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It is the most wonderful time of the year, but its important to enjoy the holidays without paying for it post New Years. It can be easy to pack on the pounds now, but very difficult to take them off later. CitySaheli has scoured the web, and consulted with top nutritionists and fitness gurus, to get you the best eating tips for the upcoming festivities. Follow these tips for a happy and healthy holiday season!
CitySaheli’s Holiday Eating Tips
Bring Something Healthy. If you are attending a potluck, bring one healthy option and one popular dish. You want to ensure that you have options, and by bringing something healthy (like a fruit salad or a veggie platter) you make it easier on yourself to make good choices at the party.
Small Portions. The traditional Thanksgiving meal averages approximately 3,000 calories. That is the equivalent to one pound on the body. It is okay to indulge occasionally, but remember you may have several holiday parties lined up all the way up to the new year. If this is the case, you may want to restrict the amount of food you take on your plate. Smaller portions allow you to enjoy the delicious candied yams but also help you to minimize the damage.
Fiber Up. To keep yourself from over eating during this festive season, increase your fiber intake. Many nutrition experts recommend consuming a scoop of fiber before breakfast and dinner to make you feel more full. Extra fiber will help you reduce your appetite and prevent you from overeating.
Don’t Starve Yourself. Always eat a well balanced breakfast the day after a pig out day, especially the fruits and veggies your body needs. Starving yourself the day after doesn’t erase what happened the day before. Even if you are having or had a big feast, it’s still important to nourish your body with balanced meals throughout the day.
Say No To Seconds. Try to avoid reaching for seconds. It takes approximately 20 minutes for your brain to signal your body that it is full. Wait 20 minutes before reaching for that second helping.
Eat slowly. People who eat slowly tend to eat less and weigh less. Chewing your food and allowing your body to digest signals to your body that you are full with less food. Focus more on the conversation and the people and less on what’s on your plate.
Activity is Key. Working out may be difficult if you are home for the holidays. Bring your sneakers and try waking up early for a run or brisk walk. Any type of mobility will keep you on a healthy routine. Remember, there are also 10-30 minute videos on Exercise on Demand, or you can tune in to YouTube for a mini workout. There is no excuse not to keep moving during the holiday season!
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