Avoid over-indulging during the holidays

Monday, 29 November 2010 13:17

The holidays can be stressful for anyone trying to lose weight or maintain their weight. For many Americans, gatherings with friends, family, and coworkers during the holidays focus on food. Cakes, cookies, and cocktails abound during the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's, meaning your resolve and ability to resist temptation have to be stronger than ever.

To keep from losing ground on your health goals this holiday season, follow these smart eating tips.

Eat before you go. If possible, eat a light meal or drink a protein shake at home before you head out to a party, so you'll be less likely to nibble on unhealthy treats.

Eat healthy in between parties. Sometimes, the holiday treats just look too good to resist. And maybe you get tired of being the only person who turns down the pumpkin pie. So go ahead - allow yourself to have a little indulgence. Just keep your portion size under control, and eat as healthy as possible in between parties so that your minor transgressions don't completely derail your weight-loss efforts. If possible, make a trade off. It you're still clinging to your soda habit, try to go without so that you can enjoy a couple of cookies without adding any more sugar into your diet.

Survey your options. When you arrive at a holiday party, don't grab a plate full of the first food you see. If possible, circle the buffet table first to see everything that's being offered.  Go for healthier foods first, like raw veggies and lean sources of protein, then choose just one or two less healthy options to try out.

Bring your own food. When attending a dinner party or a family meal, ask the host what's on the menu and if you can help out. If it sounds like the meal is a planned smorgasbord of fried or fattening foods, offer to bring a side dish ... and make it something healthy. Most people will welcome the offer, but in some cases, you may have to be careful to keep from offending your host. Try to make it sound like you are doing her a favor, or if necessary, tell her you are on a special diet.

Make healthier choices in the kitchen. Maybe you're hosting your own party this year and want to offer healthier foods to your guests. Look for ways to cut calories by modifying recipes. Use natural ingredients such as agave nectar or Stevia instead of sugar, and substitute applesauce for cooking oil in baked goods. Or completely cut out butter and cream by trying some vegan recipes - you might be surprised at how great they taste.

Don't beat yourself up. If you give into temptation and have a piece of chocolate cake, it doesn't mean that you've totally blown your weight-loss goals, and it doesn't mean you're a failure. Just vow to eat extra healthy for the next two days and get yourself back on track.