Keeping slim through the holiday season

As soon as those holiday decorations start going up, we’re all hit with a deluge of memories and sentiment. It reminds us of family, togetherness, love, warmth… and food. Lots and lots of holiday food. There’s a reason so many New Year’s Resolutions involve diet and exercise – when it comes to the winter holidays, we tend to indulge. However, the onslaught of colder weather doesn’t have to mean packing on the pounds.

There are many ways to keep your figure safe and sound during the busiest and most fattening time of the year. Here are a few tips that will keep your willpower strong and your waist trim.

Don’t come to the party hungry. It’s not uncommon for people to skip the meal before a big holiday dinner so that they can “pack it in” later. Don’t do this — it only lends to the psychology of overindulging. Instead, have a healthy snack and a glass of water before you leave so there’s something in your stomach to temper the temptation to eat everything in sight. Continue to drink water throughout the event, and pace yourself! Listen to your body.

Avoid getting into Grazing Mode. November and December are packed full of events, company dinners, potlucks, parties, and a million other get togethers that involve copious amounts of finger food and buffet-style eating. When you’re at a party with ample holiday food constantly available, it’s incredibly easy to take a nibble here and a bite there for hours on end. It may not feel like much at the time, but it all adds up. Be mindful of everything you’re eating and give yourself a cutoff, or gravitate toward the healthier fare, like the fruit and veggie platter. If you don’t know what’s in it, don’t eat too much.

Stay active, even when you don’t feel like it. It’s incredibly tempting to go into exercise hibernation during the coldest months of the year, especially if you’re a jogger or someone who gets your activity outdoors. It may be cozier under a blanket with a mug of hot cocoa, but your body will notice the change in activity level and put on weight accordingly. Either maintain your current regimen or find alternate exercise outlets indoors.

Mind your portion sizes. The holidays are all about excess, so it’s important to be mindful of how much is going on your plate. It’s not uncommon to pile your servings high or go back for a second helping, but you can’t ignore the skyrocketing calorie count. Don’t eat to stuff yourself. Consume your food slowly, and when you’re full, stop. Don’t let Grandma guilt you into licking your plate clean!

Watch out for alcohol. Drinking certainly lowers your inhibitions and makes you more likely to throw caution to the wind when it comes to food, but beverages also contain calories of their own. We often forget that a glass of wine or beer contains a lot of sugar and calories. Have one or two drinks if you must, then switch to water. Be especially mindful of eggnog!

You don’t have to completely avoid all of the yummiest foods the holidays have to offer, you just have to be smart about how you consume them. For more information and advice, or even holiday food plans, contact Dr. Hubert’s office! Happy Holidays!