Avoiding Weight Gain during the Holidays

Weight gain during the holidays does not need to be inevitable. However to avoid those extra calories you must preplan your meals. When going to a holiday party, plan on filling up with low calorie foods prior to the party. Eating high fiber foods prior to going to the party, such as high fiber cereals and fruit will fill you up and satiate you, so that you’ll be less inclined to overeat at the party. When you arrive at the party, start with calorie free drinks, and progress to low calorie hors d’oeuvres. Then try small bite sizes from two or three items that you really wanted to taste.

When preparing for the large holiday dinner, plan on allocating the majority of your calories to that meal by reducing your breakfast and lunch calories. Start by using a smaller plate. Plan on savoring your meal taking your time to eat and taste the food. This will allow the food you eat to signal receptors in your stomach that will send messages to your brain, telling you you’re getting full. Put those foods that will fill you up, on your plate first then add small portions of those foods that you really find tasty (your favorites).

Lastly, realize that if you have a plan that is carefully laid out, you’ll be more likely to succeed.