a great time to take a walk)
– Take a few laps around the mall before you start your holiday shopping
– Take dance lessons or exercise to a video or DVD
Do Not Starve Yourself: It can be a big mistake to try to starve yourself all day and “save up” calories for the party that evening.
– A great strategy is to eat your regularly planned healthy meals and snacks throughout your day. This will help because you will not be overly hungry once you arrive at the party. If you wait all day to eat—you will likely overindulge!
– If you have a party to attend—bring a healthy protein snack item as a back-up plan.
Maintain a Food Diary: One of the best strategies for holiday success is to keep a food diary each and every day.
– This tool allows you to monitor what you are eating and can even help deter you from some of the temptations.
– People who maintain a food diary actually consume 15% less food than those that do not. (http://www.about.com retrieved 11/15/08)
Take Time for You: It goes without saying that this time of year is all about stress! Learning to manage your stress is critical for your healthy lifestyle. It is very important that you give yourself permission to take time for you!
– Schedule a massage
– Take a yoga class
– Read a good book
– Get a manicure or pedicure
– Meditate
– Listen to music
– Watch a funny movie
Plan Ahead: During this stressful time of year it is even more important to plan your meals and snacks each day as well as plan for parties and social events.
– Prepare healthy meals in advance so that you can take your lunch with you each day.
– Be sure to keep extra protein snacks handy and available. (lean turkey, low-fat cottage cheese, fat-free cheese, a hard-boiled egg or any of the Lindora protein snack items)
– Bring your water bottle with you each day.
-Offer to bring a healthy dish to the party
- Find out what is being served in advance so that you have time to formulate your healthy eating plan
- Learn to manage the buffet table (walk the entire buffet line before picking up a plate. This will allow you to identify the healthy food options. Then grab your plate and move straight for those healthy options)
- Keep a diet soda or a sparkling water in your hand at all times. (this will keep your hands busy so that you do not grab the appetizers as they move around the room)
Say “no” Politely: During this time of year it seems easier to give in to the guile feelings when food is placed in front of you. Try these statements:
– “No thank you. Everything was delicious. I couldn’t eat another bite.”
– “That was an incredible meal. I am perfectly happy.”
– “You did such an amazing job on the menu. I am so full that I just couldn’t take another bite.”
– Remember: do not say…”no thanks I am on a diet.” This will always leave the door open for more peer pressure.
Focus on the socializing: Remember to focus on the reason for the season.
– Focus your energy on making conversation with family and friends
– Keep in mind that the day is about the family and friends—it is not about the food.
The Holiday Season does not need to derail your healthy lifestyle. Take these strategies with you this Holiday Season and you will experience triumphant success!
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