The holidays can be a challenging time to watch your weight. There are always a lot of social gatherings and food tends to be the center of most events.
So, what can you do to hold back the holiday bulge? Start by reaching out to your primary care physician to be sure you don't have underlying health issues and that they're aware of lifestyle changes you're making.
Then try these simple tips from our Dining and Nutrition team.
Plan Out Your Calories
If you know you will be tempted by some delectable treats that evening, plan to eat less during the day or that following day.
Turn Up the H2O
Drink plenty of water during the day and before you head to the party to fill up your stomach.
Pre-Game
Before the party have some fruit, veggies or other healthy snack so you aren’t starving when you get there.
Don’t Stand so Close to Me
Avoid standing near the buffet or snack table. Think out of sight and out of mind!
Go High and Low
If you can’t resist the allure of the buffet table, stick to high-protein and low-carb options.
Bring On the To-Go Bags
If you are the one hosting the holiday party, have some Tupperware or to-go bags on hand so you can send those tempting left overs home with your friends and family.
Add In a Sweat Session
If you do overindulge once or twice, plan on adding in some extra exercise or lengthening your usual exercise session to make up for it.
Downsize It
Don’t grab the biggest plate available. Use a desert plate and stick to small portions of your favorite treats.
Bring the Healthy With You
Volunteer to bring a big salad or your favorite healthy dish to the party so you know you will have a healthy option to dig into.
Learning how to enjoy the holidays without the food hangover can help make it a much more enjoyable season.
