Eat healthy food sources before you leave the house. This will
prevent you from showing up at the holiday party hungry thereby reducing
your risk of overeating.
When making a plate, take smaller than normal portion sizes.
Often you will have a larger number of food choices at holiday parties,
and smaller portions will limit overall calories, as well as defend
against the compulsion to eat everything on your plate.
Be sure to look for healthy food choices at the buffet. Shrimp
with cocktail sauce is a great snack – virtually fat-free and high in
protein, iron, and the antioxidant lycopene.
Alternate between alcoholic beverages and calorie-free
sparkling water. Remember, the higher the alcohol content of a beverage,
the greater number of calories.
Be social. The more you talk with people and catch up with old
friends and relatives, the less likely you are to spend time eating.
Volunteer to be the designated driver. This will eliminate all
calories associated with alcoholic beverages. Just be sure not to replace
the alcoholic beverages with high calorie sodas and fruit juices.
Avoid depriving yourself of all sweets. Be smart and select one
dessert and have a sensible serving size. This will prevent any cravings
you would have later on in the evening, which could result in you
overeating at the dessert table.
Hydrate. Be sure to drink enough water. Coffee and alcohol, two
common beverages consumed during the holidays can lead to dehydration.
Remember that the recommendation for adequate water intake is 64 ounces
per day.
Stay active. Scheduling physical activity every day will
relieve stress, regulate appetite, and help to burn off extra calories
being consumed.
Switch out of holiday mode as soon as possible. Do not allow
yourself to indulge in the holiday eating habits from Thanksgiving until
New Year’s. Overconsuming on one or two days will not necessarily mean
extreme weight gain. However, excessive caloric intake for an 8 week
“Holiday Time” will definitely result in unwanted weight gain.
