It's that time of the year again; Christmas parties, family get-together's, exchanging gifts, baking, shopping. Seems like I'm forgetting something… Oh yeah, EATING.
Most people struggle with their nutrition and diets during the holidays and others give up completely and indulge.
If you want to keep your waistline in check during the holidays, you are going to have to take some precautions to ensure temptation doesn't get the best of you. Sure, it's ok to have a Christmas Day meal or some dazzling treats at the office Christmas party, but often time's people take their little scheduled cheats too far and it gets out of hand.
We're going to cover some easy tips on how to make your holiday season healthy and weight conscious without stressing you out.
Keep in mind that these are basic hints and tips to keep in check for the holidays, and not for every day use.
Eat your regular meals
Even if you have a dinner or Christmas party planned for the evening; continue to eat your regularly scheduled balanced meals. In doing this, it will keep your metabolism up and you will be less likely to over indulge.
Water
Keep your water intake high as usual. Also, before attending any type of arrangement where food will be served, it's wise to drink a pint or two before going. This will fill you up and take the edge off cravings you might develop when party food is in front of you.
Prepare your mind
Your mind is a powerful tool, use it! Before attending an event that will be serving tasty treats that are sugar loaded, plan your day in your head. Think about your regular meals and eating them, and how you feel after you eat something of quality. See yourself drinking pure and clean water and visualize it cleansing your body. As your thoughts progress, feel the feeling of being satisfied. As you see yourself attending your party, see yourself not wanting the high-calorie foods that set before you.
Watch your portion size
If you do decide to nibble on something, keep an eye on your portion size. Be sure you are not overeating items that are high in sugar. Eat enough to satisfy that little part of you that wants to socialize and have that treat.
Fill up on veggies
Fill your plate with vegetables. Fibrous non-starchy vegetables are great fillers, low in calories and carbohydrates, control blood sugar, full of vitamins and minerals, and they curb your appetite. They are the perfect snack any time, anywhere.
Party nuts
I'm not talking about your party buddies; I'm talking about a handful of almonds, cashews, walnuts or any other nut of this kind. Nuts and seeds contain essential fatty acids that can take the edge off cravings and blunt hunger.
Nibble on fruit
Natural fruit is great to treat yourself with while at get-together's and parties. Fruit is juicy, tasty, and makes you feel like you are cheating when you are not.
Avoid alcohol
If you can't avoid the alcohol, limit it at best. It is fine and dandy to have a drink here or there, just keep an eye on the amount you drink so you don't overdo it. If you must drink, red wine is always an excellent choice, but only if it's limited to a glass or two.
Tuck a protein bar in your purse
Keep an emergency protein bar in your purse, just in case. You never know when mad hunger will strike, or worse, being stuck in traffic or a blizzard. It will be comforting to know that you have your emergency protein stash in your purse when needed.
Conclusion
You can enjoy your holiday season and still keep your weight and physique in check. Just eat your regular scheduled meals and nibble sensible at parties. If you do happen to give into temptation, enjoy it with no guilt. Just get right back on track the next day, starting with breakfast.
About The Author
Karen Sessions has been in the fitness industry since 1988 and is a certified personal fitness instructor and specialist in performance nutrition. She is a nationally qualified natural female bodybuilder, holding numerous titles in the southern states including two overalls.
Karen has written six e-books on fitness. She also writes articles for several fitness websites, and distributes two monthly newsletters regarding weight loss and female bodybuilding.
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It's that time of the year again; Christmas parties, family get-together's, exchanging gifts, baking, shopping. Seems like I'm forgetting something… Oh yeah, EATING.
Fill up on veggies
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