By Shannon Flanagan – CPT
1. Plan ahead. Visualize what you are going to do at the party. This will help you stick to your plan.
• Tell yourself you will fill up a plate and not go for a second serving.
• Pick one dessert you want to have and have a small piece
• Focus on the company around you and not on the food or beverages.
2. Exercise. The holidays are a time to overindulge. Every once in a while you have to do it, but if you work out you may not feel as guilty.
• Sign up for a 5 k or any other fitness events.
• Check out a fun or new class that may be offered around your area.
3. Make smart substitutions. Practice making your favorite dish a little healthier.
• Use Stevia instead of sugar
• Fat free margarine instead of butter or lard
• Use a little honey or agave instead of brown sugar in the sweet potatoes.
• Use skim milk or dairy free milk instead of cream or whole milk
4. Bring your own dish
• Bring veggie appetizers.
• Make a protein powder dessert. You can find recipes everywhere. Imagine eating a brownie without having to feel guilty after.
5. Limit Leftovers.
• Take home 1-2 containers worth of food. No need to take home a plates of cookies and brownies.
• Keep it simple. Stick to Turkey and one side dish and a few treats to spread throughout the week and done.
6. Be wise with the beverages
• Liquor, wine, and soda can really add up in calories 150-400 per glass
• Choose light wines and beers, or diet drinks.
• For every glass of alcohol add a glass of water.
7. Eat before.
• Do not starve yourself before. This will cause you to eat everything in site.
• It will control your hunger so you do not binge.
• If the event is in the evening eat a breakfast and lunch.
8. Stay on track
• One day of overindulgence is not going to make you gain weight, it takes days of overeating.
• Take that cheat meal and then put it behind you.
• Return to your regular routine right after
9. Celebrate the true meaning of the holiday.
• Focus on spending quality time with family and friends and not the food.