Is there a way to prevent the Holiday Bulge?
Halloween marks the official beginning of the big splurge season.
The next 12 weeks leading up to Superbowl Sunday are filled with holidays and celebrations that involve lots of food and added demands on your time that can cut into your exercise, sleep, and regular meal routines — the perfect storm for weight gain.
If you don’t want to end this season a couple of sizes larger than you started it, now is the time to equip yourself with a few new messages designed to spare you that one gift you can’t easily give back, added weight.
Holiday events and family gatherings are (usually) fun, and you should enjoy them, but with discretion. Remember that you're human and you're allowed to eat.
The goal is to do better than you normally would. To be conscious of all your food decisions.
And most importantly: To stop when you are satisfied (which is before you are full!).
Listen to those hunger and satiety cues!
Think about moderating your alcohol
Having the first drink on an empty stomach lowers your inhibitions – which may lead to transgressions at the buffet table.
Moral of the story: Alcohol fuels overeating. Keep it to one or two drinks then water and you’ll be doing your waistline a favor.
Beware of the snacky hors d'oeuvres
Hors d’oeuvres may look like innocent little morsels of food, but when eaten without caution, those tidbits can make your clothes tighter by morning. It's likely that if you placed all those “morsels” on one plate, they’d fill it!
Your goal: Survey your choices and make an informed choice. Decide which foods you want the most. Fill one plate with the foods you feel are worth it, leaving those out that aren't that meaningful to you. Get a bunch of vegetables to help fill you up. Stick with that one plate.
To help defend yourself against the caloric overload delivered in those endless cocktails and canapés this holiday season, check out these 'codes' for simple reminders of how to avoid the holiday bulge.
BYO: Bring Your Own low-calorie goodies as a party favor so you’re sure to have something safe to munch on all night.
LWL: Little White Lies told to refuse extra food that is passed on trays, especially if it looks like it’s been deep fried or smothered in cream sauce. Try “I’m allergic to gluten,” or “I’m lactose intolerant.” Though it may not be true, these can help you stick to your healthy vision. Or if you'd rather be true to you, simply say "No thank you! They look delicious, but I'm satisfied."
MIH: May I Help? Your way to avoid eating is by helping the hostess. Now you can pass around some of those tasty tidbits and hear all the reasons people give for eating more than their share – or giving up their share!
WYN: What’s Your Name? A great introduction and opportunity to become engrossed in conversation so you won’t be caught with your mouth full. Boredom may lead to overeating.
NTY: No Thank You is a great way to respond to offers for another drink, homemade cookies, or anything else you do not want to eat. Say it politely, but firmly, to get your point across and remain in control over your choices.
WYH: What’s Your Hurry? A reminder to slow down at meals and savor each bite. You also can slow the pace by arriving 15-20 minutes late for the event so the first few rounds of hors d’oeuvres will have been served and making a point to get to the end of the buffet line when many of the serving dishes are depleted and what’s left looks much less appetizing.
ETG: Eat The Garnishes Party platters are often surrounded by edible vegetables, like radishes roses and carrot curls. These provide low-calorie, high-fiber foods that are unadulterated by sauces, coatings, and crumbs.
KIT: Keep It Tight, as in your belt buckle, or wear a fitted dress or slacks to help keep your appetite under control.
IBG: It’s Been Great, but it’s time to leave. The best way out of a tempting eating or drinking situation is the same way you came in — through the front door. Explain you have another commitment, then just walk away from the temptation and arrive home with your discretion intact for another night.
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