| SolveYourProblem
Article Series: Health Living & Weight Loss
Live Healthy. Eat Healthy. Be Healthy.
8
Fun, Healthy Holiday Dieting Tips
The holidays are a special time for all, and
you should take the time to indulge yourself. However, at the
same time you should keep your health in mind because it's
easy to be tempted into going overboard.
It all starts with Halloween and all the extra treats that
are lingering in your candy bowl. Then we're lead into Thanksgiving,
where the average person will ingest over 3 times the number
of calories that they should be eating, or even more.
Then the winter holidays come along. Family togetherness usually
equals lots of snacking and appetizers and big meals. Also,
don't forget all the baked treats! Can you eat all of these
things? The answer is yes, but in moderation.
Follow these tips to help you stay in control of your fork:
1.
Go in with a Plan. Before you put yourself into temptation,
tell yourself how much you're allowed to eat. In the weeks
following Halloween, save yourself 10 pieces of candy to eat.
Give the rest away to coworkers and neighbors. For Thanksgiving
and other family holidays, allow yourself to indulge on one
item such as the appetizers or the dessert - not both.
2.
Don't Be Too Strict. While you may be tempted to be tough
on yourself during other times of the year, the holidays are
a time you should allow for some relaxation from the strict
behavior. Don't try to get through entire evenings without
enjoying any of the food. The starvation diet only works for
so long until you fail and over-consume. Work on your moderation
skills instead.
3.
Don't Punish Yourself. Everyone makes mistakes. If you
do slip up and overeat one day, in the long run it won't make
much of a difference. Just tell yourself that you'll try harder
next time. Don't be tempted to just give up and continue the
poor eating decisions. It's when you have many bad days in
a row that you can ruin a good diet plan.
4.
Watch the Alcohol Intake. It's true; alcohol usually flows
freely at holiday events. You can indulge yourself here as
well. While you may be able to get away with having a few drinks
spread out over the evening, remember that the calories add
up. Consider alternating between alcoholic drinks and pure,
refreshing water.
5.
Wear Tight Fitting Clothes. If you have some issues controlling
your holiday behaviors, consider wearing some tight fitting
clothes. Don't make yourself too uncomfortable, but at the
same time you'll want to feel the reminder if you begin to
eat too much.
6.
Plan Healthy Meals. If you're hosting any of the holiday
events, consider going with some healthier alternatives to
some popular meals. Healthy doesn't always mean bland or unappealing.
Get creative and try some new recipes.
7.
Remember to Take Breaks. During a long evening with family
and friends, sometimes you'll lose track of your eating habits.
Make it a point to take breaks where you know there isn't a
plate or a drink in your hand. Concentrate on the conversations
you're having instead.
8.
Eat Before You Go. If you're off to a holiday event at
someone else's house, eat something healthy before you leave.
This is especially important if you know you'll be tempted
by all the unhealthy treats that'll be available. If you aren't
particularly hungry when you show up, you won't feel such an
urge to begin eating.
Just remember to have a good time! If you're bummed about
not getting to eat everything that you want, concentrate on
all the other aspects of the holidays. There are many other
fun activities to engage in that don't involve eating!
# # # # #
SolveYourProblem.com
: 2009
> Home > Weight
Loss:
Main Page
|
