Approach holiday eating sensibly. Concentrate on how good you will feel
if you don't overeat
Aim to maintain your weight; don't use the holidays as an excuse to put
on weight
No matter how busy you are, schedule exercise in. If you can't find a
30-minute block of time, exercise for 15 minutes twice a day or 10 minutes 3
times a day
Get enough sleep each night. Fatigue lowers dietary self-control and can
lead to cravings for sweets, caffeine and fatty foods
Don't skip meals, even on a party day or holiday. People who skip meals
often end up overeating the next time they eat
Allow yourself a small portion of a treat every once in awhile and be
satisfied with that. People who do this tend to stay on track with healthy
eating habits better
If you overeat, don't give up. Learn from your mistakes and develop a
plan for the next time
Try not to buy bags of holiday candy, chocolate and other goodies,
especially if you don't have self-control with these foods. If you do buy
them, keep them out of sight until the actual holiday instead of putting
them in candy dishes
Don't go to a party ravenously hungry. Eat something light before you go
to take the edge off of your hunger
PLAN AHEAD! Decide in advance what and how much you are going to eat and
then stick with it. Offer to bring a healthy dish to pass
Scan the buffet or selection of food choices. Fill your plate with
healthier foods and then choose a small portion of a couple other higher fat
or higher calorie food items
Don't stand near the buffet table. Move away as soon as you have filled
your plate
If you are invited for cocktails, arrive fashionably late. That way
you'll eat and drink less
Mingle! The more your mouth is involved in conversation, the less it is
involved in eating
Keep alcohol to just a few drinks. Alcohol doesn't have fat, but it does
have tons of empty calories, which add up quickly. Alcohol also tends to
lower inhibitions and impair judgment of food choices. (Check with your
doctor or pharmacist for possible reactions between alcohol and your
medications. If you have diabetes and are on insulin or certain diabetes
pills, monitor your blood sugar.)
Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or diet soda
It is possible to follow a healthy eating plan in all situations, even during
the holidays when there are more temptations than usual.
Remember: No one can do it for you; you must do it for yourself!
