Eat, Drink, and Be Merry This Christmas!!!

 

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.