Holiday Parties not Holiday Pounds

Well, I can’t believe it only 9 more sleeps till Christmas.  I think I am almost ready.  With BreakOut Boot Camp finished for the holiday season I have been busy doing my Christmas baking.  Yes, it is true we have lots of sweets in our house over the holidays…7 grandsons you know…’Hey grandma, do you have any baking?’ is something I hear almost every time they come in.

As many of you know I believe you can eat what you want…in moderation.  Remember to get in your exercise over the holidays and you will be OK.  If you have been checking the Langley Advance recently I have had a few articles on how to keep the pounds off over the holidays.  Here is the most recent: 

Holiday Parties not Holiday Pounds

‘Tis the season!  Yes it’s true, Christmas is just around the corner and so are the parties, pot lucks and in many cases extra pounds.   What can we do?   

Whether the urge to overeat comes from the temptation of extra food and treats over the holidays, emotional eating, or the decrease in physical activity, let’s look at some helpful tips to consider helping you fully enjoy the holiday season without gaining weight.

1. Include some type of physical activity every day, especially aerobic activity like a brisk walk, jog or swimming.  It can relieve stress, regulate appetite and burn off extra calories.
2. Eat a light snack like a piece of fruit or small yoghurt before going to a holiday party.  You won’t arrive famished and be tempted to eat the higher fat and calorie foods.  Don’t fall prey to the habit of not eating all day so you can “enjoy the party”.
3. When you arrive, pour yourself a big glass of water, mingle with the crowd and drink it all down.  It is an effective way to help you feel full and will make a difference in the amount of food you eat.
4. Bring a healthy food to the pot luck.  Google ‘Healthy Party Foods’ and be amazed at the choices you have.
5. If you don’t love it, don’t eat it.  You don’t need to try everything that your host prepares.  Pick out your absolute favorites and then pile on the vegetables; they are filling and good for you.
6. Avoid recreational eating.  At parties we tend to eat…and keep eating, long after we are full as the ‘social’ thing to do.  Make a conscious plan to take one plate of the foods you really like.  Eat slowly and enjoy every bite.  After you are done, ‘move away from the table’, pop a mint or stick of gum in your mouth and get a glass of water to sip on.
7. Inform others of your goals and then you are committed.  Say something like ‘This food looks amazing.  I’m trying to watch my weight this holiday season, so I am going to enjoy one plate, but if you see me go back for more…kick my butt!’  People will respect that and there is no way you could go back now with everyone watching.
8. Choose beverages wisely.  Although this is typically the time to celebrate with alcoholic beverages my suggestion is to have the majority of them be the non alcoholic variety.  These empty calories add up quickly.  Watch for the extra calories in soda, fruit punch and eggnog as well.
9. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they’re serving rum balls…just kidding…a little holiday humor is good for the soul.

Enjoy the holidays everyone and remember…breakout of the old habits and routines, enjoy life and get fit!