A lot of people put a huge emphasis on weight gain during
the holidays. It’s all we hear about. We see ads on the TV, and radio; even
billboards make us think about weight gain. Most media sources make it seem as
though we’re gaining 7-10 pounds during this time of year, but it’s just not
true. On average most people gain just a few pounds while they’re decking the
halls. Regardless, pounds are pounds and nobody wants any extra.
There are things that can be done to deter gaining excess
weight while stuffing your stocking. You just have to use your noggin.
When it’s time to eat decide what its worth. Scan the buffet
before making the final pick of what you’ll indulge in. Nobody is saying stick
with the veggie tray. Just pick out your most favorite dishes and leave your
least favorite for somebody else to add to their waistline. Don’t leave the
veggies out of the picture completely though. A little roughage is good for
everybody, and it’ll serve the purpose of filling you up so you only take one
piece of Aunt Mary’s lemon meringue pie instead of two.
Don’t try and diet or lose weight during the holidays. Do it
if you really want to, but don’t drive yourself crazy. It’s a better idea to
just try and maintain your current weight if possible. Save losing weight for a
New Year’s resolution.
Remember what the holidays are about and stop focusing on
Nana’s marshmallow fluff!!! Try and take the focus off the food. Although this
is the time of year when people crack out their best recipes, it’s still about
so much more. Keep that in mind while preparing to go to somebody’s house or
when waiting for the arrival of guests.
Speaking of things to do before hand, maybe snack a bit.
Have a little fruit tray or container out while going over the river and
through the woods to Grandma’s house. DO NOT, and I repeat DO NOT attempt to
skip eating any meals with the bright idea that you’ll consume less calories if
you only eat one big meal. It’s the same thing as going to the grocery store
when you haven’t eaten all day. It’s just a bad idea. You’ll end up feeling like
Augustus Gloop from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory that tries to eat
everything in sight. Don’t be that guy!
Everybody has a signature dish that they like to take to a
get together with friends and family. Why not try and experiment? Turn that
decadent dish into a healthy one instead. Use egg whites instead of the whole
egg or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream. Fruit is always reliable when dressing
up a dish. Decorate the final masterpiece with fruit or colorful veggies to
make it more enticing to the eaters.
I also have one word for you….soda. People drink tons of it
on a regular basis, but during this time of the year it’s something that can be
easily overindulged. So maybe take something fun like flavored sparkling water.
It costs about the same, but is a healthier choice. It can even be served in
fancy glasses for the kids. At thanksgiving I served apple juice in wine
glasses for my niece and nephew and they thought it was way fun! By doing this
it teaches them good habits while creating fun memories at the same time.
Something little like that makes them feel fancy like big kids.
Okay….now let’s say you eat too much. It’s completely
obvious. What do you do?
·
Well..stop eating for starters.
·
Maybe try and eat fewer calories during the next
meal.
·
Go for a walk if the weather cooperates. I bet that there’s a friend or family member
that would love to join you that’s feeling the same way.
·
Even if it’s snowing out what a great time to
test your sledding skills and maybe burn some calories with the kids.
It seems like people stress about eating from Thanksgiving
all the way to New Years but you don’t have to. Just be smart about it. Enjoy
your time, because that’s what it’s all about. 
