Friday, December 26, 2008

10 Simple Holiday Eating Tips That Will Keep You Fit and Trim

By Dorthy Weatherbush

The season is upon us again, tis the season to overeat. Seems like no matter how hard you try, overeating during the holidays is as much a part of things as gifts and decorations. Make it different this year by following the few tips listed below, beginning with number ten and working our way to number one!

10) The simplest thing that you can do this holiday season to curb your overeating is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water daily and especially before that holiday get together. You will feel fuller faster and be less likely to overindulge.

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.

8) 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) Never miss a meal. I realize this may sound strange but it is so true. Many people think they are doing themselves a favor by skipping lunch or breakfast because they feel they are saving room for the big dinner party that night. This is so far from the truth it is not even funny. Keep your daily routine and consider a doggie bag if you are too full by party time.

6) Consider a new holiday dish. Why stick with the same old stuff? Think outside of the box and come up with a few healthy holiday treats. Search that old dusty cookbook and you'll find a few great ideas that will prove to be just as satisfying as those sugary treats.

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) Create a plan of attack. Going to a holiday dinner or party without a plan is like going into battle without a strategy. Before you arrive, think about the types of foods that you like and decide ahead of time what one delicacy you'll delight yourself with. This way you will not feel bad about eating what you like but you will know exactly when you've gone too far.

2) Add some weight training to your work out. Knowing that you will be consuming more calories this time of year why not add some weight training to the mix. Lean tissue burns more calories than fat.

1) Let loose and hang out. While this is a time for family and friends to celebrate each other, it can also become a time when we get burned out from trying to be all things to all people. Take some time for yourself and breathe. This is your time to rest as well as serve.

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? - 16463

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