Don't you just love all the holiday food? But at the same time don't you just hate it? Oh, it's so hard to resist all those delectible temptations. But the guilt is overwhelming after we indulge. There is a way to navigate the minefield of goodies we encounter from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day without putting on weight....and without going Cold Turkey.
Eat well before you indulge. Before you head off to that Christmas party, eat something low-fat and filling, such as baked chicken and vegetables. That way you won't be very hungry when you get to the party and therefore you will only want a small sampling of holiday fare. This strategy works well during work days, too. Many of us work alongside generous co-workers, which means during the holidays it's quite common for someone to bring yummy treats into work. We can avoid over-doing it if we eat a nice bowl of oatmeal (not instant!) before work or if we have a filling salad at lunch.
Drink lots of water. Just like eating sensibly before being confronting holiday food, drinking water has the same effect. Make a point to drink 64 ounces of water each day, spread-out evenly over the waking hours. Filling your tummy with water will prevent you from filling it full of fat! Also, these winter months are a conduit for dehydration. It may surprise you to learn that many times when we think we are hungry, we are actually thirsty instead! And speaking of water, never, ever, drink anything but water! No sports drinks, fruit juices or alcohol, which are all loaded with calories.
Plan ahead. If you are going to a party, decide ahead of time to stand far from the food table! Decide ahead of time you will fill your plate, but not heaping, only once. Don't make a second trip to the food table. If you are going to a restaurant, get your hands on the menu and choose ahead of time the healthiest item on the menu.
While at social events, eat very slowly. that will make the food you choose last a long time. Remember the party is about the people, not the food.
Exercise. Boy, is this important, moreso than at any other time during the year. But ironically, it's the first thing we let slip. It's the best way to stay healthy, both physically and emotionally, but we crowd it out. The holidays are a breeding ground for stress, depression, sleep problems and overeating. Exercise is the cure for all of the above. It's difficult to make time to exercise, but well worth the effort.
Pack health foods. Lots of us travel this time of year. If you go by car, packa a cooler with healthy foods cush as sandwiches on whole wheat bread, yogurt and raw veggies. If you fly, put nuts and fruit in your purse so you don't succumb to airport food. And take extras for those unavoidable delays!
Pray. God wants us to take good care of our bodies. Just like we take time to exercise, even though the holidays are busy, we must set aside time each morning (and hopefully other times throughout the day) to spend quiety with the Lord. He is the reason for the season, after all. Ask God for peace of mind and a spirit of self-control and know that He will answer that prayer.
God bless you this holiday season. Hopefully you won't be one of the ones who feels the need to start a diet come January 1st because you didn't gain any weight over the holidays!