Today was cardio and completed 30 min. on the treadmill. During lunch, I got really tempted by holiday goodies and just had to take 1 cookie. With the cookie in hand, this prompted me to create some tips to help you all out with dealing with the goodies during this Christmas season. See below for a few tips.
The Realistic Guide to Eating Healthier During the Christmas Holidays
Since I don't really diet, I'm not going to tell you to stay away from festive sweets, drinking the eggnog spiked with rum, or the high calorie meals you will be having with the family. Surprised?
What I am going to tell you is to have these things in moderation. As I have journeyed for the past 175 days, I had changed my lifestyle for healthier eating and exercise and I'm living proof that I can still eat things I love, without gaining any weight. So let's go through 5 tips that will hopefully get you through the next three salivating weeks.
1. Make a promise to yourself that you will not overeat.
Everyday(including this difficult festive time), you should be eating several small light meals (5 or 6 meals). Each of these meals should be around 300-400 calories. If you are eating this many times and drinking water, you will feel full throughout the day. If someone is passing around sugar coated Christmas cookies, chocolates, butter cookies and etc., have one or maybe even two... Not one or two of each (let me just clarify). I agree in having fun during this time, but moderation is key.
2. Planning in Advance
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. You know that the party is Friday and it's Monday. Why not make Friday your reward meal day and eat healthy through-out the week? This way, you can eat as much as you want, drink as much as you want and not feel guilty. It's your reward meal right? =)
3. Pot Lucks and Family Functions.
If you are attending a pot luck or family function that require you to bring something, offer to bring the veggies and dip. This will at least give you something healthy to munch on while your socializing instead of the chips, cookies and candy canes. Also, once you reach the 'buffet' table with all the goodies, do not fill your plate and create Mount Everest. Instead, fill 3/4 of the plate with whatever you want.
4. Festive Drinks
You're off to a party and it's BYOB(Bring Your Own Booze). Try getting a light beer (to at least reduce the calories) or a white wine (not a port wine) and have 1 or 2 half glasses. Each glass of white wine is approx. 65 calories (Red is 70 calories). Do not binge. I like getting drunk too, but save it for new years. This way you can still have an intelligent conversation with your Aunt Sally without slurring your words. =)
5. Go to the gym and include cardio
If you plan on eating goodies or already have, the gym is a must. Balance is everything when you are trying not to gain weight during the holiday season. Try to go the gym before the festive dinner and go again the following day. I can guarantee you that all the 'guilt' will go away once you finish your workout.
Happy Holiday's to you all and enjoy a safe and healthy season.
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