Much like the Christmas tree and the jingle bells, holiday parties are as much a part of this time of year as Santa Claus and reindeer. Although many people use this as an excuse to over indulge themselves, it doesn’t have to be that way for you. Get ready, because you’re about to discover the 10 best ways to eat during this holiday and actually loose weight.
10) If you are planning on eating a few foods that may not be on the health menu at your local fitness club, you may think about drinking a glass of water before you eat. Being properly hydrated will immediately cut your appetite in half and boost your energy levels.
9) Snack at home first, and then attend the holiday party. Listen, its okay to eat a piece of pie. My thought is this however, why not do an even trade. If you know you have a weakness for pie and you’ll be attending an event where pie will be served, how about eating a healthy snack before you go.
Eat smaller portions. Rather than going through the buffet line with a normal plate, why not take a moment and grab one of the smaller cake plates. The reduction in plate size will limit how much you can pile on and will still allow you to enjoy without feeling bloated and heavy.
7) Eat when you should eat. Try not to skip a meal thinking you are getting your stomach ready for a big meal later. This is probably the worst thing to do. Big meals late a night tend to stay with you for months and years to come long after the smooth taste has left.
6) Change the recipe. Rather than giving up the foods you love, why not make the foods you love healthy. Did you know that by shifting one ingredient for a healthier one, you can take a formally unhealthy dish and turn it into a healthy alternative?
5) Add more physical activity to your holiday routine. Parties and dinners are fun events during this time of the year but when you can add some ice-skating, sledding, or a walk with friends to the mix.
4) Keep up the good work. If you are like most people, you will use the free time you have during this time of year to rest and cut back when in reality that is the worst thing you could do. Don’t be guilty of abandoning your workout routine for a life of leisure.
3) Go to dinner with a plan; you know that there will be delicacies aplenty when you attend holiday functions. Plan ahead of time what you will eat and how much. For instance, you may allow yourself a piece of pecan pie but decide to forego any other sweets.
2) Burn fat by building muscle. The quickest way to destroy fat is by building muscle yet many of us refuse to do any “heavy lifting” during this time of year. Sure you could opt for some over priced personal trainer but why not just give that holiday turkey a lift.
1) Take a chill pill. This can be one of the most stressful times of year and if you are not careful, you can get so caught up in helping everyone else that you really forget to take care of yourself. Relax and have peace knowing that everything will get done just not by you.
Well, now you know how to maintain your weight even while attending holiday parties. Maybe you won’t do all of these tips but how much better would you feel about yourself if you could do just 3 or 4 of the ten?
Author Dorthy Weatherbush sees everyday famous people like Kristy Swanson of Knots Landing fame use this advice plus diet programs like Medifastto trim unwanted pounds. Take a look at Dorthy’s review of the Medifast Diet by visiting the site above.
