The holiday season is filled with social gatherings, foods high in fat, calories and sugar as well as high-caloric alcoholic drinks. Despite this, WellSpan dietitian Amy Watson said there’s no reason why you can’t stay on track during the holiday season.
Watson recommends focusing on weight maintenance. “You don’t need to set yourself up for failure by trying to lose weight during the holidays. The best way to do that is to keep a food log and track your exercise.”
Watson said studies show that the more you record, the more successful and accountable you’ll be. You also will be more likely to reach your health goals.
When you get to the party, Watson recommends you scan the party for low-fat items. Things like fresh fruit, veggies and hummus are great choices. Shrimp cocktail is another great option.
When it comes to the main meal, she emphasizes the importance of being mindful when it comes to the size of the serving spoons, plates and glasses.
“It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to register that your stomach is full,” she said. “So, eat slowly and savor the flavor. It’s amazing how much better food tastes when you take the time to enjoy it.”
As far as alcohol during the holidays, Watson suggests you ‘think before you drink,’ and when you do, drink slowly because calories can add up quickly.
Make exercise a priority during the holiday season. Add it into your schedule like you would a meeting. If you can’t fit in a solid 30 minutes of exercise, try to break it up into more manageable 10-minute sessions.
“Remember this is just a small time during the year so don’t sacrifice, but savor and enjoy those calorie-free moments; do lots of physical activity, gets lots of sleep, stay hydrated and you’ll enjoy the holiday season,” she said.
For more tips about dealing with the holidays, go to www.witf.org and click on “Transforming Health.”