Eating during the holidays can be tricky, especially if you’re trying to maintain or lose weight. The temptation to indulge can sometimes seem overwhelming, and it’s essential to be prepared when going into social situations, so you don’t over-indulge and sabotage your diet plans.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep your weight in check during this time of year, whether you have a Christmas dinner with your family, go out with friends to get some appetizers, or spend time on New Year’s Eve at the big annual party.
Here are five tips to help you eat better during the holidays and maintain your weight throughout the rest of the year.
Fill Up on Healthy Foods First
It’s that time of year again! Time to enjoy all of your favourite holiday foods. But wait, you don’t want to pack on the pounds this season. So how can you enjoy all the holiday festivities without jeopardizing your waistline? The key is moderation and focus.
Fill your plate with healthy options like fruits and vegetables at a holiday party. This way, you’ll be less likely to overindulge in the less healthy choices and will not go overboard on calories.
Don’t Go to Parties Starving
The holidays are a time for eating, often leading to overeating.
One way to avoid overeating during holiday parties is to eat healthy before you go. That way, you’ll be less likely to indulge in all the holiday treats. Of course, you don’t want to eat so much that you’re stuffed before the party starts.
If you arrive at a party feeling famished, you’re more likely to overeat. So if you want to enjoy eating during the holidays without overindulging, eat something before the party.
Stay Hydrated
We are bombarded with tempting sweets and savoury dishes as the holidays approach. It can be too easy to overindulge, especially when friends and family surround us.
One way to avoid overeating during the holidays is to drink plenty of water. Drinking water before meals can help us feel fuller faster, preventing us from mistaking thirst for hunger.
Additionally, water helps to flush out the toxins that can contribute to weight gain. So next time you’re tempted to overeat, reach for a glass of water instead.
You’ll be doing your waistline a favour in the long run. Plus, it’s always good to have a glass of water handy a few times a day anyway.
Avoid Processed Foods
One of the biggest dangers to your waistline during the holidays is processed foods. These foods have been through many steps before they make it to your plate. They’ve been peeled, chopped, ground, packaged, and shipped, often from halfway around the world. And all that processing takes a toll on the nutritional value of the food.
Processed foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sodium, and sugar and low in fibre and other essential nutrients. That’s why limiting your intake of processed foods during the holidays is essential.
Stick to whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, and you’ll be more likely to enjoy a healthy holiday season.
Get Moving
Just because its cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t stay active. Go for a walk with family or friends after dinner, or even better – get everyone involved in a game of touch football!
Not only will it help burn off some of those extra calories, but it’ll also get everyone into the holiday spirit.
Ending Notes
The holidays are a time to enjoy delicious food with family and friends. But if you’re watching your weight, it’s essential to be mindful of what you eat during this tempting time of year. By following these five tips, you can enjoy the holidays without packing on the pounds. Happy eating!