As we head into the holiday season, it seems things will be different this year, with the pandemic affecting most gatherings. One thing that might not be different is overeating during the holidays.
Here are some easy-to-follow tips to help you avoid overeating while still enjoying the holidays.
- Stick with a balanced diet throughout the days and hours leading to your holiday meal. Don’t avoid eating on the day of your special meal. That can lead to overeating, particularly of the wrong kind of foods. Instead, I suggest you load up on healthy snacks or meals during the day. That can help you avoid overeating later in the day!
- Eat in moderation. Don’t stuff yourself and eat certain foods in moderation. This means stop eating to limit caloric intake before you’re full. Also, it can be unrealistic to completely cut-out desserts or high-calorie items you love. Instead, eat smaller portions. Studies show that eating in moderation is more manageable than abstaining altogether from a food item you love. If you love cookies, have one, but stop there. Don’t over-indulge.
- Balance your food groups. A meal should consist of half fruits and vegetables, with the other half being protein and grains. This helps ensure you are balancing your intake of food groups for better nutrition.
- Use a smaller plate. If you have a large plate, you’re likely eating more, as we tend to fill our plates. Use a smaller plate to eat less!
- Watch your drink calories. Drinks contain calories, sometimes more than a small plate of food! If you’re drinking alcohol, watch your calories. Also, drink more water. It’s zero calories!
- Leftovers can equal more calories. It’s tempting to nibble on leftovers while you’re clearing up after a holiday meal. Don’t, or you’re eating more calories than you realize. Also, rather than storing leftovers in your fridge, divide them into smaller portions and freeze them. This method allows you to enjoy holiday foods spread out over several days rather than the next day.
- Go easy the next day. The day following a holiday meal is a good time to go easier on the calories and high-caloric foods. Try instead to eat more veggies and fruits.