Here are some suggestions for preventing the usual holiday weight gain:
Spit it out.
Have you ever been at a party and taken a bite of something and didn’t like it? Spit it out into a napkin (discreetly of course). Remember, just 10 calories extra a day adds up to one pound over the year. If you can ‘t spit it up (gross!), at least take as small of a bite as possible to find out if it tantalizes your taste buds. PS - Most hors d’oeuvres have more than 100 calories a piece!
Get undressed!
It’s not really the food itself that is so high in calories, it’s the dressings, sauces, butters… Get everything on the side… PS - Looking at yourself (naked) in the mirror can also be motivating.
Give to the homeless.
Do you tend to overeat when there’s all this extra food just staring at you in the kitchen? When your mother-in-law leaves that cherry pie, or you get a big tin of popcorn for a Christmas gift…drop it off to your local shelter or give it to the homeless under the overpass.
Minimize the makeup and find a simpler “do.”
No time for exercise you say? Instead of spending so much time getting ready on the outside, use that time to fit in some exercise!
Tap your toes to the music.
Take advantage of the “fidget factor.” At parties, stand instead of sit. Catch yourself mindlessly nibbling on nuts at the family gathering (perhaps they’re driving you nuts?) Grab a partner and take a walk.
Play with your food.
Dab your pizza slice, scrape off the icing, drain the butter off the broccoli…kids aren’t embarrassed to play with their food, why should you be? Of course, Miss Manners wouldn’t approve, but she doesn’t have to fit into your jeans.
Take a nap.
All those late night parties can deprive us of precious sleep. Many of us eat more when we’re tired.
Talk to yourself.
Try some positive self-talk. “I am in control.” “I eat only when I’m hungry.”
Have a fit.
What do you do when you’re bored, angry, sad, or disappointed? Instead of stuffing your face, puffing on the ciggies, or downing the booze, release those emotions in a healthy way. Speak up assertively, journal about your feelings, or punch a pillow.
Snack more.
Do you overeat when you’re famished? Make sure you eat three meals a day during the holidays. Include some healthy snacks such as fresh fruit. The array of holiday foods will still look enticing, but you’ll be in control.
