The holidays are coming around, which means HUGE family dinners. For those of you who are living or trying to live a healthier lifestyle, it can become a struggle to stay on track. There will most likely be large amounts of meats, heavy starches, and the most deadly of them all, the desserts. Here are some tips to help you tackle the daunting temptations of holiday meals.
1. Eat regularly
You may think that if you skip eating lunch or breakfast that you can allow yourself to eat more during dinner time. That’s not a smart idea. For one, the food that you make yourself will most likely be better for you and align with your personal meal plan. It will be food that you would make on a normal basis and would give you nutrients that are good for you. So if you eat more during dinner, you are eating more unhealthier foods and absorbing fewer nutrients than you normally would. The better thing to do would be eating a normal breakfast and lunch, thus having your stomach have food inside and not making you as hungry when dinner rolls around.
2. Look at what’s on the menu
One of the biggest problems when eating family holiday meals is overeating. To tackle this, you should look at everything that is offered and plan out what you are going to eat to save room for those delicious desserts. If you don’t know what food is getting offered, then you will end up going around and keep adding food, and then realize you got a full plate. You will have that “uh oh” moment and believe that it’s too late now and just eat everything. Don’t end up like this, and just plan out what you are going to eat ahead of time.
3. Eat your vegetables
It might suck to have to eat vegetables but it might be the only healthy thing there. While you are overwhelmed with all those savory dishes, make sure to grab those vegetables first. Adding vegetables first will not only make sure you are getting nutrients from vegetables but will also take space on your plate that would normally be used for unhealthier items. It’s a great way to mentally tell yourself that there is no room for that dish.
4. Watch out the drinks
Liquid calories are a fast way to have more calories than you should be having for the day. During the holidays, it is a celebratory time and a time where you tend to drink more alcohol. Drinking sugary wines, champagne, and beers are such an easy way to build up calories while you wait for the meal to be ready. Additionally, when you are drinking you tend to want to eat something to go along with it and thus adding even more calories. It’s almost like a chain reaction. Then if you go a little crazy with the alcohol, you will end up being drunk and just want to eat anything in sight. It’s okay to have alcohol, but in moderation and with your meal to avoiding wanting to eat more.
5.. Take a break from eating
The holidays are a time for you to be around your loved ones and spend time with one another. During the meal, don’t try to finish your plate as fast as you can. Enjoy the company and make eating that plate last a long time. Be able to taste all your food, as well as let your body digest your food. Also after you finish your plate, don’t immediately get up and get another plate. Wait, talk, and, take a break from eating. See if you are still hungry after some time has passed. Some people won’t be eating another plate, and that could make you not want to eat anymore. Pace yourself and give yourself time.
