“A moment on the lips, forever on the hips”….
The holidays are upon us. For most of us, any attempt to eat healthy goes straight out of the window. Thanksgiving Day is when the eating frenzy begins; and it doesn’t let up until New Year’s Day. During that period, the average person gains about one pound. People who are already overweight tend to gain a bit more. While a pound or two doesn’t sound so bad, here is the catch. Most people never lose the extra pound or two. They carry it from year to year; and, over the years, the pounds add up.
To survive the holiday eating frenzy, here are 10 healthy eating tips which can be continued even after the holidays are over.
Move. Make time to exercise or move at least 30 minutes a day. Moving may be something as simple as walking around the block or dancing while cleaning or cooking. It doesn’t matter what you are doing as long as your body is in motion.
Don’t starve yourself. Don’t skip meals or starve yourself – i.e., save your calories – in anticipation for the party or big meal. You will only eat more, even things you don’t like.
Eat before you go. If it’s a reception or party, eat a healthy snack before you go. This way, you can be more selective about what you put on your plate; and in your mouth.
Use small plates. Smallplates help you regulate your food portions. With a small plate, you’ll be eating 15 -20% less food. Yet, you’ll feel as if you’ve eaten an entire plate of food.
Don’t fill up your plate. Don’t pile food on your plate. Follow the two or three item rule: put only two or three items on your plate at a time. If you’re still hungry, go back for more, adhering to the rule.
Go light on the desserts and sugary food. The more of these foods you eat, the more you crave them. In your sugary food category, include things such as ketchup, pasta sauce, salad dressings, canned fruit, and the like.
Drink alcohol in moderation. If you drink, alternate alcohol with non-alcoholic beverages such as sparkling water or plain water.
Be assertive. Don’t feel as if you must say “yes” to every offer of food and drink. Don’t let yourself be bullied into eating something you don’t want.
Don’t buy into the “clean plate” syndrome. Despite what your parents may have drummed into you as a child, don’t feel obligated to clean your plate. When you are full, stop eating!
Be a food snob. Eat only what you love. You don’t have to sample every item on the table. And, if you do; if you don’t love it, don’t eat it.
During this holiday season, eat sensibly. Constantly remind yourself of this age-old adage: “A moment on the lips, forever on the hips.”
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