Uh Oh! How Do You Enjoy Holiday Foods AND Stay on Track?
Here’s 10 tips to survive the upcoming Labor Day feasts…and any other holiday for that matter!
Keep the Booze Basic: avoid fruity, super-sweet drinks and only indulge moderately. If you’re going to drink, maybe select a simple cocktail like a clear vodka with soda and lemon. Sip, don’t guzzle. And, remember alcohol = carbs, calories, and dehydration, so limit your intake and HYDRATE!
Plan Your Plate: Most people just dive into the buffet line. Take a moment and plan your plate. "Studies show that individuals who are overweight tend to fill their plate as they go through the line," says shares Marcey Rader, M.Ed, a health and wellness expert. "Meanwhile, people at a recommended weight tend to be more strategic and take inventory, decide what they're going to eat, and then grab a plate."
Focus on Accountability: Eat mindfully, where you make good choices for yourself! Bob Wright, Hilton Head Health's director of education. says, "Have a well-balanced breakfast and maybe a healthy snack before the Labor Day buffet, which will help rein in hunger and empower you to make better food choices."
Don’t Miss Meals: Skipping meals can lead to Big Eye Syndrome, where you’re so hungry, that you eat everything in sight!
Pass on Passe: Why eat foods you wouldn’t otherwise? Not a fan of BBQ baked beans? Skip them and instead choose the healthier alternatives you’d normally enjoy.
Skip the Buns: Lettuce-wrapping your burger in a Romaine leaf can save you at least 200 calories, and a load of carbs.
Host Your Holiday: Your place, your menu. It’s a fun solution that lets you skew the buffet toward healthier foods.
Eat More: This might sound crazy, but if you’re making healthier choices, you can afford to eat a little more and not feel deprived. Avoid sodium-laden foods though since they’ll leave you bloated.
Pay Attention to the Morning After: Embrace a healthy post-holiday routine where you start your day with an extended walk or a bike ride with friends. Bank some calories and avoid the leftovers
A Two Tablespoon Measure: If you decide to indulge in some high-calorie, high-fat options, plan ahead and use the two tablespoon rule. Limit those choices to smaller portions and balance indulgence with discipline.
Much thanks to Eat This, Not That! for the original idea/content.
