How is it that every year seems shorter than the last one? As 2015 quickly draws to a close, it’s time once again to enjoy the holidays and New Year’s festivities. But all the celebrations can be a little less festive if you’re trying to lose weight. It’s not easy to keep the same control over your eating habits during the holiday season. From donuts in the office, to sweet tables at Christmas parties, temptation is everywhere and you can’t seem to get food and eating off your mind.
Time for a Plan
Like any challenge to your weight loss management, the best way to tackle the holiday season’s assault on all the good work you’ve done this year is to prepare for it.
By using a few tips and tactics, you can reduce or eliminate the temptations and make the holidays that much more fun this year.
- Check the Calorie Counts – One of the reasons we are tempted during the holidays is that we forget the impact some foods have on our weight. By taking a moment to see exactly how many extra calories are in some foods, you’ll quickly see that they aren’t really “treats” at all. Here’s a quick sample:
- Chocolate Cake, 100 grams, no frosting – 371 calories (and 315 mg of salt)
- Cranberry Sauce, ¼ cup – 120 calories (and over 5 teaspoons of sugar)
- Gingerbread House – 100 grams – 356 calories (and 25% of your daily recommended fat intake)
- Keep Track – Recording how many calories you’ve consumed is one of the best ways to discourage yourself from eating more. You don’t have to pull out a notebook and pen every time you have a cookie, but use what you learned about calorie counts and record what you eat at least daily.
- Give In a Little – Strict adherence to any plan, especially when it comes to weight management, can be a stressful test of your willpower. If you give in, it can be devastating. So release some of the stress by trying a tiny slice of cake, or a splash of eggnog, or share your dessert with everyone at the table. By letting yourself indulge a little you’ll avoid the big cave-in if and when you have a weak moment.
- Alcohol in Moderation – Drinking lowers your inhibitions. After a couple cocktails, suddenly it seems like a great idea to have that red velvet cake. Even worse, many alcoholic beverages, particularly fruit-flavoured coolers, are loaded with extra calories. Try light or alcohol-free beer and/or wine spritzers. Better yet, add a slice of lemon or lime to a glass of sparkling water for the cocktail experience without the consequences.
- Stay Away From the Food Table – Many holiday gatherings have treats lying around like traps waiting to get you. And they tend to be gathering points for people and conversations. But standing beside the thing you are trying so hard to avoid can end up being too much of a test of your resolve. As much as you can, find and chat with people away from the treats table. Or hit the floor and dance the night – and the calories – away.
- Eat Before You Go Out – This is another way to defeat the treats that works very well. Even if you’re running late, try to at least have some fruit or nuts, anything that’s filling, so you don’t have to fight hunger pangs and temptation at the party. A healthy, balanced meal is best, and it helps absorb some of the extra alcohol you might have.
- Remember Why You’re Doing This – It’s easy to get caught up in a numbers game of calories. Remember, it’s not all about counting anything and calculating when and how much you can get away with. It’s also about a balanced diet good nutrition, weight loss management and your health. It’s about making adjustments to your lifestyle and eating habits that make your life more rewarding and enjoyable.
If there is one more thing you can do to help you get through the holidays, it is to make sure you use your support network. Weight management isn’t always easy and getting the support you need to get through the more difficult times will help to keep you on track.
The nutritional consultants at your nearest Herbal One Centre are always there to listen and help you to keep eating well and get the proper nutrition.