Holiday Survival Guide 

You know it’s true! The busier and more stressed you are during the holidays the harder it is to stick to that healthy diet. 

A study by the New England Journal of Medicine found that overweight people underestimated how much they ate by 47%. Wow! That’s HUGE! Ok, pardon the pun. 

Be Mindful 

If you really want to be mindful of what you eat and not gain those unwanted pounds try to write down everything you eat. That includes that handful of holiday nuts that contains 150 calories! 

Don’t try to spare calories by starving now, because it will get you in trouble later. Take time, sit down, eat three meals and have planned snacks just like you would do at any other time of the year. Eating regular will help you avoid overeating later from increased hunger. 

Moderate Servings Are Important 

Always eat measured servings. Never eat out of bags, containers or jars. Serve yourself a moderate amount of your favorite snack food. Then put the bag away. If you sit next to an open bag or jar it will most likely lead to an overdose of unwanted calories. 

Don’t Shop Hungry 

Eat a sensible meal before you go shopping. Those tantalizing smells from the little bakeries are not so appealing if you are full. 

Never bake alone! You’ll eat less cookie dough if someone is there to see you do it.

Beware: The Dinner Party! 

Offer to help plan the menu or bring a platter that includes lots of fruits and vegetables. Or bring your favorite low calorie or low fat food, like peeled shrimp with cocktail sauce. 

Pick a smaller plate if you have a choice. You’ll take less and eat less if you have a smaller plate.

Take Your Time 

Take your time eating. Talk more, join the conversations around you or be a good listener to slow down eating. Try to sit by someone who loves a great conversation.

The slower you eat the less you will consume before your brain gets around to telling you that you’re full. Pay attention to what the fittest person there is eating. Do they eat fast or slow? 

Fruits & Veggies Are The Answer 

Put lots of fruits and veggies on your plate. Include other nutrition dense foods and avoid the “empty calories”. Choose whole grain rolls and breads if available and go easy on the butter. 

Water Is Important 

Drink plenty of water. A good rule of thumb is to drink one glass of water before each course. Drink a serving of water after every alcoholic beverage you consume. 

Calories = Exercise 

Keep in mind how much physical activity, like walking, it will take to burn up calories from alcohol. Try to remember that 4 ounces of wine contains 100 calories. This will take about 15 minutes of walking to burn that off. Ask yourself if 4 oz of wine is worth an extra 15 minutes of walking. 

No Leftovers 

Avoid temptation! Get the leftovers out of your house. Give the leftovers away to everyone and anyone but get them out of your reach. If they’re not in your fridge then it is easier to avoid the temptation to “pig out” later. 

Holidays Do Not Have To Mean Overeating 

Do more calories really make the holidays merrier? Why does that holiday party have to center around high calorie foods? Find other ways to say “I love you” and show that you really care. You can say it with fresh flower or with fresh fruit for guest to take home. Provide healthy eating choices and your guest will know that you truly care about their wellbeing. 

Moderation Is The Key 

The important thing to remember is to eat with moderation and live by the 90/10 rule. Do your best 90 percent of the time and don’t fret over the 10% you didn’t get right. 

Have a wonderful healthful Holiday season!

Sandy Kern is an Internet Network Marketing Consultant specializing in Attraction Marketing. To learn more visit her at Marketing Success Journal. To learn more about healthy eating and what you can do to bridge the gap between what we should be eating and what we actually do eat visit Sandy here.