To avoid putting on the extra pound or two during the holidays, which are notorious for making large quantities of tempting and sometimes fattening foods readily available, all you really need to do is
apply some common sense and avoid giving in to the excuses that the season offers.
- First and foremost, make sure to drink plenty of water. Not only will it offset the extra calories that you might consume if you were to drink only holiday drinks (eggnog, cider, cocktails, wine), but it will help fill you up and make you less likely to overeat in general.
- Don't stand near the buffet and nosh at parties. Take one plate full of what you feel that you should eat, then let it be. Try eating slowly over the course of the evening. It'll make you feel fuller.
- Before going out, especially if you know that your favorite fried latkes and other high-calorie favorites will be on the menu, eat a healthy snack to fill up. Try not to skip meals before on the excuse that you're going to eat a lot later. You'll eat less if you're not hungry when you walk in the door.
- If you're the one entertaining, make sure to have plenty of healthy snacks - low fat dips, veggies, etc - in addition to more decadent options so you give yourself and your guests a few good options. Look for lightened versions of favorite recipes (Cooking Light and Eating Well are good places to start), too.
- Last but not least, don't panic if you "give in" and have an extra slice of cheesecake or a few too many holiday cookies. One meal on one day is not enough to ruin your diet or your health, so it's not worth beating yourself up over. Keep a positive attitude and try to make better choices next time. • Be the designated driver. Stick with nonalcoholic drinks during a party and you'll save your friends and your waistline
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