The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and yes, an abundance of delicious foods. From Christmas feasts to New Years parties, it’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed by the culinary delights of the holidays.
What if we told you that it’s possible to enjoy these festive meals and still keep your health and portion control in check?
It is.
The following are our tips to enjoy your holiday food without being worried about overeating.
- Plate with Purpose: Switch to smaller plates for your holiday meals. Studies show that smaller plates can trick your mind into feeling satisfied with less. This makes a full small plate more gratifying than a half-filled large one.
- Prioritize Veggies: Start your meal with a plate half-filled with non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, carrots, and peppers. Low in calories but high in fiber, they’ll help you feel full, allowing you to moderate your intake of richer dishes.
- Mindful Eating: Slow down and savor each bite. The holidays offer some of the year’s most delicious foods, so enjoy them. Remember, it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to recognize fullness, so eating slowly helps you respond to your body’s signals more effectively.
- Selective Sampling: It’s tempting to try a bit of everything, but choose wisely. Pick your favorite dishes or those unique to the holidays and skip the more common items.
- Beverage Balance: Be cautious of high-calorie holiday drinks like eggnog and sweet punches. Opt for water, seltzer, or unsweetened teas to keep your calorie intake in check.
- Thoughtful Treats: Go by the 4 bite rule for desserts. Have 4 delicious bites, savor the taste, and then call it good. Studies have shown that taste buds are able to taste best in those first 4 bites, making bites afterwards not as rewarding. Enjoy what you want, but not more than you need to.
- Prep Before the Feast: Never go to a holiday party on an empty stomach. Have a healthy snack like cottage cheese, jerky, or a protein shake beforehand to prevent overloading your plate later.
- Stay Active: Incorporate physical activities into your holiday routine. A family walk or a quick yoga session can help balance out the extra calorie intake.
Enjoy Yourself
The holiday season is a time to enjoy, and food is a big part of the celebration. By applying these tips, you can enjoy the festive treats without losing sight of your health goals. Balance is key; savor the food and cherish the time with loved ones.
If you want to give yourself a gift of fitness this Christmas, check out our program that will transform your life.
Happy Holidays!
