Holidays often mean lots of time spent with family and friends, and usually involve lots of food. What if you are trying to get to or keep a healthy body weight and want to avoid holiday weight gain?
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Avoid diet plans. Don’t tell yourself you’ll go on a diet after the holidays. You’ll be more likely to overdo it while you still can, and this all-or-nothing thinking often leads to a cycle of overeating, not eating enough, and then overeating again. If you want to make a lifestyle change, start now.
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Eat a small snack before you go to a party. If you arrive hungry you’ll be willing to eat anything… especially if it’s less healthy. Great snack ideas will include fibre and protein. Try having veggie sticks with bean dip, berries with low fat Greek yogurt, or an apple with a tablespoon of peanut butter.
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Make one Great Plate. When you go for second helpings, it becomes hard to keep track of how much you’re eating. Make one plate so you can better see portion sizes and stay on track. Make half your plate salad and veggies and the rest higher calorie dishes. You can also bring a healthy dish with you so you know there will be something you can eat. For healthier versions of holiday favourites check out the ELLICSR Kitchen.
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Drink water to slow down your eating and help you avoid extra calories from alcohol, juices and other high calorie drinks. For extra flavor, try sparkling water with a squeeze of lime or splash of cranberry juice.
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Stay active to help you burn off some extra calories and keep you feeling happy and energized. Aim for 30 minutes a day to feel great and reduce cancer risk.
This holiday season, take a vacation from stress and have fun! Take the focus off food by planning a fun activity for family and friends.
