So have you heard that the calories don’t count if you eat while standing up? Yeah, I wish…
We’ve entered that time of year where holiday parties are common…and one of the primary things to do at these gatherings is to eat. Let’s face it, food is a great point of commonality. Uncle Fred might be a whacked-out political guy and Aunt Karen might be the worst gossip on the planet…but if they both like the same food from the buffet, at least you have something in common. Heck, it’s better than just talking about the weather!
The problem is that these food bonanzas are super tempting and loaded with calories. There are so many delicious options, and some of them seem to only come around once a year. It’s so easy to totally forget about eating healthy. Honestly, these parties are probably one of the reasons that according to a recent ComRes poll the top four New Year’s Resolutions are:
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Exercise more (38%)
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Lose weight (33%)
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Eat more healthily (32%)
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Take a more active approach to health (15%)
Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could get through the holiday season and be ahead of the game, rather than starting behind. Imagine eating sensibly throughout the next few weeks…but still getting to enjoy your favorite foods.
Just imagine…
Over the next few weeks, I’m going to be covering topics that will help you make this more than a dream. We’ll talk about meal prepping during the holidays, how to make meals quickly when time is tight, making Christmas cookies that won’t immediately go to your hips, and lots more.
Here are some tips to help you consume less and enjoy the holiday parties more:
- Think small – Both portions and plates
- Get Fruity – Eat fruits and vegetables; fill your plate with them; fill your belly with them
- Embrace the Season – Choose foods you don’t have all the time
- Lighten Up – Pick lighter foods that aren’t as laden with calories
- Enjoy Yourself – Don’t beat yourself up for that cookie or two…just don’t eat the entire serving tray of them
- Graze – Eat a little bit at a time; Don’t load up a plate multiple times
- Stick to One – Use one plate, don’t channel your “inner waitress” and pile up several plates to take back to the table
- Keep Moving – Don’t forget to exercise in one way or another this season; Now is not the time to slack off on exercise
- DIY – Make a healthy treat and take it as your contribution to the buffet table
- Step Aside – Don’t hang out by the food table all night
- Slow Down – Take your time eating, especially savor your holiday favorites
- Think! – When you’re about to eat, make sure that you’re really hungry…and not just bored
- Hydrate – Drink water, it’ll help keep you full, give your something to do, and help boost your mood (dehydration can make you cranky)
- Be Social – Talk to people instead of just standing in a corner listening and chowing down (I’m sooo guilty of this)
- Eat Before You Go – Sounds counter-intuitive, but if you know you’re going to be tempted by all sorts of sweets and high-calorie foods at a party, eat a small, healthy snack before you go
If you’ve got any other tips, I’d love to hear them in the comments. I’m always looking for better ways to enjoy the holiday season without, in the immortal words of my Father, “bulking up”.
