Social outings and holidays can make it hard for even the most committed person to stick to their health goals. See the tips below for suggestions to help keep yourself on track. One of the most important things is: Visualize yourself being successful. Think about what you plan to do at the party or holiday event, and walk yourself through it in your mind.
Holiday Party Dos
Do EXERCISE!!!! Nothing is more important, so make sure to fit it in. If nothing else, walk fast when shopping!
Do save up for a party. Eat smaller meals throughout the day if you are going to a party later.
Do bring a dish that you can enjoy and that is healthy. Bring colorful veggies and fruits that everyone can enjoy.
Do put leftovers away and send them home with your guests.
Do savor special foods. Pick a few favorites, then eat them slowly and enjoy them fully.
Do be realistic. Try to maintain weight and fitness instead of pressuring yourself to lose weight or improve fitness.
Do make a plan. It helps to visualize how you will deal with certain situations
Do cut the fat out of recipes (see tips below)
Do spice up foods to add flavor without adding calories (see tips below)
Holiday Party Don't
Don’t be on a diet. You will surely go off your diet at some point and lose control.
Don’t save up for a party. Restricting too much before a party can easily lead to starvation and overeating later. Eat; just make it a smaller amount.
Don’t let others push food on you. Question people’s motives if they are always trying to get you to eat, skip exercising, etc.
Don’t stand around the food tables!!!
Don’t drink too much alcohol, eggnog, or other high-calorie beverages. Focus on non-caloric drinks such as water, diet sodas, flavored teas, and coffee.
Don’t plan on losing weight once the New Year rings in. It can lead you to eat much more than you would if you weren’t planning on starting a diet soon.
Don’t stress. Learn relaxation techniques to help you cope with the holidays.
Don’t forget to stop and enjoy the holidays! They fly by – be sure to take time for yourself and your loved ones.
Quick Tips:
Drink a big glass of water 15-20 minutes before you sit down to eat. It takes about that long for your stomach to let your brain know that it is full. High water-content foods eaten before meals can help lower your intake at that meal. Try soups, salads (the low-fat variety), other vegetables, and fruits (especially ones with high water content, like watermelon or apples). Eat slowly (see point one above). Once you’ve eaten your share, chew gum or suck on a mint. Carry a glass of water with you and drink from it often. Trim your meat; avoid the skin on the poultry. Plan an activity so that you are focused on something besides the food tables.
Holiday blessings to you and yours!